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 - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By LoveMyRide - August 10 - 11:46 pm

  Weve had our MKX for about a month now. We were previous Cadillac owners but I have to say I love the Lincoln. It has great toys and the Nav system is wonderful. Very comfortable, fun to drive and very sexy. We are still learning how to operate all the gadgets but I love it.

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  Second Post - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By KeyedUp - July 31 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had such good experience with this car, I had to send in another review. Gas mileage has greatly improved. Pure interstate driving yeilded 25 MPG and around town at 16 MPG so Im very pleased for this sized auto. Comfort, fit and finish all very good and the ride gets better everytime Im in the car. Now, my wife has discovered the MKX so shes driving it whenever possible. She like the great visiability without the big SUV size.

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  Glad I bought this hot MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Bud Andrews - May 28 - 2:40 am

  This is a great car and I truly enjoy driving it. Had a major road trip from mid south up to Niagara Falls and back this past summer. The MKX really shines on road trips, with plenty of power and quiet comfort. (Amazing - no road noise! No sqeaks or rattles!) Its a V6 but it has all the zip of a V8. The satellite radio, sound system, MS Sync, power and USB ports are all terrific. Couldnt do without them now.

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  Elliotts MKX Update - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By ELLIOTT - May 24 - 5:06 pm

  Have now owned the car for one year and have 10,000 miles. No problems, in for oil change only. Leather and interior looks brand new, outside paint is almost perfect - no dings or chips. Actual gas mileage is 19.1 from inception. Car gets a lot of compliments. Paint job is much better that wifes similarily priced Toyota. Sync is superior system, the phone quality is crystal clear. Sound system is fantastic. The car still smells new. Very pleased with the purchase.

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  Best bang for buck - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By David - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  I looked at all the SUV crossovers and I think that this is the best mid sized SUV. The brakes are good, fuel economy could be better but the engine is not broken in yet. I think Ford has a winner, but they need to educate their dealerships about the car. Not up to BMW or Lexus standards, which I also own.

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  Awsome ride - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Alex H Smith - April 17 - 1:53 pm

  I just purchased the Lincoln MKX and took it on a 5000 mile road trip. At the very beginning we ran into a snow storm the highway was poorly plowed and the MKX with AWD did not miss a beat I saw numerous vehicles off the road 18 wheelers, cars and trucks. The MKX was awesome, it was hard to see the shoulder and I drove on it several times it just did not miss a beat. The best driving car I every drove.

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  Very nice, roomy, quiet , well appointed - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By anthony heying - March 24 - 7:06 am

  I have owned SUVs in the past but this one is so very nice with its features and its fairly good on fuel.

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  Simply great SUV! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By link-x - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the new 2011 MKX for 2 weeks now, and still can,t get enough of this car. Finally Lincoln woke up and created something really really good. The comfort, equipment and ride quality should be the mark other SUVS are measured by.The new engine with 305 HP really puts some excitement into driving. Interior is simply awesome, with leather seats, dashboard and steering wheel. The electronics on this car are simply awesome, everything voice controlled. And of course the THX 2 sound system with 14 speakers and a subwoofer is definitely my favorite future. I have tested Mercedes MLK, audit Q5, and BMW x3 and none of these cars can measure up to Lincoln. Take drive in it, you will see

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  dont always take the "experts" opinion . - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By peb - February 12 - 12:56 am

  Ive had this mkx for 2 months and love it even more now than when I bought it. Nothing beats its styling, interior or exterior, I got the blue with terra cotta interior, beautiful. Sticker was 52,500 , selling price with dealer discount and rebates was 47,500. No problems . base engine has more than adequate power expecially in sport mode. Most comfortable car Ive ever owned. "experts" say its best as a highway cruiser, but I say it also handles curves very well in sport mode with little drop in ride comfort. Excellent base revel stereo. Lane control works well but I like to keep the steering vibration alert off. Dont believe experts biased toward imports, they probably think its hip to downplay American luxury.

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  Best I found - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Juice Man - February 9 - 10:43 pm

  After a year of searching, I found this to be the best in style, comfort, and steering. Quiet, smooth, and good looking. The leather is awesome, like the nav system, and sync was a major plus.