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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  Downsize - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Southern girl - June 20 - 1:30 am

  From a Navigator to MKX, sizable change, but so far great CUV! Hoping for better gas mileage than Ive gotten so far. Lincoln could make a go cart and I would buy it. Enough about the grille, I like it better than the Ford Edge. Interior could have a little less plastic and more bling! Wish the tailgate window opened.

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  Lincolns Luxury - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Rick - May 23 - 7:50 pm

  I researched and test drove the Acura MDX, RDX, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and the Lincoln MKX. I was planning on purchasing the Lexus 350 and/or the Honda Pilot but absolutely hated the newly designed appearance of both. I read reviews on Edmunds for the past 6 months and was somewhat concerned about purchasing the Lincoln MKX which was rated slightly less than the Toyota Highlander. We have had a Toyota Avalon and a Honda Crosstour prior to the new purchase and was leaning towards them again, but I have to say, that so far, I am in love with the Lincoln MKX for all of the above rated reasons. I previously owned a Lincoln Continental and was impressed with the vehicles overall functions, comfort and safety, so I felt that I had some history with the Lincoln product. I have owned the vehicle for two weeks so far and drove it home from Chicago (345 miles) being the second closet dealership to have the vehicle that I wanted. I ended up with the luxury package and am glad that I took the upgrades. This vehicle has everything that a driver wants and the handling and comfort is fantastic. I would highly recommend that a person takes a second look at this vehicle prior to purchasing anything else. It is a head turner for sure. By the way, I almost didnt buy the vehicle because I dont like the commercials with a certain actor.......

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  Lovin It - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By twotrees - May 16 - 4:13 pm

  After being sure that my next car would be the Acura MDX, I drove the Lincoln MKX at my husbands request...and now I own a fully-loaded Limited Edition MKX. I found the MKX to have a softer, quieter ride, better visibility, and easier to use features- -not to mention an amazing panoramic sunroof. With the addition of SYNC on the 2008, the deal was sealed. Although many do not consider the MKX a competitor for the MDX, a side-by side comparison reveals a more luxurious feel and all the option--for considerably less. Although many feel American cars are not as reliable..I decided not to trade my 1999 Navigator with 165,000 that is still going strong!

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  Best in Class - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By baffledu2 - April 23 - 4:40 am

  Great Looks, great safety equipment, to many toys to mention, drives like a dream with plenty of power, corners very well. and is the quietest vehicle Ive ever owned. Power lift gate and huge power roof are great ideas. The 2nd row seats fold with a button. No other make puts it together like this for the price.

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  Looked at Everything - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Josh Bradbury - April 22 - 7:13 pm

  Looked at the ML350, MDX, SRX, Q7 and the Edge. What sold me on the MKX was the Sync voice activation, the THX surround sound system and the vista moon roof (I got the 102A package.). I never would have thought that I would have bought a Lincoln at 34 (I think of my Dads old car) but this is definitely a new wave of Lincolns. I came out of a Land Rover LR3 with the Mark Kardon system and the THX sound in the MKX blows it away. Only improvements would be front parking sensors and not having to say "USB" to get to the ipod menu.

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  This is the one! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Lincoln Man - April 13 - 6:00 am

  I had a 2006 Mountaineer Premier, and was not in the market. I on a whim drove the MKX and owned one days later. This is the coolest ride ever, fast, smooth, and this thing does everything but brush my teeth. well equipt. All I can say is take one for a ride you will be in heaven on wheels. I am 62" guy and have plenty of room, sound system is very nice, and the Nav.

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  Best Car we have owned, hands down! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Mick - March 30 - 1:47 pm

  Not the best on mileage with the AWD but it handles great. Ours was very reliable with no problems that were major. We just bought a 2016 MKX and other than the Front "Wings" styling, we Love it!

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  best suv/crossover I could find - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By tx1949 - March 25 - 12:03 am

  I looked at a lot of SUV and crossovers and I liked the MKX best. The combo of style, performance, and features made it easy to "buy American." I like how it drives; more of a sedan feel rather than a truck- like drive. Cooled seats in Texas set it apart from all the others. I really like the Ipod hookup, satellite radio, nav system, and hands free phone functions. And they are all integrated & work perfectly. I averaged 19 mpg for the 36k miles I had it; and the 6 cyl had plenty of zip. Only negative is that the battery died after 2 years but the quick response I got from the dealer made up for even that one negative. I am spoiled and will not go back to a lesser vehicle.

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  My New MKX - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By James M - March 24 - 2:03 am

  I picked up my MKX leased vehicle on 3/20 with AWD and the luxury and technology is amazing. I had an SEL Edge for the prior two years, and liked it, but this is a whole other level.

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  My Baby of a Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Shelly - March 22 - 1:56 am

  I had my mind set on the ML350 but went for the MKX after my first test drive. I am a commuter so I had to treat myself to something comfortable and classy to keep me sane. MKX fit the bill. Simply put, I love the car. Just a couple of improvements Id like to see.