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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  BlueTooth is Horrible in MKX!! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By egcoffman - April 23 - 1:56 pm

  For all the bells and whistles in this vehicle, a fully loaded 2011 Lincoln MKX, what literally has brought my wife to tears is the bumpy ride and the awful sound quality of the Bluetooth. The bumpy ride is a product of the uber wheels which are very hard and thin as are all modern high performance tires. The suspension should have been designed to compensate for those stiffer tires to reduce jarring to the driver and passengers. But, the BIG problem is the Bluetooth! The static is unbelievably bad!! Ford has failed to use a Bluetooth system that can operate with their electronics. The static heard by the person you are talking to is literally deafening, especially at highway speeds.

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  High Value Vehicle - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Brian - April 1 - 2:16 pm

  Have 2800 miles on the car and I absolutely love it. SYNC (very easy to use), THX sound and Sirius are outstanding. Cooled/heated seats, very quiet & comfortable interior, headlights that move with steering, power liftgate are major additions. Engine/transmission powerful and smooth. Comparing my Limited with any competitor was not even close from a value perspective. This was a great buy. Mileage better than I thought - 19 around town and 22+ on the highway. Handles equally well in town or on the highway - a true pleasure to drive. Seats 4-5 people more comfortably than any of its competitors. Insurance cost was surprisingly low. Dont overlook this car. It is awesome!

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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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  2008 MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By frtiz - February 10 - 1:00 am

  So far the driving experience has been good. Not quite as comfortable as my 04 Saab 93 though.

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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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  Driving Me Crazy - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By DC Driver - January 21 - 5:03 am

  I love the looks of the truck but its been in the shop more than any car Ive ever had. First, small things - Ive had three turn signal lights replaced in less than two years. Theres also a very noticable "clunk" in the transmission every now and then. Now the truck is cutting off periodically while Im idling in traffic. The dealership "reset the computer" and it ran fine for a few weeks but it died on me again this morning in rush hour traffic. Very dangerous! Im getting rid of it ASAP.