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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  2nd Lincoln owner - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By harnettg - March 8 - 7:00 pm

  I traded from a Lincoln LS V8 for the 2010 MKX; I was looking for all wheel drive, and I liked all of the included features of the MKX. A similar equipped import would have cost $20,000 more than the MKX. Trust the reviews of the owners and not auto reviewers. Real owners seem to like the vehicle more than the car reviewers.

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  Once Again, Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By RJF5 - December 30 - 2:23 pm

  Lincoln has produced a great "Crossover" vehicle! I test drove almost every suv and crossover on the market and choose the MKX. I understand the Audi Q5 is a wonderful driving machine but it lacked the necessary space I was searching for.

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  Great Car - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Dennis - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have gone from 4x4 Ltd. Explorer and feel the MKX pulls my 17 Fishing Boat better than the Explorer. I love "My Lincoln" technology and being able to do most functions from direct line of sight using the steering wheel controls. I have 2,400 miles and computer/math checks indicate 22.1 mpg average for my city / highway use. The 3.7 Engine takes western MI hills without downshift in most cases. I have found no body defects during hand waxing. Great car!

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  I love it! - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By kmart220 - December 5 - 2:19 pm

  Ok, I bought my 2012 MKX used with 18k miles. Ive had it 3 weeks now and I am so very happy! I traded a fully loaded Tahoe (which I dearly loved, but was getting up there in miles) and the transition has been a breeze. I rated the car mostly 5s. To me, everything is awesome and I only gave 4s because of 2 superficial reasons. For interior design, it seems perfect besides the radio volume control and the a/c level control. They are a bit funny to operate. Aesthetically, beautiful, but functionally, not perfect. You are supposed to glide your finger across the panel to find your perfect setting and it doesnt function very well. No big deal, really, since there are 2 other options

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  Great SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By ANDREW - November 19 - 9:00 am

  The wife and I purchased our MKX about three months ago and love it. We also test drove Lexus, Infiniti, Acura and others, and found all of them to be over priced with no more features then the MKX. I was at first skeptical to buy a Ford product, but now I am glad I did. The MKX has met our needs with room, comfort, excellent ride and price. My wife loves the Sync system, NAV system and THX sound system.

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  A Fun Ride - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By tcm - November 8 - 4:13 am

  I researched the MKX and the Edge to death and decided on the MKX because of all the "bells and whistles". This car is so much fun to drive. Coming from an Expedition, this car still has a lot of room to transport two kids and all their sport equipment. I love the quiet ride and being wrapped in luxury. The Bluetooth capability is awesome.

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  Just Perfect - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By JE - October 20 - 9:13 am

  The MKX has performed flawlessly in every facet of driving. Dependable in cold and snow to desert heart. I tried a Navigator (which is a great vehicle) but it was a bit too big for my needs. I am a big fan of distilled water and run it in the radiator (with about 20% coolant) in all my vehicles and my tractor this has worked excellent in the MKX.

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  American Dream - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By payerlaw - October 6 - 9:24 am

  I purchased NKX after having owned a Volkswagen Touareg. Though the Touareg is more cutting edge performance and bluntly utilitarian in its style, the Lincoln MKX is an amazing SUV! Fit, finish and features are top notch and the luxurious touches are limitless. It is the most impressive vehicle I have ever owned and America should be proud. Style is impressive and the standard and optional features arebvery well valued. Bang for buck, nothing came clove to the MKX.

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  Huge Surprise! MKX is Excellent! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By CHRIS CANNON - September 26 - 11:56 am

  First time buying American in years, and what a huge upside surprise this vehicle has been. Quality of build (interior and fairly tight exterior), has been very strong. Engine is very quiet and a lot stronger than expected. Ride is outstanding, almost sporty for a crossover. Power a/c seats, power liftgate, combination touch pad unlocking on driver door. We love this truck!

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  Great Car/SUV - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Ceysw - September 15 - 2:56 pm

  I have driven this suv since Sept. Very comfortable, handles great. Fun to drive, and worth the money.