2018 Lincoln MKX Review

Name: 2018 Lincoln MKX
Brand: Lincoln
Price: 26998 USD

(18)

Lincoln MKX Reserve 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

7.6/10 Expert Rating

+76

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List Price Range:	$26,998 - $43,590

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Quiet interior with spacious rear seating
Comfortable ride quality
A lot of features for the money
Strong turbocharged V6 engine option

Cons

Thick roof pillars and a small rear window impair rear visibility
Interior quality isn't as high as that of many European rivals

What’s new

The MKX is unchanged for the 2018 model year.

Vehicle overview

Shopping for a luxury crossover SUV? You might like the 2018 MKX. Lincoln redesigned the MKX a few years ago with an eye toward quality and luxury. It offers a quiet interior and a lot of features for a respectable price.

The MKX is related to the Ford Edge SUV. There are many similarities, but overall we like how Lincoln has upped the MKX's luxury credentials. It's quiet on the highway, the seats are very comfortable, and the suspension ably soaks up bumps and ruts. Essentially, the 2018 Lincoln MKX checks all the luxury SUV boxes.

It's true that European SUVs have more prestige attached to them. But if you're looking for a high-class way to transport your family, the MKX is a solid pick.

Notably, we picked the Lincoln MKX as one of Edmunds' Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2018.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label (turbo 2.7L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Lincoln MKX has received a few minor revisions, including the upgrade to the newer, far better Sync 3 infotainment system. Overall, our findings remain broadly applicable.

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5

Driving

8.0

The optional turbocharged engine gives the MKX impressive acceleration. While it isn't the fastest of its group, you'll appreciate the power up an on-ramp. Our test vehicle had optional performance-oriented tires that helped improve braking and handling results.

Acceleration

7.5

The optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 makes the MKX one of the most powerful vehicles in the segment. It may feel fast, but its 5.9-second 0-60 mph acceleration isn't quicker than other performance-minded competitors.

Braking

7.0

The MKX returned consistent emergency braking stopping distances during testing with no detectable pedal fade or odor. The front exhibits only minor nosedive, and stopping power is easy to modulate through the brake pedal for routine driving.

Steering

7.0

The grip from optional performance-orientated all-season tires imparts agility and accuracy back through the steering wheel. It builds effort naturally right off center. But road feedback is nonexistent.

Handling

7.5

The optional performance tires on our tester do their job well, allowing the MKX to turn harder and faster than you'd expect. Stability control intervenes smoothly, making this SUV feel composed and confident on curvy roads.

Drivability

9.5

This SUV feels powerful and smooth. Controlling the gas pedal is rewarding, and low-speed gear changes are nearly imperceptible. Adaptive cruise control smartly slows the MKX down and can be easily changed to nonadaptive mode, too.

Off-road

6.5

While available with all-wheel drive, the MKX has tight clearances that limit its off-road ability. Drivers can't lock the power split between axles, and hill start and downhill assist features are not available.

Comfort

8.0

The MKX delivers what you'd expect from a compact luxury SUV, provided you option it. The front seats offer massage, heating, ventilation and multiple adjustments. The ride is well-controlled despite the large-diameter wheels, and the cabin stays quiet in town and on the freeway.

Seat comfort

8.5

Soft front seats limit long-distance fatigue, while heating and cooling functions work quickly. Wide-ranging adjustments in the optional seats fit different body types.

Ride comfort

8.0

The MKX's ride quality is balanced between firm and soft. You'll feel bumps, but it's never harsh.

Noise & vibration

7.5

The cabin mutes wind, tire and road noise to a minimum. The V6 is quiet around town, but it lets itself be heard when you're accelerating up to freeway speeds.

Interior

7.0

The MKX is pretty easy to get in and see out of, and front and rear legroom is spacious. But headroom is only average, and the driving position could be better.

Ease of use

6.5

Minor annoyances add up and hurt the luxury experience. Your elbows sit at slightly different distances and heights, and the button-style gear shifter just isn't as convenient to use as a traditional lever or stalk.

Getting in/getting out

8.5

A tall roof, large door openings and narrow door sills mean there are few obstructions while getting in or out. The seats are at a just-right height so you can slide right in.

Roominess

7.0

Headroom is segment competitive until you order the panoramic sunroof. It cuts rear headroom to the point where passengers of average height will brush their hair against the roof. Front and rear legroom is spacious.

Visibility

7.0

A tall seating position and large windows make it easy to see your surroundings. A standard rearview camera and the optional 360-degree camera aid parking.

Quality

6.5

The Black Label interior trims add a premium feel, but our tester exhibited some quality issues that were decidedly unexpected in a luxury car: The sunroof creaked over driveways, and foam on the driver seat worked itself free of its cover.

Utility

7.5

Cargo capacity is better than most. The interior has numerous cubbies and storage options, including a deep center console. A cubby with a USB port has a cover to secure items when parked.

2018 Lincoln MKX models

The 2018 Lincoln MKX is a five-passenger crossover SUV. It comes in four trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label. Feature content grows as you work your way up the trim-level ladder, but the MKX has a decent amount of equipment at the base level.

