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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  Great so far - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By jon ollie - January 6 - 4:36 am

  I just got my MKX. I love it so far. It rides smooth, good power. Sometimes it surprises me with the acceleration. I traded in my Mountaineer and I dont feel I gave up any room or space. Im getting a lot of looks on the street! The base model has everything you need. I sprung for the vista roof. If you want the nav system or the THX sound system about $5000 more.

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  Looks Good, Quality not job one! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By m. fry - January 3 - 5:20 pm

  Basically a Ford Edge all day. Numerous factory paint defects. MPG to date less than 15 MPG. Vista roof noisey and rattles. Fit and finish questionable. Engine has noisey lifter on start-up, which means oil not getting to lifter. Clad chrome wheels look like hub caps. Obviously made a mistake on this one, fortunately it is a lease. Needs a better quality engine, over-all quality and materials needs to be improved. Vehicle is deceptive, looks great but a lot of hidden problems that others may not tell you about.

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  Love my MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By LUVMYMKX - December 17 - 11:10 pm

  First vehicle I have ever purchased new. Amazing in the Snow better than any other SUVs I have owned..Classy, safe, a eye turner..love it love it!!

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  Run!!!!! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By greeny480 - December 1 - 6:41 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 2011 and within 1 1/2 years time I had to take in to have warranty covered items fix on 6 occasions. After 3 attempts to fix a faulty power steering problem with no success, I traded in and went back to Cadillacs.

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  Solid, Silent, & Stylish - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By pilot_guy - October 15 - 12:10 am

  After 2 months of shopping, we traded in our 8-year old Volvo XC70 for the MKX. It matched our driving style perfectly (suburban errands and roadtrips in Minnesota), and is every bit as solid as our Volvo. Loaded it with every option except the "cargo convenience" package. AWD was a must, as were heated seats. The MKX is only one of the group (Lexus RX350, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, etc) with the higher ride of an SUV, without the attendant "roll" and bumps. Noticeably quieter than the others. The MYSYNC system works very well, but you MUST have the salesman walk you through the features, and limitations of the voice-activated interface. The two-tone leather interior is sharp. Avg 19 mpg

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  Giving Detroit and MKX a try - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By MKX in DC - October 14 - 11:36 am

  Pros: We were shopping for a luxury SUV Crossover. We have not owned an American car in decades. We test drove the usual suspects, the RX350, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, but kept coming back to the MDX because of its powerful 2.7L Ecoboost engine, generous cabin space, Sync 3 (Do not get the older version of Sync), as the Sync 3 is fantastic and quite intuitive. The 4 year warranty made us feel better about buying American. We have had our MDX for a month now and love it! We will be taking it on a long road trip soon and we will report back about how the MDX performed. Cons: Gulps down fuel and seem to always be filling it up.

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  Over-rated - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Morris Sgro - October 11 - 12:50 am

  As far as the exterior style goes, nice lines, sharp looking! Here comes the bad news! It has a horrible exhaust noise that sounds like a cow ready to give birth! The ride is smooth if youre on a newly paved road, but at higher speeds, turn up the volume! The MKX needs to be find tuned, there are just too many squeaks and rattles for it to be marked Lincoln! Its a glorified Ford Edge! Too bad! Nice looking!

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  Noisy tires - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By kate - October 2 - 7:56 pm

  This was an incredibly quiet car to drive until about five months ago. I started hearing "wawawa" sound from the tires when moving and our trusted tire man rotated and aligned them saying the noise was due to "cupping." There is no uneven tread wear or any tread wear for that matter. Was told if continued, though annoying, was perfectly safe to drive on these Michelins. Not what I had in mind for a luxury car.

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  Superb Limited Edition - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By cb - October 1 - 12:03 am

  You know this is a special vehicle if I traded my 04 Mercury Marauder and 08 Ford Bullitt Mustang to get this. I have the AWD Limited Monochromatic version with all the goodies. Great looking black grille and two toned interior set it apart from the rest. Drives great and has enough power to accelerate when needed. Great ride height. Built very well. All doors sound solid when closing. Uncluttered engine compartment. Easy access through the powered rear hatchback.

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  "Learning" to love my Lincoln... - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By texanson - September 14 - 8:21 am

  Traded my ML350 Benz for this little jewel in April. Drove it off showroom floor. Loaded. All options. Its my second car. The first few months, I did not like this car. I wouldnt drive it. I couldnt figure out how anything worked and was constantly having to actually pull over, and get out the owners manuals and learn how to turn on this or that option. It was very frustrating. However, in time, and after 6000 miles, I have, indeed fallen in love with this car. I find myself chosing to drive it more and more. IT has a learning curve for sure, but with some patience and teaching the old dog new tricks, its a great, fun car, that turns heads, and a real treat to drive,you will learn to love.