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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  Best car yet - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By tom - October 11 - 8:06 am

  Brought the car while I was up in Virginia on a visit. Owned Fords and Lincolns for a long time. This one by far is the best. My wife drove it back while I drove our old Ford van back. She loved all the gadgets, I call them toys for adults. So far it preforms just like they say. I go for safety more than gas mileage.

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  Unbeleiveable value - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By omoishiroi - October 7 - 3:08 am

  the MKX is a bit of a sleeper - we test drove MB, Audi, BMW, Volvo before buying. Simply put to get teh same level of equipment in the equivalent import would push the price into the $70k range IF it is even available. For under $5ok the MKX gives you heated front AND rear seats, cooled front seats, Nav, blind spot and cross traffic warning system, adaptive cruise, HUGE sunroof, adaptive HID headlams, rear view camera, remote start, rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, heated and telescopic steering whee and collision controll. Try pricing and Audi, Volvo or BMW with all of those

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  2017 MKX is a awesome ride! I highly recommend! - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Peter G - October 3 - 6:21 pm

  I looked all the SUVs from entry level to top level from all brands. This included , Acura, VW, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Subaru, Lexus, Toyota, Nisan, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, Honda, etc.. None of them had the the full package at this price point. The technology, ride, luxury and performance. Some were close, like the new 2018 Audi. There are some really aggressive rebates and pricing so dont pay over invoice and get the 0% financing. I really enjoy driving this SUV. The one downside has been the MPG but I knew this going in after reading all the reviews. The performance is worth it and 20 MPG blended is not bad to have a twin turbo!

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  Better than I expected - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Richard - September 22 - 1:13 pm

  Definite head turner. Gas mileage isnt great, but filling with regular is better than supreme. Interior instruments are very user friendly. Brakes are a little soft. Very smooth ride. Everyone who sits in the back seats have plenty of room and love the vista roof. Lots of extras like heated and cooled front seats, reclining back seats with one touch fold down, auto liftgate and rear sensors make this a great deal.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By maryr - September 12 - 2:20 pm

  I recently purchased my 2010 Lincoln MKX and LOVE this vehicle. It has lots of cabin space, a smooth ride and equipped for a queen! Luxury at its best. We took it across country and never got tired of driving. This is a dream to drive! My advice: take into consideration the reviews of those of us that have purchased this car. You wont be sorry!

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  2016 2.7L Turbo-Good Stuff~Shes fully Loaded too. - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Chris Johnson - July 10 - 6:28 pm

  Drove two Lincoln MKX engines, the 3.7 and the 2.7 turbo. Drove the Lexus RX 350 Sport & Premium. Drove all lines of the Jaguar F-Pace. Drove the Ford Edge Sport. Drove Audis line. Drove Acura MDX.........I bought the 2.7L MKX. Frankly, I like every one of various manufacturers offerings. Honestly, you cant go wrong no matter what, we all live in the age of cool factor and quality overall. But what I wanted was the blend of comfort and dead quiet cabin, with a serious engine, and the 2.7L MKX fits the bill the best of everything I drove. The 3.7 MKX is fine, but seems a bit under powered to me. The 2.7, is a serious motor and for a car guy/gal, this will be worth the extra bucks. It just hauls when you need it, there is zero turbo lag, its there, its on, this is one very fast vehicle when the moment dictates. We have a fully loaded vehicle, you cant put a single option more on it. But if I could do it all again, Id opt for the 20s, rather than the 21 inch rims, Im just too nervous Ill scrape them when parallel parking, but the cameras all around, surely help in all aspects. Some niggly items that are a bit hard to get used to for me, I continue to phantom on the parking break with my left leg, the pull the button break thing will take some more getting used too. And the "push matic" gear selection, its just a bit laggy between gear changes. Some things Ive learned quickly in ownership here is that most folks probably will back off on some of the safety settings, otherwise youll fight the car for control. Itll beep at you, flash at you, and literally steer for you, which is all good, for some, not for me. Ive dialed back the settings to suit my needs. The steering wheel thing in full safety mode is a bit disconcerting if you even drift a hair from dead center in your lane. My favorite part of all though is the gas pedal and the 2.7 Turbo, I can just accelerate to match anything on the road, at any speed. Favorite part for my wife is the massaging seats, shes happy, Im happy, and we cruise down the road in style, only 50 years young, and chuckling that my grandparents in their 70s had a Lincoln!

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  Excellent Car & Beautiful Too - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Neewbs - July 4 - 6:50 am

  Absolutely fantastic car. My two pros for the vehicle, the SYNC system and ride quality, makes this car the most unique in its class. It is definitely worth taking a look at.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Marsha - June 13 - 12:13 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. I currently am leasing,but I intend on buying the vehicle. It is comfortable, drives great. Has great pickup. Love the ride. I have 43,000 miles. I like the way the car looks too. I like the warranty that comes with the vehicle.

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  An Excellent American Made Crossover! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By JoPaR - May 13 - 10:56 pm

  This crossover has been excellent. Average 17mpg city/23.5mpg hwy w/ac on. I consider that good mileage for a crossover/SUV and knew this estimated mpg when buying, so no surprise. It was either this or an Acura MDX. The MKX offered regular fuel & trailer hitch along with all the other bells & whistles at a much lower price & its American made! Would definitely buy another Lincoln MKX.

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  Glads that I made right decision - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By FrankZ - May 5 - 7:30 pm

  Before I bought the MKX, I was about to buy Nissan Xterra. And then My dad recommend me to buy Lexus RX350 or Lincoln MKX. After I drove both then I bought MKX. Now MKX has 24K mileage, without any trouble, just oil change 3 times. Ah right, there were one problem at 22K, its steering wheel vibrated while pushing brake from 70 MPH to 0 MPH. After went to dealership for tire rotation, then the problem is gone with no charge any penny! Very happy to have MKX!