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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  Passed the ultimate safety test! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Saved our lives! - October 14 - 2:00 pm

  We had our MKX for 6 days when we were in a terrible rollover accident. A woman ran a stale red light and we hit her going about 30-40 mph. I had a 15 month old and 3 1/2 year old in the back seat. We had a terrible impact and then rolled upside down and spun around. We were all able to escape through a rear door with only minor scratches and bruises. The firemen at the scene said that my MKX saved our lives and for the severity of the accident, the car took an amazing impact and stayed intact. We have even had inquiries from local responders on the scene to confirm what kind of vehicle we were in because they would like to buy the same car for their families. Way to go Lincoln!

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  Quality Ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By BrendaBoo - September 18 - 8:23 am

  I absolutley love my new MKX. I have had it now for three months and have taken a couple of road trips in it. The ride is wonderful and the steering is nice and tight. I feel very safe in my MKX and I love how the seats feel like they cup your back. I had a Chrysler 300M previously and I like the fact that I ride higher in my MKX. I just feel like I made the right choice in my new car purchase. The Interior is beautiful and I really have no complaints except that living in Florida the front windows and windshield allowed too much sun in. I had them darkened and now its perfect!

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  Won Over By This One - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Doug Bunnell - September 2 - 4:33 am

  We have never been Ford product fans, but fell in love with the MKX at our local auto show in Nov. This was 5 months after we purchased a 2008 Lexus RX350, which is our 7th Lexus. The Lexus was for my wife and I traded in my convertible after falling in love with the MKX. We both love the MKX. It is much more comfortable on long trips than the RX. My wife took the MKX over and I drive the RX to and from work. We get many positive comments on the MKX. We have the black with the 20" chrome wheels. The Sync is awesome and much, much better than the similar system in the RX. We love the Vista roof and all the goodies. Im pretty confused when the "critics" call this inferior!

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  Sucks - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By jordan40 - July 26 - 2:46 pm

  I own a Lincoln mkx 2010 this SUV is junk, sluggish and the worst possible vehicle I own

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  Great SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Michelle M. - June 22 - 9:06 pm

  I traded my 05 Expedition 4X4 for the MKX. We all love our new "Lincoln" as my kids (8 & 3) lovingly refer to the MKX. It is an exceptionally stylish car with very sharp look. Recently we took it on our first overnight trip. The rear seat comfortably held 2 car seats and the center arm rest was perfect for their cups. The front seats are very comfortable, as my husband and I are very tall 62 and 510. He is now looking at the Lincoln truck!

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  Fuel - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Vicenta Calzadilla - June 19 - 11:10 am

  We owned jeeps Grand Cheroke all our lives. When we took a look to the Lincoln MKX, we fall in love with it. #1 it advertise 21 miles in the city and 27 on Hiway. We just went to orlando and we loved the ride. The only problem is that my old 2002 /8 cyl.jeep make better mileage, than the Lincoln mkx, which mark an average of 18 miles per gallon. We are senior citizens and travel all over. I am concerned about the gas. If it does not improve we will trade it back. Please let me know if there is something wrong with this car. thank you. Vicky Calzadilla.

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  Nice Job Lincoln - good Riddance Benz - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By vegasboys - June 13 - 5:23 am

  I traded in a Mercedes Benz ML-320 Disel on this car and could not be happier! The Benz was nothing but trouble and they could not get the transmission to work right after at least 20 visits to the garage. It was the 3rd Mercedes I owned and NO MORE. Lincoln has done a great job with the MKX. Its comfortable, smooth and fits me perfectly! I appreciate a comfortable car that does what its supose to do. The MKX fits the bill. Not to mention the fact that an oil change doesnt cost 250.00 a whack. Im very satisfied and so glad to get the Mercedes monkey off my back. The MKX is a perfect fit for someone looking for a smaller car than the Navigator (had that before the Benz)

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  Makes H3 look like a Prius - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bashmyshell - May 27 - 3:13 pm

  I admit, I purchased this car expecting at least 17/22 MPG based on the listed 19/25 sticker. After casually driving for 200 miles, I have noticed one thing. This car has never gotten higher than 11.8 MPG. And this was after I decided to drive like a grandma. Mileage is more like 10/11 after 2000 miles. very disappointed! 90% of my driving is on the freeway with no traffic! But it definately is comfortable and plush while draining the gas down. I would have never made the purchase had I known the mileage was so low.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By jschartz - May 19 - 1:01 am

  I like my 2010 Lincoln MKX. I have not had any problems with the full size vehicle. With the back seats down, the vehicles holds so many suitcases and bags for vacation. The A/C works exceptionally especially in humid weather conditions. It has plenty of power and the braking system is great as well. I own a 2001 Ford Escape and wanted an upgrade to the Lincoln. The MKX is a sturdy well built vehicle.

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  My first Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Anthony A. Heying - May 5 - 5:53 am

  I have had 29 mpg highway according to the meter in the vehicle. 18.7 around town, not bad for a vehicle its size. I like the stiffer suspension and firm seating. The vehicle has performed well and im happy although it is a more expensive Edge. Id recommend to a potential "crossover" buyer.