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 rocks! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By linc - March 30 - 2:00 am

  What can I say.. Great car.I have tested several European SUVs: mercedes glk 350, audi q5,lexus 350 and acura mdx. They all are good cars, but only Lincoln had that balance of everything:driving dynamics, luxury,best electronics in its class that made me buy this vehicle.My Lincoln touch and Sync are best in the business...period. THX2 system with 14 speakers and subwofer is simply amazing. I believe that European and Japanese suvs were ahead a few years back but this Lincoln is clearly leading the pack now

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By JPS51830 - March 21 - 2:26 am

  Just purchased an MKX. We had an Eddied Bauer Explorer. This blows it away. Rides very smooth, all interior accessories are very well placed and easy to use. Seems to have more room for the driver then the Explorer. Like any SUV gas mileage is a little rough but did not purchase it for exceptional gas mileage. Very solidly built and very comfortable. So far has exceeded our expectations. Handles very well in wet weather

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  Love my Lincoln hate Navigation - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By lyn17 - March 6 - 6:35 pm

  I bought a 2012 Lincoln MKX last year and every time I get in this car, I just love it. Great design, easy to drive. The Lincoln SYNC system isnt bad (although designed by Microsoft) as far as my Iphone and blue tooth is concerned but it truly sucks with the Navigation. Most of the time that stupid woman doesnt understand what Im saying (Calgary). Because she doesnt understand I want to type it in myself and then the battle begins. I would much prefer to use my iPAD and not Lincolns Sync system - much easier to use. The engineers should drop Microsoft and embrace Apple

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  Better Than What Some Magazines Have Said - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By BrettMan - February 15 - 9:43 pm

  If you like the styling, then you will enjoy the MKX. It handles well for a larger SUV, is very comfortable, and offers a ton of features.

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  Very Pleased With My MKX! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Tim - February 11 - 4:10 pm

  This car is very quite and comfortable. We had a Ford Explorer and the front room is comparable to the Explorer. The rear room is better than the Explorer. There are a lot of items the MKX has that are not available on the Ford Edge Limited such cooled seats, softer suspension, real wood interior trim, satellite radio, better seats and thicker carpet, and many other items. We are averaging 18 mpg in stop and go traffic. The car is solid and so far very reliable. It is a top safety pick and anyone in the market for a midsize crossover should drive an MKX before making a purchase.

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  High Luxury Not High Price - 2014 Lincoln MKX
  By Daniel Bray - February 6 - 9:35 am

  We bought a 2 yr old MKX after owning Japanese cars for 16 years. So far its better than we imagined in all areas. Powerful, smooth, quiet with all of the features we could ask for. After owning it for a year, I can say that the navigation system is very complicated. Unnecessarily so. And the turn signals are overthought. Too complicated for such a simple function. But we still love the car.

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  The Ultimate Christmas Gift! - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By james - November 27 - 2:10 am

  My wife surprised me with a 2010 Lincoln MXK for the holidays and I am impressed with this vehicle. This is my first crossover vehicle. We live in Philadelphia where the roads are terrible. The MKX is very smooth with excellent handling. There are no blind spots to worry about due to the large side mirrors. The overall responsiveness of the MKX is great when driving in challenging conditions like snow. We just received 24" of the white stuff and the MKX remained under control at all times. The turning radius is excellent as well when trying to negotiate small side streets and tight parking spaces. The MKX is meeting the challenges of the city without hesitation.

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  Love my MKX - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By drewxmas - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the MKX for a couple of weeks but did take it on a long road trip (3KM). We had a full load with 2 adults, two children, two dogs and a cat. The ride was comfortable and it made the trip a joy. The technology is fantastic. We had the Navigation system lock up once and had to turn the car off to get it to reset. The THX sound system is awesome as well. Overall a fun luxury vehicle - love it.

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  Glad That I Changed My Mind - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Shorty101 - October 4 - 10:46 am

  I bought my MKX a month ago. I was going to buy a Toyota Highlander Limited until I drove an MKX. I love the MKX. It is very comfortable to drive for both my husband and myself. We are both over six feet tall. The heated seats and phone system is great. I have plenty of room for all of the items that I have to carry for work and for my two year old. I am averaging 18.65 MPG overall. I am very happy with this.automobile

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  The perfect small SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Pete - September 16 - 5:26 pm

  Im a coupe kind of guy. I like to be low to the ground and have a grip of where all my tires are. The idea of an SUV has never really intrigued me... that is until I test drove the MKX. It was small enough that I felt like I still had control of it and large enough to handle any extra storage we may need. I loved the black interior with natural colored wood grain trim. Its the perfect combination in my opinion. On top of the black exterior. For an 08 the features are pretty outstanding. The white dash lights are very nice as opposed to the green or amber Ive been so accustomed to. The ride is very comfortable and the cooled/heated seats make it even more comfortable. The interior lighting is bright, but its not annoying to the driver. The only thing we had come up with it is the speed sensor went out 1500 miles after owning it. Fortunately, the dealer put a 3000 mile warranty on it, pretty surprising for an 8 year old vehicle, and it was covered. Otherwise, it was about an $800 expense. Regardless, I love this SUV. Im very glad we held out and went with Lincoln. Even though Im a Toyota guy, I have always liked Ford, and I figured Lincoln was the way to go if I wanted all the features.