The redesigned mid-size luxury SUV scores the highest rating -- “good” -- in all five crashworthiness tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The redesigned Lincoln MKX has captured the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ award — thanks to across-the-board “good” crashworthiness ratings and a “superior”-rated front crash prevention system.
The previous version of the mid-size luxury SUV scored “good” ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint evaluations, but was never put through the challenging small overlap test. Introduced in 2012, the test replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole.
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The 2016 model-year MKX aced the small overlap test, with maximum intrusion of 4 inches at the lower door hinge pillar. (To view video footage of the test, click on the photo or link below the headline.)
“The dummy’s movement was well-controlled,” IIHS explained in a released statement. “Its head hit the front airbag and stayed there until rebound, and the side curtain airbag deployed with sufficient coverage to protect the head from contact with the side structure or outside objects. Measures taken from the dummy indicated a low risk of injuries in a real crash of the same severity.”
The redesigned model’s optional front crash prevention system earned a perfect score in IIHS track tests. The vehicle avoided a collision in both the 12 mph and 25 mph tests. The Lincoln MKX also has a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.
To qualify for Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must have “good” ratings in all five crashworthiness tests and an available front crash prevention system that earns an “advanced” or “superior” rating.
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