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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  One Awesome Crossover - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By gmusser - July 21 - 6:26 am

  I researched this rig a lot and it is exceeding all the good news I found. We got a loaded one including the adaptive cruise - that is a great safety feature. The backup camera is awesome and there are also sensors in the taillights - not on the bumpers - very cool. On the second day, my wife was backing up and the sensors went off because a woman started walking behind her - an injury/law suit saved. The car has many redundancies built in which are extremely valuable. For example, the car can be entered with the fob, the touch handle, the Securicode on the door, or a key that is in the fob. It is keyless, pushbutton start - my wife leaves fob in her pocket. Gas mileage is near EPA.

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  I love my MKX - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Meg - July 7 - 3:35 am

  Comfortable and enough get up and go to keep me happy. I really do like this car and feel like driving it is stress free and almost relaxing. Great in snow and on ice with the AWD. I am getting better mileage than the sticker sheet said so am pleased with that.

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  Sync Not Ready for Prime Time - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By linkstur - July 3 - 5:27 pm

  Ill give the car high marks even though there are definitely problems with the touch system. I personally have an issue with my phone not staying linked to the car. It constantly disconnects, then re-connects. 4 to 6 times during a 20 minute ride to work. The computer thats in the car reminds me of an old 386. It works, but works slowly (relatively speaking). It sometimes takes 20 seconds or more before the radio starts playing after start-up. NEVER try to use the touch screen before the system is completely loaded...(about 45 seconds). If you do, it will not work well. But all this can/will be fixed. Most everything else works fine, and theres a LOT of very cool stuff.

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  What A Car! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By KeyedUp - June 25 - 10:03 pm

  Well, gotta tell you that this car is great. Ford just might have a winner here. Sure its a re-packaged Ford Edge, but they pulled it off. Fit and finish are perfect. Ride, handling and preformance are what youd expect. Well worth the extra dough over an Edge. I considered other crossovers, but they came off to me as either a station wagon or a small truck. Performace is better in the Lexus and couple of others which was nice but not important as the MKX is better priced. The MKX will get out of the way and run with any of them. Now, I only have a 1,000 miles with half that coming on a road trip that gave me 19.4 MPG. You gotta give MKX a look.

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  MKX love it - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Ranko - June 11 - 1:23 am

  Wanted this vehicle from the first time that I saw it and had it delivered in May. I commute 180 miles a day and it has been a pleasure to drive. Great mileage for a SUV and I get tons of admiring looks from other drivers and pedestrians.

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  Great quiet ride - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Larry reed - May 28 - 8:07 pm

  Based on previous luxury SUVs this MKX IS quiet and the seats are a lot more comfortable. A pleasure to drive and easy to get used to control functions. Why cant all cruise controls be on same side of steering wheel. Love interior lights and outside lights. Cargo area spacious and easy to access with multiple features. Handling and mileage are equal to previous SUV or maybe a little better. It remains to be seen how dealership compares to other luxury dealership. Love the trim package and available off lot, always had to order our cars in in the past to get colors and options we required.

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  ALL prior model drawback have gone away!!!! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Bob - March 15 - 9:45 pm

  This one has all of the technology available on all luxury SUZ on the market at far less price. The quality is excellent. All of the drawbacks of the prior version have been fixed.. Now has much smoother ride, better steering/handling, update look, comfortable drivers seat and steering wheel positions and adjustments. 360 degrees cameras, collision alerts, blind spot alerts, cross traffic alerts and adaptable cruise control are all musts in my judgment. And for those who like "toys", the ambient interior lighting choices are a fun thing. I have never like a vehicle as much. Seeing is believing....LOL, I sound like a Lincoln salesmen, but the car is just that good!!!!

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  Excellent Value, Enjoyable Drive - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By david2506 - March 5 - 8:51 am

  Great ca, enjoyable drive, nice tech stuff, but a glitch with the radio antenna. Turns out Linc. received a series of defective ones for the MKX from 2011 forward. Finally fixed by replacing the defective one with an antenna from Edge-same part numbers but different. I drove a 2013 model during the final replacement. Its antenna was worse.

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  Extremely Satisfied Buyer - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By cjoanne - February 18 - 6:36 am

  I have owned 2 SUV s in the past, and this is the type vehicle I like/need for my work. I researched the MKX along with Lexux, & Enclave, and chose MKX. Im glad I did, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I love this car! The handling of the car is tops on my list, and it looks great!

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  Bargain Luxury - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Todd W. - January 27 - 5:13 pm

  I wanted a vehicle that could tow up to 3500 pounds and not drive like a noisey / bouncy truck. This car is awesome! Ive had it over a year now, put 15,600 miles on it, and it has operated flawlessly. To make it perfect, Ive added an aftermarket backup camera and additional matching wood trim to the "Plain Jane" painted areas around the radio / center console areas. I love that it can quietly / rapidly accelerate and briskly corner without leaning. Year - end rebates, bonus cash, and generous dealer discounts made it irresistible.