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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  one for the Americans - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By former foreign guy - July 25 - 2:03 pm

  After owning foreign cars, my last 3 purchases have been Ford family vehicles. Test drove the Lexus, and found the MKX to be quieter and offer a better ride. Gas mileage has been acceptable and better than expected. Around 16 in town and 23 on hwy.

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  No Leg Room - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Problems - June 27 - 9:40 pm

  Just bought the 2010 MKX and took it on a 1000 mile trip. I did not have any leg room; my corolla has more leg room. My wife has to sit under the steering wheel to reach the pedals. The auto seat buttons are not located in the proper place. Whit them mounted on the side of the door, when you lean over to reach an ATM or to pay a toll you lean against the buttons and the seat will start moving, also I bumped the buttons several times with my elbow while driving and the seat started moving. The rear vents cannot be shut off if someone get too hot or cold (had to put a towel over them to shut them off).

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  Dream SUB - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By MKXLuva - April 26 - 12:53 pm

  I been eyeing this SUB since it came out! It took me 8 months to convince my hubby to buy me this car. We bought the 2008 Limited Edition with the 20" wheels. I LOVE LOVE this car! Its an eye candy! Lots and lots of compliments! Lots and Lots of look! We test drove a Benz, Lexus 350 and Acura and its uncomparable! I probably will drive this car for the next yearS to come!

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  Automatic Trunk - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jjake96 - February 13 - 3:26 pm

  We love this crossover. Rides nice and interior features are excellent. Had car for about 2 months and the only problem we encountered is the automatic trunk opener. Opens and doesnt close. It goes down and up and not closing properly. Been at the dealership twice already.

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  Nice car with seating and technology shortcomings - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By STUART BARNETT - September 16 - 9:36 am

  Very nice SUV with many good features. Noticeable shortcomings are very short front seats with not much leg support. Front headrest does not have much range of motion adjustment. Driver assistance function for maintaining lane will stop functioning when lines are yellow. Adaptive cruise control works very well.

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  Impressed with MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By ok_native - July 20 - 4:35 am

  We purchased the MKX to replace 2012 Infiniti FX 35 we had for 2 years. Although we loved the FX35, we both decided that we needed more interior space for travel. The FX 35 is not as roomy and accommodating. So far this has been a joy to own. Smooth and noise free driving. I am surprised to see that others have not had this same experience. We had a 2010 VW Toureg prior to the Infiniti and it was built rugged as well as luxurious. So, the MKX has a nice feel in the middle. I think it will hold well to taking the dogs to the vet as well as transporting the grandchildren to activities. I will come back and update after owning for a year, any negative issues.

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  dual climate control - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By thomas - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Lincoln MKX and am dissatisfied with the dual climate control air conditioning system. The system in the automatic mode does not cool the vehicle as stated in the manual. This was witnessed by service manager at the Ganley dealership in cleveland as well as a regional rep. They state the system is working within fords parameters. Flaw is that if the temperature outside is above 80 degrees the inside temp of the system is set at 70 or 72, when the temp inside the vehicle hits 80 the fan speed will reduce, and the vehicle will not cool in a reasonable amount of time (20 minutes? )as the manual states.I cannot safely drive and dial in the manual a/c.

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  I would recommend the MKX - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Lizardgizzard - July 7 - 9:00 am

  The wife and I liked the 08 MKX we had(a lease) so much that we purchased the 10 model. The MKX has been a great vehicle for traveling. The vehicle is comfortable, roomy, performs well in all weather conditions, and for the size has good performance. The gas mileage is the only down side. We took the vehicle on a 4000 mile trip and 19-21mpg on the highway is the best we could get. Overall I would recommend this vehicle, over Lexus or the others.

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  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 1184U - January 25 - 1:30 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle large enough to carry 4 passengers and luggage to and from the airport. Turns out this car was that and also great to drive. Very comfortable ride and all of the amenities. Navigation works well. No service issues over 2 years. We were going to buy a less expensive crossover, but were glad we didnt. "Sync", however, is annoying. The usb port for the ipod is great, no wires, charges the ipod. Voice commands arent worth the trouble. The indexing tells you each time that it experienced problems and you need to go their website - right! The phone would not stay connected with the bluetooth. The dealer and tech support were no help. Overall, great car.

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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.