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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  X Marks the Spot - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By carled63 - December 1 - 9:57 pm

  I love my 2016 Lincoln MKX Reserve. I looked a lot for a compact SUV that would have pedestrian alert and a 5-star IIHS safety rating. I also preferred one that had a lot of American content. I just could not find one that met my needs, and the ones that came closest--TBH--felt kind of cramped. I almost went with the MKC--a little concerned on size and very disappointed it did not have pedestrian alert. Then the salesman pointed out that the MKX had the 5-star rating with top-of-the-line pedestrian alert. In 5 minutes I decided to go for it, and I have not been disappointed! The car looks great--inside and out. I think the materials and look of the inside, in particular, are very high end. I also love driving the car; it is super quiet and smooth with very competent handling. I went with Reserve but skipped the Revel stereo, the 2.7 L turbo and the 22-position seats. Those all sound nice, but they add a lot to the price, and I am not that picky. I dont regret those choices. The premium (i.e., standard) stereo is fine. I did find that setting the option to adjust the volume with your speed helps a lot. I also think the 3.7 L base engine has plenty of power and is very smooth. Also, the standard seats are super comfortable with plenty of adjustments--recline, height, lumbar, thigh support, etc. I also like the extra space of the mid-size SUV vs. a compact. There are so many times I would cram stuff in the back of my last compact SUV, and I am finding it a surprising relief to have the extra space that a mid-size provides. Lincoln has also delighted me once or twice. For example, the cooled front seats are great on hot days. The power steering wheel adjustment made me smile too. And I enjoyed how simple the technology has been to set up. My car has Sync 3, and it is both easy to set up and is very intuitive to operate. My only slight disappointment is the gas mileage. It is more or less as advertised--and that is lower than with most compacts. That is the price you pay for space.

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  Fantastic - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By dsw - November 3 - 7:23 am

  Researched and drove a number of crossovers before purchasing the Lincoln MKX. The MKX was quieter and handled better than the Lexus RX 350. The MKX, in my opinion, is a better value-offering more options and toys than many other similar crossovers. While the MKX is slightly longer than the 2008 RX 350, the new 2009 RX 350 will be 5" longer in 2009 and a new design. While some have complained that the MKX seats are too firm ,we actually like the firmness.The Ford Sync and the navigation systems are fantastic. Very user friendly. Climate controls are extremely easy to use and uncluttered. Great acceleration. Brakes are a little soft. Gas mileage somewhat disappointing so far, but all SUVs are

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  Second mkx - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Scrowman - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got 2011 model after 48,500 miles on the 2009. New one has more power, is quieter, and technology is improved. Love the comfortable ride since I drive 600-700 miles/week. New model has better materials-not as much plastic. Nice new look all around. Have had Lexus RX, Highlander and Grand Cherokee in the past- MKX blows them all away. The 2009 did great in bad weather-no reason to think 2011 is any different in that regard. Highly recommended.

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  Fun and Very Comfortable for the City - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By art - September 11 - 7:43 am

  Decided to buy a comfortable, yet practical car for around the city. I need to be able to comfortably maneuver and park in garages. I also wanted something high end and very well built and with good value. For me the 2010 MKX fit the bill. I received a good deal for a fully loaded model and it turned out to be only a few thousand more than a loaded Ford Edge, but, much better appointed. Get the Xilon coating. The first week I parked it outside at a shopping center and some retard decided to key it from the front fender all the way down to the rear. It buffed right out.

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  My MKX Reserve Rocks! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By hrbaltd@me.com - August 16 - 7:21 am

