Overview & Reviews

The Lincoln MKX offers contemporary styling and a modern interior that moves the brand forward from its previous retro-obsessed past. Its lack of a third row seat makes it a little less family-friendly than some other sport-utilities in its segment, but its single-row backseat is nevertheless quite spacious. Earlier MKXs came up short in terms of power and refinement, but the latest MKX boasts a strong 3.7-liter V6 engine and a cabin that can actually hold its own with other luxury brands in terms of both quality and design.

Ultimately, however, the Lincoln MKX is yet another choice in the crowded luxury crossover SUV market. Though shoppers are likely to find the MKX's combination of clean, elegant styling, available high-end amenities and reasonable price appealing, we'd suggest also checking out its many sport-utility competitors, as several offer a more refined driving experience, added versatility and greater differentiation from non-luxury models.

Current Lincoln MKX
The Lincoln MKX is a luxury midsize crossover SUV that seats five people. Like other current Lincoln products, the MKX bears a heavy mechanical relation to a Ford product: in this case, the Ford Edge. Lincoln differentiates its version mostly through a signature Lincoln grille, a different taillight design, additional feature content and a more luxurious interior (though the design is similar).

Under the hood is a 3.7-liter V6 good for 305 horsepower. A six-speed automatic is standard, while front-wheel- and all-wheel drive are available. There is a single MKX trim level, which is chock-full of standard equipment that's typically optional on other luxury crossovers. This includes keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, a power tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats and driver memory functions. MyLincoln Touch and the Sync phone and audio device interface are features unique to Lincoln and are certainly selling points.

In terms of practicality, the MKX offers plenty of space -- particularly in back, where three people can fit comfortably. This is one area in which the MKX beats out smaller luxury crossover models. The MKX's 3.7-liter V6 is smooth and furnishes brisk acceleration, though the transmission can sometimes be reluctant to downshift. The ride quality is comfortable, though opting for the 20-inch wheels brings about some added harshness that might not fit with your expectations of a Lincoln. At highway speeds, the MKX's cabin is notably quiet.

Overall, we're impressed by the MKX's feature content, ride quality, quiet interior and attractive design. But buyers should be aware that there are several similarly priced crossovers of various different sizes that are highly recommended. Saving some money and looking at a loaded Edge is also a pretty good idea.

Used Lincoln MKX models
The Lincoln MKX luxury crossover debuted as an all-new vehicle in 2007. The first-year model suffered from poor braking distances and the lack of Ford's excellent Sync electronics interface. As such, we'd only consider those models from '08 or later; here you'll find better brakes and Sync. Even then, though, this MKX paled in comparison to its rivals and was even more closely related to its cheaper Edge sibling than the current model.

From 2007-'10, the MKX was powered by a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 shared with the Edge -- making comparisons between the two inevitable and not at all beneficial to the more expensive Lincoln. A six-speed automatic was standard, while front-wheel and all-wheel drive were available. The impressive array of standard features was pretty similar to the current car, though package names and content changed a bit over the years. There were also special packages (Monochrome, Midnight Limited and plain old Limited editions) that added special exterior and interior trim, big wheels and in some cases, a sport suspension.

This era MKX was known for having an interior design inspired by past Lincolns, with a dual-cowl dash and boxy gauges. It was somewhat cheesy, but worst of all, its downmarket stereo/climate control switchgear, low-end plastics and unimpressive fit and finish made the MKX seem like a guy wearing a cardigan to a black-tie soiree. The front seats were also quite hard and uncomfortable.

User Reviews:

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  Poor Gas Mileage, Mechanical problems - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Will - July 14 - 12:20 pm

  Got the car and the electrical system had to be replaced. Keep getting banging noise when accelerating but they cant find the reason. Fuel filter overloaded already. Gets at best 14 MPG. Very comfortable inside and love the features but would not look at this again

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  Too Early to Tell - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Cheryl Feinberg - July 6 - 5:21 am

  My car has a little less than 300 miles on it, so in nearly every category its just too early to tell how it will be. My previous experience with my dealership and my 2008 Lincoln MKS was excellent. My car lacks two items I wish it had. 1) Seat cooling. I would have had to add $4k of extras I didnt want or need to get seat cooling. Its important to note, however, that the AC in the car is excellent. The second extra I miss is front warning beeps when I get near objects. I did not realize that I didnt have that option until too late.

