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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  Lincoln MKX - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By car lover - April 24 - 12:56 am

  Very nice driving and styling. More road noise than I expected but not bad. Had 2004 Toyota Highlander prior but we both like this one better. Mileage is 20 mpg and 25 mpg on open road.

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  Great Crossover - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By J. Flauto - April 19 - 4:33 pm

  I leased this Linclon for my wife who has her grandchilders at time. She is extreamly happy with the car.She can put both of the grandchildern in the rear car seats without bending. The car has 7,000 mile and never been back to the dealership for any reason. I enjoy driving this & when I take it on a trip I get 25MPG plus. Around town it gets high 17 or low 18. I like this Lincoln so well that I am considering the new 2009 or 2010 Lincoln MKS for my business car. P/S I also own a LS 430 Lexus.

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  FUN FUN Car!! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By sisper - March 18 - 10:55 pm

  Had the car for 10 days. Drove 350+ miles. Fantastic! impresses everyone from interior to exterior looks and features. powerful torque! Powerful yet sturdy and quiet. Fun to drive in Manual mode. Back camera outrageously fun to use. voice commands makes you feel like playing around with it! Ambient lights make you want to try them all! roof for driver and passengers? awesome! sensors for blind spot cars? amazing. Opening the trunk without taking the keys off packets while caring grocery bags, should be made into LAW! MUST have! steering wheel too good to describe. Test drive to understand. do you want 5 days weather forecast? no problem. sports scores? no problem! The LEATHER SEATS, ohh! etc

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  Simply a great car!!!! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By fordlincoln - March 3 - 12:22 pm

  This is my 3rd consecutive Lincoln - just sold my 06 LS and bought the 11 MKX. This car is fantastic. I did compare this with Cadillac SRX and it was really no comparison at all. The Lincoln simple had more standard features that I wanted. The new looks and the highly advanced technology really sold me on this vehicle. IMO, the new front grill and the new taillight design are BIG improvements over the previous MKX. The MyLincoln Touch sync system is unbelievable. I am far from a techie, but I do like new technologies and the MyLincoln Touch system is great. If you are not very proficient with new technology you may have a longer learning curve, but it is well worth it. I am still finding new things out and I have had the car for almost 3 weeks. I actually like the the touch screen technology more than the voice recognition. It is very similar to using a smartphone.

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  Worst bang for the buck - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By traci8 - February 15 - 9:21 pm

  I purchased this vehicle brand new loaded. At 5K miles I had to have the thermostat changed due to vehicle having a short and not starting. At 10K miles the power steering went out and took the vehicle to "Lincoln dealership for repairs and they had to fix the "power steering" over 6 times but would not classify the vehicle as a LEMON as they have experienced Lincoln advisors at the disposal of the service techs. well my car in the shop yet again for the same thing and they had my car for over 2 weeks and I just received a call that I will just have to live with the slight whining noise in the vehicle. Are you kidding me. Lincoln doesnt stand behind their products so please stay away.

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  Buy American and love it! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By fruntha1 - January 25 - 1:00 am

  I drove all the crossovers and desided on the MKX.It has the best ride of all. I consider the MKX the best looking of all the crossovers.

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  love it as much as the day I bought it - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bee - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot, and have had this vehicle for 3.5 years, and honestly love it as much today as the day I bought it. Fun to drive, I get positive comments often, and weve had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I love the large sun roofs too.

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  Mytouch gone wrong - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Unhappy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Ok looks good. Feels good. But I believe I am part of the first recall with locking problem. In addition the technology of the car would be amazing if it did infact work. The phone will not sync with bluetooth. The navigation locks up. The rear camera blacks out in a regular basis and the only fix Lincoln has at this time is temporary. The disconnect the car battery for ten minutes to reset system. I have had the car for about 2 weeks now and the car mytouch system has failed at least 6 times and the temporary fix has lasted 5 day at most. The promise of a fix has been delayed twice now. Customer service at both ford and the dealership is lacking. This has been a issue ford was aware of.

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  Awsome Car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By E - January 3 - 7:30 pm

  At first i was skeptical about buying a lincoln but after driving this car it has completely changed my thoughts about the car company. This is a great car. Its fast, handles great and looks great in the black i got it in. Interior materials are tip notch and this car is easily up there with the RX350 and ML350. Gas milage is great even though i have only had it about a week now. The optional THX surround sound w/ navi is worth the splurge and so is the panorama sunroof....Great car overall....

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  6,000 miles and zero defects - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By CocoaOwner - December 27 - 9:13 pm

  Ive driven my MKX 6,000 miles -- about half and half road trips and in-town. In-town handling is just outstanding, comfort is fine (I need to get some window tinting done, though). While I prefer the sofa-style comfort of a Town Car for long trips, I was very pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the MKX turned out to be on a long trip -- Im 62" and hefty and still there was very adequate room and comfort. There has not been one thing wrong with the vehicle -- fit and finish are great. I added correct-color side ding protection strips and a Weathertech cargo mat. Though its no muscle car, both acceleration and braking exceeded my expectations.