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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  Lincoln Fan - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Elliott Dahle - December 12 - 6:10 pm

  I have 2,000 miles on my 2008 MKX. I have the front wheel drive with both the Ultimate & elite packages. Car gets a lot of compliments. Fun to drive, smooth ride, no problems. Vapor Silver color is very sharp. Technology is impressive and works very well. Panoramic sunroof is like a convertible. Gas mileage a little less than what I hoped for but much better than my Aviator. I compared to MDX, RX 350 & new Murano - this is best ride and value for the money. Ford Lincoln Mercury got it right this time!!

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  Theres Hope for the Big 3! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By MKXBob - December 12 - 5:33 am

  It was very important to consider an American manufacturer with this purchase, and I have no regrets! Looked at just about every CUV on the market, and the MKX fit the bill. Dont let anyone tell you its just an Edge with a Lincoln grill in it. All the reviews that said that scared me away - finally a friend talked me into driving one, and then I was sold. Much smoother ride, nicer appointments, better warranty, quieter interior, and trans shifts better than the Edge. This vehicle really has exceeded my expectations in all regards - even fuel economy - have already averaged 24.6 mpg driving on the Northeast Extension thru Philly. Not too big, not too small - JUST RIGHT! No problems!

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  MKX Owner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LJ - November 17 - 5:00 pm

  Havent had it long but love the way it drives. One thing they need to replace in a hurry are the front seats. Starting with mine. The drivers seat as well as the passengers is tipped up where your back of your knee is. By 45 minutes in driving your legs tingle then go to sleep. Not good! There should be a movement as such, designed in the lever so you can tip it down.

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  Almost Got It Right - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By First Lincoln - October 19 - 9:00 pm

  We have just about put 10,000 miles on our MKX and overall I am pleased with our choice. It was a toss-up between the Caddy SRX and the Lincoln. My wife liked the visibility out of the Lincoln better so we went with it. The MKX interior is not as refined as the Caddy and the exterior design is pretty generic, except for that beautiful front grille. Would like to see softer seats and more leather inside and a bit more classic lines outside. Fuel mileage has been less than I had hoped for, the best I have gotten on the highway is 22.9. That was over the course of a 2-day 700 mile trip.

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  Head turner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By NYCdriver - October 2 - 4:56 pm

  This is a great vehicle with a quiet fast engine. Lincoln once again delivers its signature smooth ride. I realized that speeding is becoming a habit when Im behind the wheel. Not feeling how fast Im trvaeling. You would not believe how many looks this SUV gets. My passengers notice it as well.

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  Happy Wife / Happy Life - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Dan H - September 27 - 12:02 pm

  My wife didnt like the exterior/interior combinations on dealer lots so we ordered our MKX and waited 7 weeks for delivery. We ordered Allure Blue w/ cappuccino interior. We are glad we waited. We drove Acura and Lexus before selecting Lincoln. We loved both the Acura RDX and MKX. Not so much for the Lexus 350. We selected the Lincoln based on two bad experiences with Honda products. My daughter hopped a curb while pulling away from a bank ATM and did $3500 damage to her Accord and my son totaled his RL without hitting anything by running off a highway into the median. Ive done similar things with Ford products without any damage to suspension systems. My wife is driving the MKX and I have taken her 2001 Toyota Sienna and made it my work car. Our MKX is fairly tricked-out. The features I especially love are: adaptive cruise control (wont buy another car without it), 360 degree backup camera (Toyota calls this birds eye view and I wont buy another car without it), rain sensing wipers, automatic on/off-high/low headlights, 2.7L engine (very smooth at moderate acceleration). My wife loves the power tailgate, seat adjustment capability (we have premium seats that allow increasing/decreasing the length of the lower cushion that allows adjustment to shorter/taller people) and the automatic synchronization with her iPhone that plays her playlist music (she is a classical pianist) anytime she enters the car rather than defaulting to the radio. We recently drove from Charleston, SC to Baton Rouge, LA. I historically hate drives longer than 10 hours. That drive, I think I could have continued to Houston. We will be taking the car in for its 5000 mile service next week. My wife and I typically expect 250,000 miles from a car so well be driving this one for a while. The only option that I didnt get that I might consider next time is the adaptive steering - I have to hold the steering wheel with two hands when nailing the throttle. Either the adaptive steering or AWD might help with the torque steer.

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  Very poor service on this car - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By kirbyma - September 12 - 11:15 am

  A nice car but the service is very very bad. If you are a luxury car buyer who is used to service from others like Toyota, Honda, Land Rover, BMW, Hyundai etc you will be shocked at the service from Lincoln.

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  Nine Crossover - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LadyBird - July 18 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased used about 5 weeks ago. The style and comfort sold me. The curb appeal and MPG are nice surprises. The vehicle has FWD w/Michelins - an absolute must have if you want ride comfort, low noise and great mileage (29.9 Hwy; 22.3 surface streets). This vehicle is everything I was looking for. I will have this one for a long time!

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  Love my Lincoln MKX - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By jerseygirl - July 12 - 2:16 pm

  Had my heart set on a Ford Edge until I drove the Lincoln! The handling is much smoother, and the overall quality is a step higher than the Edge. Im glad I spent the extra money and bought the Lincoln. Now getting stuck in traffic doesnt bother me!

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  Fun and Safe, Loving it! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Trey - July 4 - 10:16 pm

  The MKX has been very fun to drive and very safe. We have a child on the way and we are the 5-star crash rating was a must. Its very quiet even on the highway at 70 and it goes over bumps in the road like they dont exist, and trust me, there are lots of them here in the midwest.