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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  Annoying - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Jerry Zee - September 14 - 12:57 pm

  Great car. Called a SUV but it really is not. The 2015 was taller and more like a true SUV. The 2017 is lower and slightly wider. We opted for the 2.7L turbocharged model. The turbocharger is loud on acceleration and very annoying. Dealer said all is well and nothing wrong. Took an identical car for a test drive and its turbo also was very loud on acceleration. Test drove several other Ford vehicles that were turbocharged and could not hear any noise upon acceleration. Apparently this problem is unique to 2017 Lincoln MKX with the 2.7L that is turbocharged. This problem is not recognized by Lincoln so my advice is to refrain from purchasing this model until the problem is resolved.

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  Couldve had a V8!!!! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Joy - September 8 - 1:05 pm

  I bought it used. Beautiful vehicle. Took it home decided to give it a a good wax job and to my surprise the rust was eating it up. I took it back to the dealership for help with this. Nothing, it has 54,000 miles on it and they told me to contact Lincoln. No help there either. About a year later, I receive safety recalls, rust corrosion because the 2008 was not sealed properly. So check your gas tank straps and cooling system for excessive corrosion. Took it for inspection, even the covering on my shocks are ate off by rust. The entire frame is extensively rusted. Lincoln said to have it inspected. I did. Yes its extensive Ms dumbass for buying this vehicle, but no safety issues so nothing will be done. I call bullshit!! This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit. BEWARE!! I will never buy another FORD product.

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  Poor experience from Lincoln - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By medic2012 - September 3 - 4:09 pm

  I had bought a 2013 MKX from Planet Lincoln. The vehicle had a lot of interior noise from the road and surroundings. I was told by the service manager that this was normal. I went back to the sales associate and explained that I was not satisfied with the noise the response I got was too bad there is nothing we can do for you. Very pricey for a sub par vehicle

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  Wow - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Jason - August 20 - 9:03 am

  The more I drive it the more I like it. My MKX is epuipped with the Sync system which lets you tell it what youd like to hear or who youd like to call through Bluetooth. Ive got a 160 GB hard drive connected to the system and can voice command my entire music library which is absoulutely amazing. I actually like the firmer seats that some of the reviews reference as a negative. They feel very German (I had a BMW that had very firm seats). The interior is great. Materials are quite nice and the ride is very quiet. My neighbor that has a 2007 M-B ML 63 AMG wants to trade in for the Lincoln (Im not kidding).He cant get over the sound system and the Vista Roof. I would definitely recommend

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  Good Vehicle - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By John - August 16 - 2:33 pm

  I Looked at Infinity and BMW and Lexus. When I tested the Lincoln, It was as good as the rest with more room and it uses regular gas. It suffers from a little road noise on some surfaces but over all it is very quiet and a good ride. I have over 3000 miles and so far so good. No problems. Gas milage has been 23.5 best on the interstate and around 20 average but Im a little heavey footed. I like the performance and braking. It gets a lot of comments from passers by.

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  Expectations Realized - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Shawn - August 13 - 3:50 am

  Overall, the MKX is quick, looks very sharp, has a nice ride and a very accommodating "main" cabin, with decent fuel economy. It is pretty sweet to get this kind of power from a six using regular fuel and move 4400 lbs with gusto! The THX Audio system is excellent, the controls are logically located and operate in a crisp and refined manner.

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  Great Car - Do NOT get the My Touch Nav System - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Michelle - August 4 - 1:07 am

  This care is so comfortable and drives fantastic... BUT do not let them sell you on the My Touch navigation system. They are moving all this year to Sync 3 which is great but are still selling early 2016 models with My Touch - It is frustrating, slow and will leave you stranded. I had a loaner with the Sync 3 and it was night and day. I love this car but I bet I will get rid of it within 3 years due to the navigation system....It takes forever to compute and randomly the keyboard just disappears. I have taken it in and they cant do anything about it... I would recommend this car to anyone as long as you dont get suckered into the old nav system. I do have to say that the service folks and Gwinnett Lincoln have been a pleasure to deal with. I do wish the Lincoln dealership/Service was completely separate from Ford due to it is very busy but the staff does go above and beyond.

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  Rusty paint product - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By hpp2 - July 18 - 12:49 pm

  My MKX is only seven months plus old with all features warranty plus anti rust package. But I am disappointed to see my MKX with rusty condition and not getting a proper help from Ford. I would request all of you who has this vehicle go and check if you have such issues for safer side otherwise it will be too late to react.

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  Look elsewhere - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By T. Ross - June 22 - 9:00 am

  This is a replacement of a Murano, and a lexus RX before that. I bought it for the clean crisp look and wanted to try a domestic again. Wrong! After only 6500 miles, it has been in the shop four times. The satellite radio/nav went out, transmission has a noticable "clunk" when shifting at slow speeds between 5-8 mph, and a brake sensor went out. The dealer cant find or duplicate the tranny problem but I feel it everyday. Im getting rid of this car and am looking for a replacement with the Infinity FX or Acura MDX. Im done with the domestics if this is the best they can do.

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  My Car - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Spencer Hirshman - June 10 - 5:58 pm

  Beautiful car with a very attractive interior. Extremely quiet and smooth riding with solid construction. Controls easy to operate. Roomy interior with excellent storage. Nice materials.