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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  MKX in Minnesota - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Mike in Minnesota - January 29 - 1:33 am

  Have owned ten or more SUVs in the past 25 years, many costing far more. The MKX is the best in build quality, ride, comfort, and features. Very tight and quiet.

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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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  Now its the transmission! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Diana - December 20 - 2:33 am

  Factory ordered. Passenger door air noise and rattle fixed and defective molding on interior fixed. Air conditioner hose soaked driver floor. 16,000 miles later, rear tailgate stopped opening automatically one day. Transmission slipping now at 17,000 miles. From day one, on an incline and going slow while turning steering box noise but Lincoln found "nothing unusual". MPG hwy. 21.7, city 19

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  Nice CUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Kenny - December 18 - 1:43 am

  Leased my 08 MKX now for a month and it is a pretty good vehicle. I have enjoyed driving it. I get lots of compliments on the looks of the MKX. The car is comfortable to drive and generally easy to manuever. Read below about the brakes. Powerful THX soundsystem is awesome. Roomy for passengers. Overall, I can recommend this vehicle. It just needs to fix a couple things to be considered an elite gotta have vehicle.

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  My Sync - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By fman47 - December 2 - 12:09 am

  I would have rated this car a lot better but I am totally disgusted with the "My Sync". In plain terms, it is a piece of crap! I been back to the dealer 3 times and since I have been I still having reliability problems such as bluetooth drops out by itself - 4 times Navigation system - SD Failure 3 times Response of system slow - almost always voice activated calls; 20 -30 seconds before it dials the phone -15 times voice activation in consistent in understanding the request.

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  X Marks the Spot - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By carled63 - December 1 - 9:57 pm

  I love my 2016 Lincoln MKX Reserve. I looked a lot for a compact SUV that would have pedestrian alert and a 5-star IIHS safety rating. I also preferred one that had a lot of American content. I just could not find one that met my needs, and the ones that came closest--TBH--felt kind of cramped. I almost went with the MKC--a little concerned on size and very disappointed it did not have pedestrian alert. Then the salesman pointed out that the MKX had the 5-star rating with top-of-the-line pedestrian alert. In 5 minutes I decided to go for it, and I have not been disappointed! The car looks great--inside and out. I think the materials and look of the inside, in particular, are very high end. I also love driving the car; it is super quiet and smooth with very competent handling. I went with Reserve but skipped the Revel stereo, the 2.7 L turbo and the 22-position seats. Those all sound nice, but they add a lot to the price, and I am not that picky. I dont regret those choices. The premium (i.e., standard) stereo is fine. I did find that setting the option to adjust the volume with your speed helps a lot. I also think the 3.7 L base engine has plenty of power and is very smooth. Also, the standard seats are super comfortable with plenty of adjustments--recline, height, lumbar, thigh support, etc. I also like the extra space of the mid-size SUV vs. a compact. There are so many times I would cram stuff in the back of my last compact SUV, and I am finding it a surprising relief to have the extra space that a mid-size provides. Lincoln has also delighted me once or twice. For example, the cooled front seats are great on hot days. The power steering wheel adjustment made me smile too. And I enjoyed how simple the technology has been to set up. My car has Sync 3, and it is both easy to set up and is very intuitive to operate. My only slight disappointment is the gas mileage. It is more or less as advertised--and that is lower than with most compacts. That is the price you pay for space.

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  New MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By lakegirl4 - November 5 - 9:07 am

  Just bought a 2013 MKX. After owning Subaru Outbacks for years, I couldnt stomach the new ugly models with useless cargo racks. I was looking for cargo space, kayak carrying capability, comfortable seats, a color other than gray, black or white, and gas efficiency. The MKX beat out the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, the Cadillac, the VW Toureg, and the Lexus. Most of the others had very ugly silver consoles. The MKX has everything I was looking for and is beautiful inside. The seats and finish are wonderful. I love the steering wheel controls. Only thing Im not crazy about is the front end - low and massive. First American branded car Ive owned in over 30 years! Good Job Ford!

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  Fantastic - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By dsw - November 3 - 7:23 am

  Researched and drove a number of crossovers before purchasing the Lincoln MKX. The MKX was quieter and handled better than the Lexus RX 350. The MKX, in my opinion, is a better value-offering more options and toys than many other similar crossovers. While the MKX is slightly longer than the 2008 RX 350, the new 2009 RX 350 will be 5" longer in 2009 and a new design. While some have complained that the MKX seats are too firm ,we actually like the firmness.The Ford Sync and the navigation systems are fantastic. Very user friendly. Climate controls are extremely easy to use and uncluttered. Great acceleration. Brakes are a little soft. Gas mileage somewhat disappointing so far, but all SUVs are

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  She Made the Choice - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By gardnpc - October 31 - 10:56 pm

  My wife did all the research and selected this over the Mazda CX-9 and Highlander. Its her car! We got the Creme Brulee with Camel interior and she just loves it. The sticker was just over $39,000 and we did the deal for $35,000 even. We went to dealer equipped with the Edmunds TMV analysis and it saved us quite a bit of haggling. We drove the Edge as well, but the Lincoln suspension and interior quality is a big upgrade. Doesnt feel like the same vehicle. We really like the Vista roof and heated/cooled seats. She thinks its nearly like a convertible. Reliability has been excellent. We like the fact it burns regular gas. All in all, a very nice package.

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  Second mkx - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Scrowman - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got 2011 model after 48,500 miles on the 2009. New one has more power, is quieter, and technology is improved. Love the comfortable ride since I drive 600-700 miles/week. New model has better materials-not as much plastic. Nice new look all around. Have had Lexus RX, Highlander and Grand Cherokee in the past- MKX blows them all away. The 2009 did great in bad weather-no reason to think 2011 is any different in that regard. Highly recommended.