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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  Love the MKX - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By floridasand - March 17 - 10:40 pm

  We enjoy driving our MKX and plan to take it on a trip soon. Handles well. We had pin stripes put on and added color-coded side bumper guards. Weathertech cargo mat fits perfectly.

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  Very Impressed! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Phil - January 27 - 2:03 am

  I drove them all BMW X3, Caddy SRX, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX350 and Volvo XC90 but drove the Lincoln home. Great car with the perfect blend of style, luxury, performance and comfort. I did not think Lincoln could build a vehicle that competed with the vehicles I tested but this one exceeds all. Its a winner.

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  RV Towed ,DOA - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Texan - January 24 - 6:13 am

  My wife and I really like this SUV. It does the job, comfort, style and MPG. But when towed behind our Motorhome by the book, several times we have arrived at our destination with a dead battery in the MKX. The dealers say no problemo, there is nothing wrong with the suv. Just blank looks no solutions.We like the SUV but...

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  Great so far - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By jon ollie - January 6 - 4:36 am

  I just got my MKX. I love it so far. It rides smooth, good power. Sometimes it surprises me with the acceleration. I traded in my Mountaineer and I dont feel I gave up any room or space. Im getting a lot of looks on the street! The base model has everything you need. I sprung for the vista roof. If you want the nav system or the THX sound system about $5000 more.

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  Love my MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By LUVMYMKX - December 17 - 11:10 pm

  First vehicle I have ever purchased new. Amazing in the Snow better than any other SUVs I have owned..Classy, safe, a eye turner..love it love it!!

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  Solid, Silent, & Stylish - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By pilot_guy - October 15 - 12:10 am

  After 2 months of shopping, we traded in our 8-year old Volvo XC70 for the MKX. It matched our driving style perfectly (suburban errands and roadtrips in Minnesota), and is every bit as solid as our Volvo. Loaded it with every option except the "cargo convenience" package. AWD was a must, as were heated seats. The MKX is only one of the group (Lexus RX350, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, etc) with the higher ride of an SUV, without the attendant "roll" and bumps. Noticeably quieter than the others. The MYSYNC system works very well, but you MUST have the salesman walk you through the features, and limitations of the voice-activated interface. The two-tone leather interior is sharp. Avg 19 mpg

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  Superb Limited Edition - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By cb - October 1 - 12:03 am

  You know this is a special vehicle if I traded my 04 Mercury Marauder and 08 Ford Bullitt Mustang to get this. I have the AWD Limited Monochromatic version with all the goodies. Great looking black grille and two toned interior set it apart from the rest. Drives great and has enough power to accelerate when needed. Great ride height. Built very well. All doors sound solid when closing. Uncluttered engine compartment. Easy access through the powered rear hatchback.

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  Wanted it to be better.... - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By LHC - September 5 - 11:43 pm

  When I first laid eyes on my 2008 White Chocolate "Tri-coat" Limited Edition and was in love! It was everything I wanted and more. I had shopped extensively, and being used to high-end vehicles, was amazed at the array of options that came with the MKX. Exterior/interior were gorgeous! Ive had it almost two years now, and still get stares while on the road. We all know what they are, so Ill decline to mention them here, again. However, after only two years, my lovely car must go. It seems to stay in the shop more than in my garage! The service dept seems clueless, too, with this SUV. So, I hate it, but Im looking to trade. I envy you guys who are not having trouble. Beautiful car!

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  Imports Beware! - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By FredM - August 20 - 2:06 am

  Imports Beware! Just took delivery of my MKX and my wife and I are very happy. I am in the automotive business so I was able to do a lot of research and test drives on similar Crossovers and found the MKX the best in safety (5 Star) and value. Went to Orlando this weekend, a 3 hour trip and the MKX met all our expectations: Comfort, Fuel Mileage and Luggage space. This vehicle is replacing a BMW that I had for 3 years and the car was wonderful so the MKX needed to fill big shoes and it did. The X5 would have been my other choice but was smaller and almost 15-20k more. The X3 was out of the line up as it was even smaller. All the other imports in my opinion were over priced and over rated.

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  Sweet Ride - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Penney - August 14 - 9:13 am

  I gave my husband the MKX for his 50th birthday. He had always wanted a Lincoln and needs AWD to reliably make it to work. He loves this car. It is fun to drive, he likes the height, it is powerful and the computer is great. So far the computer had to be replaced at 15K because the blue tooth failed and the exterior driver side door handle came off in his hand at 17K. Lincoln replaced everything without charge but it was a hassle.