Load up an MKX and you'll be over $60,000 before you know it, but this under-the-radar crossover largely feels worth the dough—if you take the time to seek it out. The 2017 Lincoln MKX is a mid-size crossover capable of seating five passengers in leather-lined comfort.
Pros Handsome, reserved styling Strong V-6 engines Plush inside with a high degree of customizability Comfortable suspension and good handling
Cons No hybrid for the lineup Gimmicky push-button shifter Lincoln brand lacks full luxury cachet AWD fuel economy is so-so
The 2017 Lincoln MKX ranks 14 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The mid-ranked 2017 Lincoln MKX is worth considering if you're seeking upscale accommodations for the family without a hefty price tag. The MKX offers outstanding safety scores and just as many features as other luxury midsize SUVs, though its fuel economy trails the majority of the class.
Pros Potent twin-turbo V6 option Outstanding safety scores Budget-friendly for the class
Cons Subpar fuel economy
The completely redesigned 2017 Lincoln MKX is now a more competitive midsize luxury crossover SUV. Comfortable and well-equipped, it's certainly worth a look.
Pros Quiet interior with spacious rear seating; comfortable ride quality; a lot of features for the money; strong turbocharged V6 engine option.
Cons Thick roof pillars and a small rear window impair rearward visibility; a few interior touch points aren't quite up to snuff.
For 2017, a new GT trim replaces the Limited, adding a monochromatic exterior with sporty flourishes, and the base SXT can be ordered with just two rows of seats. Otherwise, there are only minor feature changes, including the new Anodized Platinum package with two-tone leather upholstery for the Citadel trim.
Pros Unusually spacious third-row seats 8.4-inch touchscreen is one of the best in the class Assertive acceleration with the V8 engine Exceptional towing capacity for a crossover Real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing.
Cons Lackluster fuel economy (especially with the V8) Bluetooth streaming audio isn't standard on SXT.
The 2017 Dodge Durango tows like an SUV, drives like a crossover--but crash test scores are a dull spot. Somewhere in the grey zone between body-on-frame SUV and car-like crossover, sits the Dodge Durango. The 5- or 7-seater isn't exactly either: it's a unibody SUV with real towing ability, on the same blurry part of the spectrum as its stablemate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee (and the old Mercedes M- and GL-Class, too).
Pros Hemi V-8 performance and character Feels substantial and refined Confident steering feel V-6 gets engine stop-start
Cons Third-row access is difficult Ride can be busy Gas mileage is so very low
The 2017 Dodge Durango ranks 8 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Dodge Durango has an abundance of cargo room, and its third row is one of the few in the class with sufficient space for adults. It has a comfortable, agile ride, and one of the highest towing capacities in the class. However, its upper trims can be pricier than those of its rivals.
Pros Powerful optional V8 engine Good cargo capacity Intuitive infotainment system Comfortable ride
Cons Expensive upper trims Poor fuel economy with V8