All MKX models come standard with a 3.7-liter V6 (303 horsepower, 278 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard as well, with all-wheel drive optional. A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque) is an optional upgrade offered on all four trims.

Standard equipment highlights for the Premiere trim level include adaptive suspension dampers (all-wheel-drive models only), 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, remote engine start, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split second-row seat with power-folding seatbacks, driver-seat memory functions and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Standard interior tech includes Lincoln's Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite radio.

The Select model adds LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors (with driver-side auto-dimming), a hands-free liftgate, leather upholstery and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

A couple of optional packages available for the Select are worth considering. The optional Select Plus package adds a navigation system plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems. The Climate package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic windshield wipers and automatic high beams.

The Reserve trim level adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, mobile app compatibility and the contents of the Select Plus package.

Finally, the Black Label variant builds upon the Reserve's features with trim-specific 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a simulated-suede headliner, the contents of the Climate package and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima surround-sound audio system with HD radio. Each Black Label MKX gets a choice of three design themes (Indulgence, Modern Heritage and Thoroughbred), each of which alters the trim and the color of the upholstery, headliner and carpeting. This trim also grants access to Lincoln's Black Label program, which offers vehicle maintenance, detailing and some travel perks.

The Reserve and Black Label versions offer several separate packages, including Technology (front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system and automated parallel parking), Driver Assistance (adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and mitigation) and Luxury (adaptive LED headlights and the Revel Ultima audio system).

Stand-alone options include 21-inch wheels, 22-way-adjustable front seats, a trailer tow package, a 13-speaker Revel audio system (Select and Reserve), inflatable rear seat belts, and a rear-seat video entertainment system with dual displays.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Lincoln MKX.

5(56%)

4(11%)

3(11%)

2(5%)

1(17%)

3.8

18 reviews

Write a review See all 18 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Love this vehicle

Chris A,04/19/2018

Premiere 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

Overall, I'm 6 months in and love this vehicle! The quietness of the interior, performance, people/cargo hauling capability, park-ability, fuel economy (24 hwy), and beautiful lines are all a treat. I'm biased maybe, but I really like how this vehicle looks. The lines are simple, unique, elegant. That and the size is just perfect, being easy to park, yet taking 4 people in roomy

A very smooth SUV

Mike,09/30/2018

Black Label 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

My MKX is a top of the line Black Label model with the 2.7 turbo charge engine with 21 inch wheels. I have driven the MKX for 3 years with no problems. It is a pleasure to drive and very comfortable with the 22 position seat adjustment and massage feature. I like to drive it in Sport Mode as opposed to Comfort or Normal. The ride is top notch and the 2.7 turbo engine has peppy and

The best luxury SUV for the money

Alex,05/02/2019

Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

2.7 twin turbo engine is great, excellent fuel economy for this super powerful engine. Interior is beautiful and extremely comfortable (love massaging front seats) and all options are very helpful and easy to use, etc. Look at some previous bad reviews written by strange people (which replacing steering pump, since 2016 steering has electric assist and pump not exist) and Lincoln

Love my MKX

Pat O,12/27/2019

Premiere 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

I had driven a Mercedes 550 for the past 25 years having owned 10 of them. I had my back fused and the stiff ride did not suit me. I heard about the 22 way seats and thus the MKX. My family and friends told me I would never be happy after getting a new 550 almost every year. Well I love it and I will not be going back to the Mercedes. This cost $50,000 less and suits my needs and is

See all 18 reviews of the Used 2018 Lincoln MKX

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Features & Specs

See all Used 2018 Lincoln MKX specs & features

Safety

Our experts like the MKX models:

Forward Collision Mitigation: Alerts the driver to a potential forward collision and can automatically apply the brakes.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: Warns of vehicles in the driver's blind spots. Combined with rear cross-traffic alert.
MyKey: Limits certain parameters for secondary drivers through a programmable key system.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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More about the 2018 Lincoln MKX

Used 2018 Lincoln MKX Overview

The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX is offered in the following submodels: MKX SUV. Available styles include Reserve 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Black Label 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Select 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Select 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Black Label 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Premiere 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A), and Premiere 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A). Pre-owned Lincoln MKX models are available with a 3.7 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 303 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.

What's a good price on a Used 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Price comparisons for Used 2018 Lincoln MKX trim styles:

The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX Select is priced between $26,998 and$35,998 with odometer readings between 14503 and65592 miles.
The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX Reserve is priced between $28,590 and$37,998 with odometer readings between 22755 and87678 miles.
The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX Premiere is priced between $27,000 and$30,998 with odometer readings between 27250 and55858 miles.
The Used 2018 Lincoln MKX Black Label is priced between $43,590 and$43,590 with odometer readings between 9494 and9494 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2018 Lincoln MKXS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Lincoln MKX for sale near. There are currently 26 used and CPO 2018 MKXS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,998 and mileage as low as 9494 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 Lincoln MKX.

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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