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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  Impressed - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By ts - July 4 - 4:43 pm

  This car has been fun to drive. Good gas mileage 26 hwy, 19 city. nterior is very nice, smooth ride, and plenty of power. The radio is awesome and easy to use. The folding seats and rear trunk release are very easy to use. The adaptive head lights work really well. Dual AC works well

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  Love this SUV! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By hamom - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my MKX for almost a week. I was coming off a lease on a Ford Freestyle. I was looking to upgrade a bit and test drove so many SUVs...Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX (more wagon like), Audi Q7, Mercedes R (again..more wagon like) and didnt really consider the MKX because I wasnt thrilled with my Ford. I test drove the MKX and fell in love. The ride is fantastic, price was great. Love Sync. So far extremely happy with my decision.

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  Jorge37 - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By George37 - May 11 - 6:32 am

  The best car !!!!

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  LOVE MY LINCOLN - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Lrobillard1 - May 6 - 6:46 am

  I absolutely love my 2010 Lincoln MKX i traded in my 2006 Range Rover Supercharged for it. This crossover hauls to say its around 200 hp less than my range s/c. I test drove every similarly sized crossover I could think of and none come close. The Cadillac SRX is nice but sluggish and the lexus was oddly laid out on the inside. I paid 50k for the fully loaded limited edition with the dual dvd headrests and 600 watt sound system and im glad i spent the money. Lincoln has really brought themselves up to the plate.

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  Ups and downs - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By David - March 29 - 12:25 pm

  The upsides to the car: Handles and accelerates beautifully. I have the 2.7L ecoboost and the 21 inch rims. Power if plentiful, ride is smooth, and it handles like a much smaller sedan. Its a drivers vehicle and oozes competence on the road. I like most of the tech features a lot, and after my last vehicle (A BMW), Im glad to be looking at a sensibly laid-out touchscreen. All the parking aids and such are wonderful and the stereo sounds great. Lincoln has also been great, and Ive been really happy with the dealer support. The downsides: Even with the 22-way adjustable seat (which actually only adjusts in 7 or 8 different ways), I just cant get comfortable. The seats crane my neck forward and the bottom seat bolsters dig into my thighs. The ergonomics of the car are kind of a mess - as an example, the seat controls are silly complex, with multiple pull down menus and four or five different buttons. The transmission controls are on the dash, but that doesnt wind up freeing up any usable space - you get this goofy under console shelf that is barely usable. And, too bad if you want to power your phone - the power source is at the bottom of the dash and certainly impossible to reach unless you stop the car and bend down low. Some of the features just dont work very well: waving your foot under the back bumper rarely opens the back the first time, and the air cooled seats arent really very cool. MPG is abysmal (although nobody lied to me about that one - I knew that going in) and the visibility out back is atrocious. Somewhere in the middle: The fit and finish overall is very good, and the materials are mostly nice. For example, the leather on the seats is high quality. But, there are some hard cheap plastics in the interior. Feels real upscale to me, but I never owned a Lexus or Mercedes. Im not entirely sure Lincoln has hit the lofty objective of competing with Lexus.

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  So Far So Good! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By avgjo - March 22 - 4:03 am

  MKX quality far exceeds any that of the 2004 Saturn VUE I traded in. It is the perfect fit for my requirements; a versatile vehicle thats not too big with just enough extra convenience "stuff" to make it comfortable & fun. Great for country living with city style!

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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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  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 1184U - January 25 - 1:30 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle large enough to carry 4 passengers and luggage to and from the airport. Turns out this car was that and also great to drive. Very comfortable ride and all of the amenities. Navigation works well. No service issues over 2 years. We were going to buy a less expensive crossover, but were glad we didnt. "Sync", however, is annoying. The usb port for the ipod is great, no wires, charges the ipod. Voice commands arent worth the trouble. The indexing tells you each time that it experienced problems and you need to go their website - right! The phone would not stay connected with the bluetooth. The dealer and tech support were no help. Overall, great car.

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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...