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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  Do not buy - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By akalucky - August 7 - 8:50 pm

  I have just traded in my MKX after owning it for less than a year. The new Lincoln and Ford MyTouch Sync is a disaster. This system was pushed to market far to soon - very disappointed in Ford. The system is buggy and slow. Do not purchase any vehicle with the Ford or Lincoln MyTouch.

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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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  What a Rip Off - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By mkxripoff - July 30 - 10:19 am

  I traded my Lincoln Navigator for the new MKX due to the gas mileage it advertised. 20 city and 29 hwy. I drive hwy miles 90% of the time and never ever once got over 20mpg. I actually did 65mph for over a month to see if it was my driving and it never changed. I hate the car from every aspect. I wish I had never traded in my Navigator since I got an average of 15mpg and it was a much better vehicle. I feel like I was taken advantage of by Ford. Every manufacturer to step up and do what Hyundai is doing and to reimburse owners and correct their estimates. I am stuck with this car for another two mieserable years. Hate it!

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  Impressed with MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By ok_native - July 20 - 4:35 am

  We purchased the MKX to replace 2012 Infiniti FX 35 we had for 2 years. Although we loved the FX35, we both decided that we needed more interior space for travel. The FX 35 is not as roomy and accommodating. So far this has been a joy to own. Smooth and noise free driving. I am surprised to see that others have not had this same experience. We had a 2010 VW Toureg prior to the Infiniti and it was built rugged as well as luxurious. So, the MKX has a nice feel in the middle. I think it will hold well to taking the dogs to the vet as well as transporting the grandchildren to activities. I will come back and update after owning for a year, any negative issues.

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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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  dual climate control - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By thomas - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Lincoln MKX and am dissatisfied with the dual climate control air conditioning system. The system in the automatic mode does not cool the vehicle as stated in the manual. This was witnessed by service manager at the Ganley dealership in cleveland as well as a regional rep. They state the system is working within fords parameters. Flaw is that if the temperature outside is above 80 degrees the inside temp of the system is set at 70 or 72, when the temp inside the vehicle hits 80 the fan speed will reduce, and the vehicle will not cool in a reasonable amount of time (20 minutes? )as the manual states.I cannot safely drive and dial in the manual a/c.

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  I would recommend the MKX - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Lizardgizzard - July 7 - 9:00 am

  The wife and I liked the 08 MKX we had(a lease) so much that we purchased the 10 model. The MKX has been a great vehicle for traveling. The vehicle is comfortable, roomy, performs well in all weather conditions, and for the size has good performance. The gas mileage is the only down side. We took the vehicle on a 4000 mile trip and 19-21mpg on the highway is the best we could get. Overall I would recommend this vehicle, over Lexus or the others.