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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  New MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By lakegirl4 - November 5 - 9:07 am

  Just bought a 2013 MKX. After owning Subaru Outbacks for years, I couldnt stomach the new ugly models with useless cargo racks. I was looking for cargo space, kayak carrying capability, comfortable seats, a color other than gray, black or white, and gas efficiency. The MKX beat out the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, the Cadillac, the VW Toureg, and the Lexus. Most of the others had very ugly silver consoles. The MKX has everything I was looking for and is beautiful inside. The seats and finish are wonderful. I love the steering wheel controls. Only thing Im not crazy about is the front end - low and massive. First American branded car Ive owned in over 30 years! Good Job Ford!

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  She Made the Choice - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By gardnpc - October 31 - 10:56 pm

  My wife did all the research and selected this over the Mazda CX-9 and Highlander. Its her car! We got the Creme Brulee with Camel interior and she just loves it. The sticker was just over $39,000 and we did the deal for $35,000 even. We went to dealer equipped with the Edmunds TMV analysis and it saved us quite a bit of haggling. We drove the Edge as well, but the Lincoln suspension and interior quality is a big upgrade. Doesnt feel like the same vehicle. We really like the Vista roof and heated/cooled seats. She thinks its nearly like a convertible. Reliability has been excellent. We like the fact it burns regular gas. All in all, a very nice package.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By weslowery - July 13 - 9:07 pm

  It is so comfortable and nice to ride in and drive. Its not your traditional town car thats for sure but rides just as good and gets looks from everyone. The heated and cooled seats are awesome and the sunroof almost makes it seem like its a convertible because its so big.

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  A Lincoln for the Younger Crowd - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Greg Arserio - May 5 - 11:20 pm

  A Lincoln... at 32 years old! I thought Id be 30 years older before buying a Lincoln, but when shopping for a Ford Edge, the decision was simple. If you are in the market for a fully equipped Edge, just go with the MKX instead. This is a beautiful ride with everything you could want. Very quiet, smooth and competent in all kinds of weather conditions. Great leg room in all seating positions... and this is coming from a 61" guy. Also, from a maintenance standpoint, Ford finally got the oil filter location right. Its in plain view, centered, plenty of room to unscrew it and place a drip pan underneath and nothing in the way as it drips dry. But wait, do Lincoln owners actually change oil?

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  nice vehicle except shoddy build quality - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By mcgyver64 - April 29 - 11:53 pm

  Engine has plenty of power. Comfortable seats, Ride is quiet and comfortable on smooth roads but gets a little harsh on bumpy roads (probably due to the 20" wheels). Rims are not chrome plated aluminum as stated, seems to be some type of wheel cover over alum rim. Overall build quality is substandard. Doors and tailgate do not line up properly. Center A/C vent not installed properly is crooked. Rain sensing wipers occasionally wipe when no water is present. Bluetooth is unreliable with my Blackberry which is on the MYSYNC compatible list. This is my 18th new vehicle and first Ford. Overall Im disappointed and would probably go back to Cadillac or Mercedes next time

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  BlueTooth is Horrible in MKX!! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By egcoffman - April 23 - 1:56 pm

  For all the bells and whistles in this vehicle, a fully loaded 2011 Lincoln MKX, what literally has brought my wife to tears is the bumpy ride and the awful sound quality of the Bluetooth. The bumpy ride is a product of the uber wheels which are very hard and thin as are all modern high performance tires. The suspension should have been designed to compensate for those stiffer tires to reduce jarring to the driver and passengers. But, the BIG problem is the Bluetooth! The static is unbelievably bad!! Ford has failed to use a Bluetooth system that can operate with their electronics. The static heard by the person you are talking to is literally deafening, especially at highway speeds.

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  Very nice - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Abe - July 17 - 2:10 pm

  I thoroughly enjoy the vehicle. Performance and mileage are very good considering the type of vehicle. My only real criticism is the level of finish under the seats...too many wires and cables visible. I would recommend an MKX!

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  hsa small problem - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By allen - March 29 - 4:36 am

  love the car, I have 4kmiles ,noticed a smell of fumes in car. mostly when I down shift to enter highway ,so bad I need to open window, FL dealer look at it and said they fixed it , still happens called Lincoln and made an appointment with my dealer upstate NY. if the fumes are so great wonder how much with normal acceleration it give out to cab, worried about grand kids in car . hope Lincoln has reading equipment to measure the amount of exhaust in the inside of car, this may be a defect in the mkx , FL did not have that model to test another mkx .as far as gas mileage 24 on the hwy. but only 12 to 13 in traffic ,the car itself look great, rides great, handles great, it has all the options , seat message great, safety very good

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  Yah, this car is cool too - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By pcohenchicago - December 26 - 10:50 am

  Over the past couple of years I have owned an Acura MDZ, Nissan Maxima, Acura RL (2006), Acura TL, Dodge Charger SRT8, Toyota Avalon, Ford Explorer, and a Jeep Wrangler. Ive test driven MANY more. Why so many? I just couldnt find the vehicle that suited all of my needs. Along comes the Lincoln MKX. The styling won me over and driving it was icing on the cake. Well thought out design and all the creature comforts to make this a great road-trip machine. I got mine fully loaded with the Pan roof and THX yadda yadda. Loveing-it so far. At 35, I feel this car fits me perfectly.

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  Really Great Car!! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By crossums - July 31 - 2:56 pm

  Ive been driving the 07 MKX for about 3 years now. What can I say, the car is just good all around. The outside presents a nice clean and smooth look. The one I drive is in black so it looks as good as any other black car on the road during the night time. My favorite part of this car is the tail lights. Its not like the protypical tail lights on cars. The Long straight bar lights look great and can you can easily tell this car apart even from the sister MKT from the rear. The car offeres decent performance. Isnt the most fuel efficient car by far but is solid. At $2.75 a galllon your looking at a $50 fillup at the pump. Good Pick. Just take car of her!