What you see on the MKX's exterior is what you get. The only real change is from standard 18-inch alloy wheels to chrome versions, also 18 inches, when you get the Special Package.

It's difficult to stand out in this growing class, but the MKX does a decent job with its distinctive chrome cheese-grater grille and a taillight band that runs the entire width of the rear end. The grille is a polarizing element — and I'm starting to wish I had a gallon of gas for each time I've said that about a grille recently. Apart from the design issue — and a stubborn resistance among consumers to brightwork of any kind — the execution is a subject of debate. There was a time when chrome was king of the road, but that was chromed metal. The MKX grille appears to be chromed plastic, something people are quick to criticize. It's not the only chromed plastic on the market, but such elements either work or they don't. All I can say is I took one glance at the side mirrors and concluded that they look like chromed plastic.

The rear end, on the other hand, is nicely done. The taillight recalls the 1990s-era Mark VIII's neon band, though in this case it's illuminated by LEDs. When I approached the car after dark, unlocking the doors with the transmitter lit up the exterior lights. My black test vehicle looked positively badass.