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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  Never Lease From Lincoln - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By aaayron - December 28 - 11:30 am

  Its a bad idea to lease anything from Lincoln. Did you know that at the end of your lincoln lease, if you want to trade in your lincoln to anyone else but Lincoln, they will not release the car to anyone but you (the lessee) or a Lincoln dealer. I found this out the hard way today when i went to trade my leased Lincoln in for a cadilac. The cadilac dealership was giving me a good price that would have covered the payoff and the last 3 payments on my lease, but they would not allow cadillac to buy the car. being over my mileage, I could have avoided the mileage fees, excess wear and the last 3 payments. Now i have to use half my down payment i set asside just to get out of my lease.

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  Refreshing American X-Over - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Allen - December 1 - 8:13 pm

  The vehicle has more room for 2nd row passengers than my Navigator. Very comfortable on long trips. Great radio and nav system. And descent fuel economy for the vehichle size.

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  Didnt Want to Give it Back! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Happy in Florida - November 28 - 1:43 am

  I first came in contact with the 2016 Lincoln MKX in Albuquerque, NM. We had rented a full-size sedan, but were offered the MKX instead. We agreed and fell in love. I had rented suvs in the past, but had never owned one and never thought I would. Ive always been a luxury car guy. We drove the MKX around town for 9 days and were very reluctant to turn it in. My wife and I joked about driving it back to Florida instead of flying. We could find no faults. When we returned home, I began my quest for a new suv since we had become believers. I considered Lincoln, BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover and Cadillac. We researched and test drove all. Everything considered, we easily chose the MKX, not only for best value, but we also just liked it better than the others. We ended up with one identical to the one we had rented - white with cappuccino interior, 3.7 liter, Reserve level. We recently returned from a 1,500-mile road trip, had no problems and are even more pleased. After 1 1/2 months and a total of 1,650 miles, we know we made the right decision.

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  Shweeeeettttt Ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By tennisplaya - November 22 - 6:06 am

  I just bought the 2009 MKX with the Navigation, Sync, 20 inch wheels, and THXII sound. I am absolutely blown away that a 5-year-old car with 101,000 miles can still run like new and look like new. The ride is quiet and the creature comforts are outstanding. Heated/cooled seats in the front and heated rear seats as well as the panoramic sunroof and incredible sound system round out the excellent package. It holds the road well due to its wide stance. This has gota be one of the nicest used cars I have ever seen and driven.

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  value for money - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Gerry - October 20 - 2:43 am

  This SUV packs a lot of value for money and and cost thousands less than the imports. It has all the TOYS the imports dont have. Why buy offshore when domestic quality is equal or better.

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  Great American Luxury Car - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By edave - October 1 - 12:30 am

  I love this vehicle. Ive been driving Saabs, but decided to switch to an American-made car. I could not be happier with my purchase. The car is stylish and comfortable. I feel like Im driving a luxury car that is still unique. Its been great!

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  not good - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jax not satisfied - September 16 - 11:36 am

  Although I love the looks and feel of this vehicle it has been nothing but a headache. Always in the shop. It is wonderful to drive when it is running! Service department seems to have no clue on what is wrong. Can anyone say lemon? it is unfortunate that I have had this experience because I had my eye on a Lincoln for a long time before I decided to buy one. Now it seems I made a huge mistake. I am thinking about getting a more reliable vehichle and just giving up on my pretty Lincoln. I need a car that is dependable because I have an infant and I dont want to be stranded on the side of the road again. So sad

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  I put it through its paces - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Vince - September 10 - 6:30 pm

  I researched and drove just about every mid sized SUV out there before deciding on the MKX. It came down to the Lexus RX and the MKX. No question, the MKX is a better value than the RX, especially with the year deals out there. I bought the MKX the day before Christmas. We took it on a long trip the week after Christmas that involved roughly 2,000 miles of driving. FL to NC to VA and back to FL. The driving was a good mix of interstate, around town and curvy mountain roads. I could not be happier with the performance and handling! We averaged roughly 24 MPG on the highway, 18 around town. Right on the money per the window sticker. This car is everything I expected and more!

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  A big trouble - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LincolnOwner - August 31 - 1:33 pm

  I owned this for one year and have a problem after problem. I have 8000 miles and already replaced bi- pillars. There is a noise in a driver door and a panoramic roof area. Service trying to repair it and they dont know how. After 3rd time will hope for a lemon law. There is a problem with Ford. They dont know how to build a vehicle and service doesnt know how to repair them. You are on your own. Do yourself a favor, do not buy it. Or you will spend all your time in a service. Very poor quality of interior. I made a mistake when I bought it.

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  Wish I had looked closer - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Sorry - July 16 - 1:26 pm

  Had a Toyota Sequoia which I wish i had back. When you buy this car make sure you are a short person as your knees will reach the dash board if you are over 5 11. Cant say the gas mileage has been great, but a little better than the Sequoia. Seats are hard.