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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  Great car with terrible software - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By kazolar - June 4 - 11:39 pm

  How can Ford release a car without actually driving it. It seems to me that you drive the car you notice that the in dash system plain doesnt work. Ive seen tons of ads pimping all the great techy aspects of the Sync system -- they must be using a different system in some test bed, because on real cars its an exercise in futility and frustration. Talking to it is like talking to a developmentally challenged child -- so when it gets something right my wife and I hi-five. Indexing music is like having a root-canal. GPS cuts out loose track of you on an empty road with clear skies and no trees. Too many irritating popups. Not recommended!!!

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  Great Ride! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Wayne - May 23 - 5:00 am

  If you want a smooth comfortable ride, this is the car for you.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By rlwillia - May 11 - 3:50 pm

  Leased my MKX in March of 2007. After 16,500 miles and three long road trips of 1400 miles round trip and driving back and forth to work every day, this is an outstanding vehicle. No maintenance issues, reasonable gas mileage for an SUV, great features and very comfortable interior, seats, and drive feel.

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  Very Nice! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By K & S Sheets - April 29 - 2:40 am

  The MKX is our second Lincolon product and third Ford product. Traded in our 2005 Aviator, which we loved, for the MKX. Which we love even more! Ford/L makes a great product. Its really sad to see all the negative press that our American car manufactures recieve. I, for one, dont get it. We looked around at all the alternatives in the crossover market and found the MKX hard to beat. Now that we have been driving it for two weeks, we are extremely satisfied. Great ride, very nice and comfortable intererior,great sound & toys and what a great sunroof! Fantastic! Next best thing to having a convertable. Well done Ford/Licoln. If youre looking for a new crossover, we highly recommended this one

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  First Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Bartlett92 - April 26 - 3:53 pm

  My wife and I just replaced our Cadillac. We were going to buy foreign, but with the latest troubles with one of the companies, we thought twice. The jury is still out, but so far the car is what most people have said it would be. The gas mileage is what we got with the Caddy. One good thing is it uses Reg. gas.

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  Love my MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Kat - April 11 - 6:06 am

  This is an easy crossover to love. Excellent acceleration and power curve. Great visibility. Glorious sunroof! This great machine handles like a dream come true with the ultimate package with its 20 inch wheels. Great steering feel and a quiet cabin. The interior and controls are well thought out and very comfortable. Brakes are better than people say but have some progressive fade. Body roll is minimal for the height of the vehicle. My husband is 6,5" and is comfortable driving. Styling is fine and its very easy on the eyes! All in all we love our MKX!

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  MKX x off the others! - 2014 Lincoln MKX
  By David Liming - March 8 - 3:02 am

  Room and lots of it. High tech everything 4wd is a waste of money. 2wd works fine for Ohio. Towing a small 5 x 8 trailer with this car was no problem on a 3000 mile trip. Drove the 2015 and up model and I do not like it, way too small.

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  Top Notch - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By dontblink - March 4 - 6:22 am

  After several horrible experiences with European vehicles, I decided to buy domestic again. I dig the clean crisp styling, strong stance, & front grill reminiscent of Lincolns past. The ride is firm yet comfortable, it handles well, & mileage is decent. The sound system is great. The clutter free instrumentation with retro gauges is pleasing. The cabin is roomy with plenty of cargo space. Quality leather seats are comfortable. Fit & finish is top notch inside & out. It could benefit from a rear view backup camera. The silver painted interior plastic looks like silver painted plastic. I really like the MKX, it is safe, stylish, reliable, & comfortable. It will likely be a favorite of ours.

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  OOPS for Lincoln - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By dsprings1 - March 1 - 10:28 pm

  I just purchased my 2012 MKX and took a trip to the UP of Michigan. The first day about 100 miles from home the GPS quit giving audio commands. Called dealer, said it was software problem and only way to fix was remove battery cable to reset system. Second day GPS was in split screen mode with map/turn screen and map screen went black. Had to pull over and turn off car to reboot system. Fourth day, tried to put Copper Harbor, MI in system, couldnt find it. Coming home 8inch screen locked up and remained on after turning car off. Finally after several restart atempts, I shut off the ignition and waited about 2 minutes and the screen shut down.

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  Fabulous Experience!! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Denita - January 31 - 11:46 am

  I shopped for >8 months for an SUV. I drove the Lexus, Infiniti, & Acura mid size & truly neither compared to the luxury of my MKX. The others are Just names and true Luxury does not have to come with a Huge Price. Lincoln MKX is Top Luxury!! Love it!