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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  Impressive Vehicle - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jason - September 15 - 1:13 pm

  Very well built, impressive vehicle. Its got all the creature comforts, plenty of room, and gets good fuel economy for something of its size.

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  Lincoln MKX keeps getting better! - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By maxirwin - September 8 - 10:15 am

  The 2013 Lincoln MKX is our third MKX. 2007,2009 and 2013. This vehicle is more luxury that the others by far, it also has the upgraded My Lincoln Touch, which is a big improvement over the first generation that I have in my 2011 Ford Explorer. The 3.7 v6 is quick and we have the AWD model. The ride is soft and smooth on the luxury side. Compared to Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac SRX our friends have it is quicker and rides better and more elegant!

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  Nice Car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Painterguy - August 6 - 2:26 am

  Had my MKX about a month now. So far no problems. Averaging 16.6 mpg city driving. Havent had it on a trip yet. Car gets lot of attention. People ask questions about it. Traded in a Volvo V-70 wagon for it. The MKX is better in most ways except seat comfort and mpg. Back seats are more comfortable than front. Cant beat those Volvo seats. I like the looks in and out. Handles well and rides much better than the Volvo. Very quiet. Hard to tell if the engine is running. Enough power for my needs. Lots of room with the back seat down for hauling stuff. Overall a very nice car. Hope it holds its value well.

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  My review - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Issac Szlamkowicz - August 1 - 7:23 am

  Handling on the road is very good. Acceleration is more than adequate. I enjoy the vista roof and the cooled seats. Lincoln did this one right. It was worth the wait.

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  Love It - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Carl - July 10 - 12:06 pm

  My wife and I both love to drive it especialy in the N.C. Mountains. We have 10,000 plus on it. So far about 21 MPG. A little noisy on rough road. Plenty of pep on interstate.

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  Impressed - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By ts - July 4 - 4:43 pm

  This car has been fun to drive. Good gas mileage 26 hwy, 19 city. nterior is very nice, smooth ride, and plenty of power. The radio is awesome and easy to use. The folding seats and rear trunk release are very easy to use. The adaptive head lights work really well. Dual AC works well

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  Love this SUV! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By hamom - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my MKX for almost a week. I was coming off a lease on a Ford Freestyle. I was looking to upgrade a bit and test drove so many SUVs...Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX (more wagon like), Audi Q7, Mercedes R (again..more wagon like) and didnt really consider the MKX because I wasnt thrilled with my Ford. I test drove the MKX and fell in love. The ride is fantastic, price was great. Love Sync. So far extremely happy with my decision.

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  Jorge37 - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By George37 - May 11 - 6:32 am

  The best car !!!!

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  LOVE MY LINCOLN - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Lrobillard1 - May 6 - 6:46 am

  I absolutely love my 2010 Lincoln MKX i traded in my 2006 Range Rover Supercharged for it. This crossover hauls to say its around 200 hp less than my range s/c. I test drove every similarly sized crossover I could think of and none come close. The Cadillac SRX is nice but sluggish and the lexus was oddly laid out on the inside. I paid 50k for the fully loaded limited edition with the dual dvd headrests and 600 watt sound system and im glad i spent the money. Lincoln has really brought themselves up to the plate.

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  So Far So Good! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By avgjo - March 22 - 4:03 am

  MKX quality far exceeds any that of the 2004 Saturn VUE I traded in. It is the perfect fit for my requirements; a versatile vehicle thats not too big with just enough extra convenience "stuff" to make it comfortable & fun. Great for country living with city style!