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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  Style and comfort abound - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Sandra - February 9 - 9:12 am

  As someone who works from home, I dont usually drive that much, but ever since we bought the Lincoln, I find reasons to go out and run errands. First, the car is simply beautiful to look at. We got the black interior and exterior. It looks awesome lit up at night. The front seats are extremely comfortable with both heating and cooling options. There is plenty of headroom and legroom. The back seat is massive and comfortably seats three people. The rear also has plenty of room for luggage, groceries, etc. The MKX is loaded with superior features like voice command for navigation and climate control. The large display allows for multiple functions to be displayed side-by-side like the map and radio. Hooking up your phone is a snap. They made the technology very intuitive. Some of the other bells and whistles include the car unlocking when you walk up to it with your key--no more fumbling when youre holding packages. The chimes and lighted welcome mat are a nice touch when you open the car. They also have ambient light inside the car with different color options. We also had a stellar experience buying the car with our salesman. They threw in a lot of perks to sweeten the deal and treated us like the best customers in the world. Overall, we would highly recommend the MKX to anyone looking for a luxury SUV that is fun to drive and loaded with lots of extras!

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  No open door chime!!! Terrible design. - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By bigd32 - November 27 - 9:16 pm

  Just back to my open rear door into the garage causing $2000 worth of damage because there was no door chime. Only car of ever own that makes no sound when doors open with the key in the ignition. Terrible design.

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  Love this car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By hayesh - November 22 - 2:50 pm

  I dont usually write reviews online but I feel strongly about this car. My 2007 Lincoln MKX has been running now for 100,000 miles and it is still running great.

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  Excellent, Comfortable and Quiet Vehicle - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Brian - November 1 - 2:50 am

  This is literally my 5th Lincoln having previously owned a Navigator and past 5 years, MKXs. I just leased the new 2016 all white with cappuccino interior, Reserve. It is completely redesigned from my prior 2014 Lincoln MKX. The vehicle is stunning having cooled seats, heated seats and one of the best quality stereo systems I have ever heard. My wife has a ML350 Mercedes and she pays more per month than I do and my MKX has significantly more features and; better quality features. The back seats are significantly larger and roomier than my prior 2014 Lincoln MKX. The driving is superior and my favorite feature of this vehicle is the extremely quiet cabin. Going 80 mph on the highway, you can hear a pin drop. I am a Trial Attorney in Miami and I am constantly driving all throughout town. This vehicle is nothing but exceptional. I will continue buying Lincoln forever so long as they keep the great job. Keep in mind, for the price you get a huge amount of technology and more so than most finer vehicles including Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Acuras. Consider this vehicle and you wont be disappointed, I promise!

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  Definitely put this vehicle on your "to drive list". - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By aussiehjk - September 26 - 8:35 pm

  We traded our Lincoln MKS for a new MKX. The build quality of this vehicle is a credit to Ford. Within a week we had to do a 1,800 mile trip from NC to Indiana and back. The MKX performed faultlessly. The 3.7L V6 has more than ample power and cruises effortlessly. Fuel economy average was around 28mpg. This car is very quiet at highway speed and handles exceptionally well. Our MKX is black and turned numerous heads even on the highway. Sirius radio is excellent, seats are very comfortable. Visibility is excellent. if you are in the market for a luxury SUV you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not consider this vehicle. Every bit as good as a Lexus.

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  Great Crossover - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Dr Mutzi - September 12 - 3:40 pm

  Fun to drive - always gets excellent reviews and comments from others. Had the vehicle for 11 months, driven over 20000 miles, average 23.5 mpg and did I say it was AWD. Love the phone, sunroof, interior, and open space. Also, I tow this vehicle behind my motorhome for over 10000 miles with no problems.

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  SYNC my ride - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By JRboca - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Only had a few weeks! Gotta love the electronics inside this car. Got just the basic car which was loaded but no nav. Not sure why youd want nav since they give you turn-by-turn nav free for three years. The Sync system is better than ever (I had an 08 MKX) Ive found Im a much safter drive with Sync. Love the MyTouch system. Initial commuting mileage is about 22 so Ill take it.

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  Great Luxury, Workmanship, Handling - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Peter NM CT. - August 25 - 12:00 am

  This vehicle exceeeds expectation, I looked at the Lexus RX in Greenwich CT. It was small. The workmanship, quality, and fuel economy are great in this American product.

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  I love my MKX! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Kansas Mom - August 24 - 1:40 am

  I am very pleased with the mkx. It is fun to drive (I used to drive a full- size suv). The ride is so smooth. There is some wind noise, but not like Ive had with past vehicles. Id say its a very nice, quiet ride -- unless the stereo is on. Its a great system. My kids & I like to play the THX demo before we "take off." I like the way the car handles. Id recommend it to anyone shopping for a new vehicle. I chose this over the rdx and enclave (my top 3) and I am so so happy that I chose the Lincoln. I was worried about cargo room, but I have the space for everything Ive needed so far. The seats are real easy to fold down (and they recline!)if needed. Final words - I love my mkx!

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  Fun car to own - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Ecoboost - August 5 - 12:13 pm

  Terrific car to own and drive. 21,000 miles and getting 17+ around town 24 on the highway. Great in snow and ice and on trips. We take 700 mile trips frequently and always enjoy the ride. Only negative is the hard seat cushions. Handling is good, mileage better than expected and overall performance excellent. Dealer experience is excellent. They went out of their way to satisfy me with the PTU problem and fixed it when other dealers were having difficulty.