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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  A Lincoln For Me - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Okie - April 15 - 7:40 am

  After visiting too many dealers that wanted to put me in a car I did not want, I finally found one that showed me the right car. Ive been a Ford pickup owner for decades, but this time I wanted a little better ride and comfort (with a 6 cyl auto). I did not like the ride in my son in laws X3 and could not believe how tacky most of the GM crossovers were. It came down to the Enclave and the MKX, and the deals on MKXs coming off one- year leases made the financial decision pretty easy. I did not want: vista roof, thx, navigation. Dealer got me what I wanted at the price I had researched. So far, so good at 11,300 miles.

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  Fuel - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Vicenta Calzadilla - June 19 - 11:10 am

  We owned jeeps Grand Cheroke all our lives. When we took a look to the Lincoln MKX, we fall in love with it. #1 it advertise 21 miles in the city and 27 on Hiway. We just went to orlando and we loved the ride. The only problem is that my old 2002 /8 cyl.jeep make better mileage, than the Lincoln mkx, which mark an average of 18 miles per gallon. We are senior citizens and travel all over. I am concerned about the gas. If it does not improve we will trade it back. Please let me know if there is something wrong with this car. thank you. Vicky Calzadilla.

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  MKX Owner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LJ - November 17 - 5:00 pm

  Havent had it long but love the way it drives. One thing they need to replace in a hurry are the front seats. Starting with mine. The drivers seat as well as the passengers is tipped up where your back of your knee is. By 45 minutes in driving your legs tingle then go to sleep. Not good! There should be a movement as such, designed in the lever so you can tip it down.

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  Head turner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By NYCdriver - October 2 - 4:56 pm

  This is a great vehicle with a quiet fast engine. Lincoln once again delivers its signature smooth ride. I realized that speeding is becoming a habit when Im behind the wheel. Not feeling how fast Im trvaeling. You would not believe how many looks this SUV gets. My passengers notice it as well.

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  Nine Crossover - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LadyBird - July 18 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased used about 5 weeks ago. The style and comfort sold me. The curb appeal and MPG are nice surprises. The vehicle has FWD w/Michelins - an absolute must have if you want ride comfort, low noise and great mileage (29.9 Hwy; 22.3 surface streets). This vehicle is everything I was looking for. I will have this one for a long time!

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  Great car with terrible software - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By kazolar - June 4 - 11:39 pm

  How can Ford release a car without actually driving it. It seems to me that you drive the car you notice that the in dash system plain doesnt work. Ive seen tons of ads pimping all the great techy aspects of the Sync system -- they must be using a different system in some test bed, because on real cars its an exercise in futility and frustration. Talking to it is like talking to a developmentally challenged child -- so when it gets something right my wife and I hi-five. Indexing music is like having a root-canal. GPS cuts out loose track of you on an empty road with clear skies and no trees. Too many irritating popups. Not recommended!!!

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  First Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Bartlett92 - April 26 - 3:53 pm

  My wife and I just replaced our Cadillac. We were going to buy foreign, but with the latest troubles with one of the companies, we thought twice. The jury is still out, but so far the car is what most people have said it would be. The gas mileage is what we got with the Caddy. One good thing is it uses Reg. gas.

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  Now its the transmission! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Diana - December 20 - 2:33 am

  Factory ordered. Passenger door air noise and rattle fixed and defective molding on interior fixed. Air conditioner hose soaked driver floor. 16,000 miles later, rear tailgate stopped opening automatically one day. Transmission slipping now at 17,000 miles. From day one, on an incline and going slow while turning steering box noise but Lincoln found "nothing unusual". MPG hwy. 21.7, city 19

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  Nice CUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Kenny - December 18 - 1:43 am

  Leased my 08 MKX now for a month and it is a pretty good vehicle. I have enjoyed driving it. I get lots of compliments on the looks of the MKX. The car is comfortable to drive and generally easy to manuever. Read below about the brakes. Powerful THX soundsystem is awesome. Roomy for passengers. Overall, I can recommend this vehicle. It just needs to fix a couple things to be considered an elite gotta have vehicle.

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  My Sync - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By fman47 - December 2 - 12:09 am

  I would have rated this car a lot better but I am totally disgusted with the "My Sync". In plain terms, it is a piece of crap! I been back to the dealer 3 times and since I have been I still having reliability problems such as bluetooth drops out by itself - 4 times Navigation system - SD Failure 3 times Response of system slow - almost always voice activated calls; 20 -30 seconds before it dials the phone -15 times voice activation in consistent in understanding the request.