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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  2011 MKX Enging Knock - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By cybworld - June 12 - 6:17 pm

  I purchased TWO 2011 Lincoln MKXs at the same time. Day one I had an enging knock in one of them, and nobody seems to care. I set up a web page for this problem. [violative content deleted] This car has a lot of cab noise when traveling down the freeway. The GPS locks up the radio and features when in GPS mode for more than 30 minutes. this vehicle is the worst car I ever purchased.

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  Worst Ever - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Worst Ever - January 21 - 3:43 pm

  In 4 months of ownership, my MKX has been in the dealers shop almost half that time for a slipping transmission and other problems. I just got it back after 42 days and its the same as when I took it in. Some of the key fob functions still dont work after 3 attempts to fix them. In the short time it was not in the shop I took it on a 1200 mile trip and in addition to the lousy gas mileage, I had to make frequent stops because of the rock hard seats. Do yourself a favor and dont even consider purchasing one of these.

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  Lemon Law Applies - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Kathy Davis - February 14 - 10:49 pm

  A 62k piece of junk. Right front running light went out before owning the car 2MONTHS. It has been the dealer SIX times and they can not fix it. In additional to that I have had many, many, many electrical problems with this car. The odometer has disappeared, the left turn signal light comes on when I have not activated it, the radio turns on all by itself, I get a gray shadow of the car on the center screen at the end of my driveway and the indicator alerts me with a red light, front left always, when Im in the middle of a double wide driveway (this has happened too many times to count) , back windshield wiper turns on by itself, once after leaving the dealership I had a repeating message about Pre Collision Assist Not Available & Service AdvnceTrac in a constant loop until I turned off the car. Ford has been unable to duplicate all of the issues even after given proof of. I was told that the 2016 has a new Sync System and that could be part of the reason. I have had to contact an attorney and file a Lemon Law Suit against Ford as they just want to keep trying to "fix" the issues. Extremely disappointed in Ford. Should have bought another Lexus - I never had one problem with my RX330 in 12 years!

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  Couldve had a V8!!!! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Joy - September 8 - 1:05 pm

  I bought it used. Beautiful vehicle. Took it home decided to give it a a good wax job and to my surprise the rust was eating it up. I took it back to the dealership for help with this. Nothing, it has 54,000 miles on it and they told me to contact Lincoln. No help there either. About a year later, I receive safety recalls, rust corrosion because the 2008 was not sealed properly. So check your gas tank straps and cooling system for excessive corrosion. Took it for inspection, even the covering on my shocks are ate off by rust. The entire frame is extensively rusted. Lincoln said to have it inspected. I did. Yes its extensive Ms dumbass for buying this vehicle, but no safety issues so nothing will be done. I call bullshit!! This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit. BEWARE!! I will never buy another FORD product.

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  Rusty paint product - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By hpp2 - July 18 - 12:49 pm

  My MKX is only seven months plus old with all features warranty plus anti rust package. But I am disappointed to see my MKX with rusty condition and not getting a proper help from Ford. I would request all of you who has this vehicle go and check if you have such issues for safer side otherwise it will be too late to react.