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  My raod trip - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bailey - July 1 - 5:46 pm

  Went for a road trip from Vegas to Scottsdale. Car handled great and was comfortable. No wind noise. Very pleased.

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  Moved from Escalade to MRX and love it! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By MEL - June 29 - 3:55 pm

  Only picked it up today, but totally blown away. Very nice. Usually in the first few hours I can see the flaws, but so far, none seen. Admittedly, we got all the bells and whistles, and there are more than one needs or probably wants. There will be a bit of a learning curve, for sure, on all the technology package. We think the new BMW will find it lonely in the garage while the MKX is on the road. Very comfortable all round. Great buy, very, very happy.

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  So far very good. - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By John Bernheisel - June 29 - 6:13 am

  Only 2000 mi. On it so far enjoying it and absoulty no issues.

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  Junky Lincoln MKX - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By junk12lincoln - June 28 - 2:30 am

  Do NOT buy! We have had our 2012 Lincoln MKX for about 5 weeks and we hate it! The list of problems is long...transmission is slipping, speaker blown (was like that when we picked it up), paint missing on the hood, MYTOUCH wont work, controls on the right hand side of steering wheel dont work and the vehicle keeps looking for the key. We have tried to get all of these issues fixed and the dealership was no help. Finally took it to another dealership but no help. Dont bother calling Lincoln because they have the worst customer service ever! Plus this vehicle gets terrible gas mileage!!! Do not buy this vehicle!!! We cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!!

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  Downsize - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Southern girl - June 20 - 1:30 am

  From a Navigator to MKX, sizable change, but so far great CUV! Hoping for better gas mileage than Ive gotten so far. Lincoln could make a go cart and I would buy it. Enough about the grille, I like it better than the Ford Edge. Interior could have a little less plastic and more bling! Wish the tailgate window opened.

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  Move away from the edge - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Lanis - June 16 - 7:20 pm

  Compared the Edge to the MKX and the MKX is a better value and better looking. Bought the MKX in March with the 20" chrome wheels and black exterior. Looked at an another MKX with the 18" wheels but the 20" looks extra nice. The monochrome limited edition completes the package! Average 18 MPG in mixed driving with no problems at all. Really like the telescoping wheel since I am very tall. Lots of rear seat room as well as room behind the rear seats. Good size for a family of four. Was worried about not having AWD since I live in snow country, but the FWD MKX did extremely well in our last major snowstorm!

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  Lincolns Luxury - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Rick - May 23 - 7:50 pm

  I researched and test drove the Acura MDX, RDX, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and the Lincoln MKX. I was planning on purchasing the Lexus 350 and/or the Honda Pilot but absolutely hated the newly designed appearance of both. I read reviews on Edmunds for the past 6 months and was somewhat concerned about purchasing the Lincoln MKX which was rated slightly less than the Toyota Highlander. We have had a Toyota Avalon and a Honda Crosstour prior to the new purchase and was leaning towards them again, but I have to say, that so far, I am in love with the Lincoln MKX for all of the above rated reasons. I previously owned a Lincoln Continental and was impressed with the vehicles overall functions, comfort and safety, so I felt that I had some history with the Lincoln product. I have owned the vehicle for two weeks so far and drove it home from Chicago (345 miles) being the second closet dealership to have the vehicle that I wanted. I ended up with the luxury package and am glad that I took the upgrades. This vehicle has everything that a driver wants and the handling and comfort is fantastic. I would highly recommend that a person takes a second look at this vehicle prior to purchasing anything else. It is a head turner for sure. By the way, I almost didnt buy the vehicle because I dont like the commercials with a certain actor.......

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  Lovin It - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By twotrees - May 16 - 4:13 pm

  After being sure that my next car would be the Acura MDX, I drove the Lincoln MKX at my husbands request...and now I own a fully-loaded Limited Edition MKX. I found the MKX to have a softer, quieter ride, better visibility, and easier to use features- -not to mention an amazing panoramic sunroof. With the addition of SYNC on the 2008, the deal was sealed. Although many do not consider the MKX a competitor for the MDX, a side-by side comparison reveals a more luxurious feel and all the option--for considerably less. Although many feel American cars are not as reliable..I decided not to trade my 1999 Navigator with 165,000 that is still going strong!