I just bought a 2008 MKX a couple of weeks ago. I came very close to buying a 2010, but found the used one in great shape and saved a few bucks.
We drove every crossover on the market, and liked the MKX a LOT more than any of the others. We considered the Edge too, but liked the interior of the MKX more...since that's where you spend most of your time with a car, that was important too. The things we really liked about thsi car are:
1. the big-ass moonroof. This car replaced a convertible, so we wanted something that had an open feel.
2. Comfortable ride. We like to take road trips, and it's important to have a comfortable car.
3. Memory seats. A marriage-saver. I'm 6'4" and my wife is 5'3" and there's a lot of adjusting that happens when we switch off. Now she can just fix the center mirror and be happy.
4. Sync/THX audio/Nav. I like gadgets, and Ilike them to work well. And I love the sound of the stereo. Big bonus: plugging 100GB of music into the car and never needing to mess with an iPod or CDs ever again.
5. Cooled seats! I never thought I needed them. I thought wrong.
6. Practical interior. I like the power lift gate, the folding seats, adult leg room in the back seat, and smart storage. I don't want 3 rows of seats, and that cut a lot of cars from my list.
7. Great looks. We got an ice blue MKX with 20" (pseudo)chrome wheels, and it's just a beautiful car. I've gotten lots of compliments already. The interior design is nice too...classy without being too ostentatious.
in the end, nothing could touch it. I spent a week in the new Cadillac SRX (long story) and although it looks good it just isn't a liveable car for every-day use...besides, I won't give any of my money to GM (another long story) so there wasn't anything there to consider. The Lexus was ugly, boring, and expensive. I liked the Audi Q5, but didn't want to pay for one. Ditto the Volvo, BMW, Benz, etc. The Murano was a close contender, but wasn't as spacious inside. I wanted an Infiniti FX50, but the wife wanted the panoramic roof so that got crossed off. There were a few others (Acura, VW, etc) but nothing that made a lasting impression.
So nice job, Ford. I'm happy with my new purchase.