  Picked up my 2016 MKX Reserve last week and all I can say is WOWEE!! Lincoln hit it out of the park with this vehicle. My MKX Reserve is a blast to drive. It is very fast (2.7 twin turbo option) and nimble (in sport mode). The vehicle is also a show stopper! I ordered the 21" tires and optional rims and it is a striking look. The optional massaging seats makes any long drive a pleasure. Be sure to order this option. It is worth every penny. The vehicle is super quiet but in sport mode, you can hear the exhaust kick in when you punch it. People that have ridden in the vehicle with me comment on how quiet the ride is. The vehicle is great in the snow! The build quality is phenomenal! The fit and finish is first rate. Ignore any comments to the contrary that you made read online. They are not accurate. Just listen to the doors when you close them. Solid build quality. I road tested a 2016 BMW X3 M with twin turbos, Porsche Cayenne S, Mercedes Benz GLE 350, Acura MDX and the based on road tests and pricing, the Lincoln wins hands down. My personal favorite was the Porsche Cayenne S. However, with similar options to the Lincoln, I was looking at 90k. I custom ordered the MKX from the factory with the options I wanted and the Lincoln dealer discounted the MSRP by 10% which you wont find on the BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes Benz. There were also additional rebates available from the manufacturer. The Revel sound system (basic Revel upgrade, not the 4k upgrade) is phenomenal and better than my prior Bose system. I am averaging 29 mph on the highway and 23 overall with 800 miles on the odometer. Did I mention how fast this vehicle is? Zoom Zoom. I never would have even considered a Lincoln till I read a review on Edmunds so I decided to take it for a test drive. Boy, am I glad I did. Note that the vehicle came from the factory with the Sync 3 system. There are a lot of complaints in reviews I read online since the MKXs that were test driven had the old SYNC system. The new Sync 3 system is quick, intuitive, easy to use, and offers unbelievable possibilities. The vehicle is synced to the Wi Fi at my house and downloads app updates when it is parked at night! I can also access SIRI through the hands free feature and have her read and reply to my texts! If you are looking at any of the high end imports, I strongly recommend that you test drive an MKX Reserve with the 2.7 twin turbos. You will not be disappointed.

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  2017 Lincoln MKX is a winner - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By JohnC - July 9 - 10:24 am

  I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKX a week ago and it surely is a pleasure to drive. It has all the safety features including backup camera, warning on cars in other lanes, collision alert, and even will call 911 if the airbags deploy. Since it is push button start and push button transmission a lot of space was made available for storage between the front seats including two "pass thru" storage bins. The Sync 3 entertainment is excellent and is also voice activated as is the navigation system. I really appreciate the radar weather maps which give "in the moment" maps of the local radar--very useful. In summary, the Lincoln MKX is a joy to drive and extremely quiet in city traffic or on the road. Everything works perfectly including the liftgate which has multiple ways of opening it(including waging your foot under the bumper). The 2017 Lincoln MKX is a true winner.

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  We Love This SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Cynthia - July 8 - 4:10 am

  This is our first purchase of a Ford factory car and now we would consider another Lincoln at a later date. We enjoy driving this SUV because it is not too big or too small. It is very well built, good looking and has the feel of luxury. People are constantly saying that they like the way it looks and ask us how it drives. We tell them it has a very smooth drive and that it has terrific features.

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  great ride - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By BILL FRONAPFEL - June 18 - 1:45 pm

  I have owned many new and used cars in my 50 years of driving. I have owned Lincoln town cars and you could not kill if you did regular maintenance. Since 1987 I have owned only SUVs and crossovers and the MKX is simply the best ever. All controls can be be done any of 3 ways; from steering wheal, voice, and by hand and all controls on the dash are very easy to reach. The only complaint I have is the back trunk cover its not easy to close and I cant seam to get the trunk open with my foot under the car my wife has some trouble. Over all the Best car I ever had.

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  Love My Crossover! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 3dsnmj - May 31 - 7:10 pm

  I researched and test drove several crossovers over the past year. We chose the Lincoln MKX. It had the best features at a great price! Its truly an attractive crossover.

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  High Value Vehicle - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Brian - April 1 - 2:16 pm

  Have 2800 miles on the car and I absolutely love it. SYNC (very easy to use), THX sound and Sirius are outstanding. Cooled/heated seats, very quiet & comfortable interior, headlights that move with steering, power liftgate are major additions. Engine/transmission powerful and smooth. Comparing my Limited with any competitor was not even close from a value perspective. This was a great buy. Mileage better than I thought - 19 around town and 22+ on the highway. Handles equally well in town or on the highway - a true pleasure to drive. Seats 4-5 people more comfortably than any of its competitors. Insurance cost was surprisingly low. Dont overlook this car. It is awesome!