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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  My Touch Sucks Indeed - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By mattd42 - April 11 - 5:16 pm

  The issue I have is with the inability of the touch screen to respond to my touch command. Upon not doing so, I inadvertently applied too much pressure with my one finger and thereby broke the outer plastic. Thinking this would be a routine warranty issue I was shocked to find out from the Dealer that it was not and therfore necessitating me using my comprehensive insurance coverage to the tune of a whopping $1,900.00. As per Gomer Pyle, USMC of the old TV Series, Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!!!

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  My Touch\Sync dosent work - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By thrassos - April 11 - 2:43 am

  I got my 2011 MKX AWD Limited edition six weeks ago, the in dash computer kept freezing up, called Lincoln was told that they are aware of the issue but no update available as of yet, finally after six weeks the came out an update, it took the dealer two days to update, picked up vehicle late in the day, in the morning the vehicle was DOA. I came out of a MKX 2008 which never had a problem, loved it. My question is, how can Ford ship a vehicle with a known issue???. The 2011 interior is a lot noisier in then the 2008.

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  Design for cold? No - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Roger C - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  Four months of driving and I still have problems with knocked knee caps on the dash. I took it in hoping that there was a recall on the tail gate lifting cylinders as any time below 32 degrees it only lifts 3/4 open. Slow learner took me two head knocks to remember to push up to load, so I have to open back gate before taking things out of the house. My Town and Country does not have this problem. Dealer said it works when in the shop and would do nothing to fix the problem. As a new stock holder I hate to write this but as a tax payer I more understand why some companies should go out of business.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Tom - March 27 - 7:16 am

  MKX is designed with style. The exterior design is eye catching. Nice front grill, adaptive headlamps, heated mirrors, chrome 18" wheels are great to see. The interior is well done. LED lighting, wood trim, A/C and heated seats are nice. Low cabin noise is a plus. The power lift gate is excellent. Memory seats are worth every penny!! Handles nice especially on an open road. Even though the seats are hard it is a comfortable ride.

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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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  Wow! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By RT - February 13 - 9:06 am

  What an incredible car. We had a 2006 Cadillac CTS. Had to move to something not RWD and a little bigger. Looked at the Edge, looked at GM products, as I was a GM loyalist, but nothing compared to the MKX. Great styling, superb comfort, cool features, all rolled into one little sharp CUV. I could go on and on about this vehicle. We usually change cars it seems like every couple of years. I dont see us giving up the MKX. Oh I almost forgot, zero interest as well. Now who doesnt love free money! What a super value all around. Always looking forward to the next time I get to drive it.

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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.

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  Nice little UCV/SUV - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By New to Lincoln - January 2 - 6:03 am

  Im not big on American cars but I had this car for about 5 months now and I can say I get alot of enjoyment out of it. Its the base model and the only thing I dislike is the gas mileage. Its only an expensive ford edge so if you want something a little less expensive go with the edge. The interior is great though. Love the layout of the dash. Front headroom is a little limiting but not a big deal. Fun to drive, has great pick up, sound system great, and TONS of front passenger storage. Takes regualr gas and performs excellent