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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  Disappointed - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Disappointed - February 27 - 4:36 am

  Have 1300 miles on car. Have owned several Fords-no problems. Bought this car to keep several years-wrong move. Very disappointed. Engine has loud single pecking noise at cold start after auto choke shuts down. Getting worse. Service department & Ford engineer hears noise, dont know what is causing it and that nothing can be done about it-say some do it and some dont? Also, constant struggle with steering- pulls out of road-wears me out to drive it. Feels like it doesnt have power steering at times. Service dept has checked and says normal for FWD-I have owned other FWDs that did not do that-a little stiffer steering I expected but not this. Bad move buying this car-lot of money wasted

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  Lovin The Ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Carmella Wade - February 20 - 4:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle back in August, and I am loving the ride. This vehicle is very smooth. I did not get the Navigation system or the vista roof. I have the DVD player. We put a DVD in and turned up the sound. You would think you were in a theater with popcorn. The system is nice. Also, this vehicle moves when you need to get moving. I really enjoy my MKX and would not trade it for the world.

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  Midlife Vehicle - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Lincoln MKX - January 25 - 11:53 am

  I drive a state vehicle for work and my wife has a one mile commute to work so our personnal vehicles have very low mileage. We do take a trip from Boston to NJ to visit the grandkids on our free weekends so we were looking for a real nice vehicle to make the trip a little easier. We searched around and decided on a MKX. It has already made four trips to NJ without any disappointments, it makes the journey so much more pleasureable. The MKX has not disappointed us one iota. But I have a question on the wheels, has anyone else noticed the chrome is seperate from the aluminum wheel? The Navigator wheel looks the same but it is one piece. And I have heard of the chrome on the MKX wearing off.

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  My "New" used Car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Barbara M Davidson - January 19 - 6:40 am

  I have had this car a little over 2 months now & I love it. I have always wanted a "luxury Car" and now I have one. I like all of the features that Is has included in it. It is comfortable to drive, quite roomy inside and handles well on the road. I have gotten up to 24 mpg on the open road and 19 - 20 mpg around town, so far.

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  I did my homework! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By porsche7 - December 26 - 9:33 am

  I love this car. Looked at Lexus ES350, Mercedes E-Class, Audi. I kept coming back to this car for its overall value, fun factor and genuine interest in how Lincoln could put all of this in such an affordable package. I can use this as a family car or just go out for a ride by myself. I do my homework when it comes to cars and I feel I was well rewarded.

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  My Touch Sucks - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By mkoops - December 13 - 3:17 pm

  The car is OK, the lincoln my touch is gonna make you hate it. If you get in the car and drive to the store, the car works great. If you want to do something like listen to the radio, be prepared to get angry. It does things like reboot leaving the volume loud and on an AM station for 2 or 3 minutes while it does it. The navigation is too hard and slow to use. It will take about 5 full minutes to get a restaurant detestation into it. The data base is WAY out of date. My Touch is awful.

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  Brand new Purchase - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By cfmillette - November 30 - 1:23 pm

  OK: After researching on the Internet, and having my wife look at/drive other competitors: she decided to buy a 2016 MKX - yesterday. So this review is very early on indeed. However: the car rides very capably and the cabin is very quiet. [I drive a sports sedan aggressively, but here the standard 3.7L V6 is fine] - we opted instead of the 2.7L Turbo engine for both the Driver Assistance and the Technology packages. Forget the earlier Ford "My Touch" - the newer SCYN3 interface seems pretty intuitive. Does this car warrant the added cost compared to its "parent" the lower cost Ford Edge? Do not know yet, obviously. But the ambience of the drivers cabin is entirely comparable to the Lexus RX-350, the new Cadillac XT5 et.al. We decided that, yep, the cachet of the Lincoln "name" was worth the cost. Note please: we are an older couple with disposable income, at least to a degree. Pure economy or ecological "Green" thinking issues are not highly weighted in our household. Regarding my comment regarding "Green" thinking! Yes, if my wife and I valued this aspect to the exclusion of all else - we would both be driving a Toyota Yaris or something akin. Nope, not going to happen at this point. Plus, I have made the following calculation: 18 mpg/driving 10,000 mpy (our situation) equates to something like 556 gallons of gasoline per year. Buying instead a car with predicted 22 mpg and driving the same 10,000 may, but using premium gas? In our neighborhood based upon local gasoline pricing, this means that we SAVE about $50/year. In other words totally inconsequential. Now with 500 miles driven - we love this car. Optional safety features work exactly as advertised and already have been appreciated. Do not need a third row? Less interested in sports car experience (I get that elsewhere!)? Want comfort and safety? Willing to buy American? Consider the newest version of the Lincoln MKX.

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  2nd Lincoln MKX in ten days - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 2ND LINCOLN MKX - November 24 - 3:00 am

  Aggressive, yet very inviting, approachable appearance of the car. My wife now has a black MKX and I chose the White Chocolate for keeping the car clean looking. Im a Buick owner (3 Regals) for the quiet and comforting cars they build. My wife wanted the Lincoln MKX. On the drive home, I instantly fell for the new levels of quiet in this Ford product - didnt believe it at first. No creaks, no sounds, and all the way around well functionally constructed design. Whether finding a comfortable seat, accessing the cargo bay or opening up the Vista roof, all are a pleasure.

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  Moved over to Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jbfalaska - November 13 - 6:23 pm

  Always a Buick owner. Quiet, rubber soft quiet tires, yet with power are my likes. Hated Ford products due to the incessant noise. No longer. I bought a black MKX for my wife and on the drive home, turned around and bought another 5 days later. Incredibly roomy, well thought out access to all seats, great sync features, good sound system, and the leather seats look tight yet flexible for seating.

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  a must see - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Todd - October 28 - 10:52 am

  Weve had an MDX for years and started our new search heavily biased towards getting a new MDX until I saw the new MKX at a stoplight. An online search showed this car to be nice value and the showroom did not disappoint. Our reserve model with upgraded ecoboost, tech and drivers packages is on par with the SQ5 for several thousand dollars less. This car is loaded up for the money. The cheaper of the Revel stereo options sounds awesome. Build and ride quality are on par or better than any of the new BMWs Ive driven recently (as a current BMW owner). Burned by Detroit before, I was hesitant to give Lincoln a chance but this car is a must drive if you are in the market for a small $50k SUV. Now, if my friends would just stop reminding me of the stupid Matthew McConaughey commercials...