Rare for a new model, the MKX has completed all the major crash tests from our preferred source, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It has fared exceptionally well, with Good scores (the highest possible) in frontal, side- and rear-impact crashes, earning it a Top Pick designation. In the list of luxury SUVs, it is right behind the Volvo XC90, and it shares that model's Roll Stability Control. (While many brands are claiming that their stability systems can intuit a likely rollover, RSC remains the only feature that senses an actual tip and attempts to stop it.)

The MKX has a government rollover rating of 14 (percent chance of rollover) — beaten only by cars and wagony models like the Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Freestyle. What's more, the XC90's rollover rating is 17 percent. In sum: crash tests on par with Volvo, the same roll-control feature and a better rollover rating. That's pretty impressive.

Safety features not yet mentioned include side-impact front-seat airbags and side curtain airbags that cover the door windows in a side impact. They also deploy if the vehicle rolls over. Adaptive headlights, which swing left and right with the steering wheel, are another safety feature. My test MKX was the first vehicle I've noticed that has adaptive halogen headlamps instead of the higher-value xenon type. Xenon is not offered — a strike against any car claiming luxury. The lights swiveled as intended, but they should be brighter than they are — apart from the xenon aspect.

Also missing is a rearview camera option — another feature competitors offer. The MKX offers sonar rear parking assist, which at least is sold independently as a $245 option.