2018 Lincoln MKX

2018 Lincoln MKX Overview

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX a Good Used SUV?

Yes, the 2018 MKX is a good used luxury midsize SUV. The MKX is a well-rounded choice for a daily driver, though it's not the most fun to drive. 

The 2018 MKX has several practical strengths:

• Smooth, quiet ride
• Powerful available twin-turbocharged V6 engine
• Comfortable front seats
• Long list of standard and available features
• Straightforward infotainment system
• Below-average list prices and low five-year ownership costs
• Excellent crash test ratings
• Slightly above-average predicted reliability rating

It also has some weaknesses:

• Infotainment screen can be slow to respond
• So-so rear headroom
• Numb steering
• Outdated transmission

Why You Can Trust Us

We’ve researched 24 Lincoln MKX reviews, as well as hard data points like reliability scores and cost of ownership estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking cars since 2007, and our team has decades of combined automotive industry experience. While we’re passionate about cars, we’re even more committed to providing helpful consumer advice. To ensure our reviews remain impartial, we refuse expensive gifts and trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.

How Much Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Based on listings for the 2018 Lincoln MKX on our site, the average list price is around $34,800. Prices range from about $28,900 to $43,900 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2018 Lincoln MKX Cost to Own?

The 2018 MKX’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $25,500, or $5,100 per year. That’s the lowest total for a luxury midsize SUV.

Is It Better to Buy a Used or New MKX?

The MKX was replaced in Lincoln's lineup by the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The Nautilus is a heavily updated version that carries over on the same platform, with refreshed interior and exterior styling.

This new Lincoln crossover has a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder base engine instead of the standard V6 in the 2018 MKX, and it gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Lots of driver assistance features are newly standard in the Nautilus, including automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Buying a used 2018 MKX instead of a new Nautilus likely costs less.

Prices for the MKX range from around $29,000 to about $44,000, while the Nautilus starts at $40,340 and can cost more than $66,000.

Read about the new Lincoln Nautilus »

The MKX was fully redesigned for the 2016 model year. The 2017 MKX is a better bet, though, because it features the user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system that also includes standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2016 MKX features the clunky MyLincoln Touch interface. We suggest going with a 2017 MKX instead of a 2018, since there are no major differences in models from year to year.

Compare the 2017 MKX, 2018 MKX, and 2019 Nautilus »

See the Best New Car Deals »

See the Best New Car Lease Deals »

How Reliable Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Read more about MKX reliability »

2018 Lincoln MKX Recalls

At the time of writing, there are two recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKX:

• Some door bolts may be shorter than intended and may not properly keep the door closed in the event of a crash
• Alternator and starter cables may become loose and cause an electrical fire

Before buying any used vehicle, make sure all recalls have been addressed.

See more information on Lincoln MKX safety recalls »

Which Used Lincoln MKX Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX comes in four trims: Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. Drivetrain combinations for all trims include a V6 or a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

You'll want to skip the base model and start your search with the Select trim, which adds genuine leather upholstery and a power liftgate. Some models may have navigation, heated rear seats, and blind spot monitoring. To get most other driver assistance features, find a Reserve or Black Label model. But even then, additions such as adaptive cruise control and automatic braking still aren't standard in these trims.

• Lincoln MKX Premiere: The 2018 Lincoln MKX Premiere comes with synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable and heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, a rearview camera, the MyKey driver monitoring system, and rear parking sensors. The standard SYNC 3 infotainment system features an 8-inch touch screen, a 10-speaker stereo, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, satellite radio, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available.
• Lincoln MKX Select: The MKX Select adds genuine leather upholstery, a hands-free power liftgate, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a universal garage door opener. Available features include a 13-speaker Revel premium stereo, HD Radio, navigation, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic roof, heated rear outboard seats, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Lincoln MKX Reserve: Standard features in the MKX Reserve include ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, navigation, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Available features include 22-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima premium stereo. Safety upgrades for this trim include a surround-view parking camera, adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, automatic parking assist, front parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.
• Lincoln MKX Black Label: The Lincoln MKX Black Label comes with premium Venetian leather upholstery, heated second-row outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima premium stereo, Alcantara headliner, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Available features include 22-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats, a surround-view parking camera, adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, automatic parking assist, front parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.

See 2018 Lincoln MKX trims and specs »

What Does Lincoln's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Lincoln offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 80,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Lincoln extends its original new-car warranty to six years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles. Lincoln puts its CPO vehicles through a 200-point inspection. Additional benefits like vehicle history reports, towing, and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Lincoln warranty page carefully.

Lincoln has one of the least robust CPO programs among luxury carmakers, according to our analysis. Better programs are available through competitors like Cadillac, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.

See the best CPO programs »

How Safe Is the MKX?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has one of the best safety scores in its class. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the MKX an overall rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in both the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover evaluation.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the SUV the highest rating of Good in all six major crash tests conducted. Certain trims of the MKX earned the highest score of Superior for the effectiveness of front crash prevention features, while properly equipped models received the second-lowest rating of Marginal for how well the headlights illuminate the road ahead.

Standard advanced safety features:

• rearview camera
• rear parking sensors
• MyKey (lets you set speed limits, audio volume limits, and monitor driving patterns)

Available advanced safety features:

• blind spot monitoring
• rear cross traffic alert
• adaptive headlights
• surround-view parking camera
• adaptive cruise control
• adaptive steering
• automatic parking assist
• front parking sensors
• lane departure warning
• lane keep assist
• forward collision warning
• pedestrian detection
• automatic emergency braking
• rain-sensing windshield wipers

See MKX safety scores »

2018 Lincoln MKX Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2018 Lincoln MKT?

The 2018 Lincoln MKT is another luxury midsize SUV from Lincoln. Both vehicles have solid safety and predicted reliability ratings, similar powertrain options, and the two lowest five-year ownership costs in the class. The major differences between the two are that the MKT can seat up to seven, and it has more cargo space than the MKX. However, the MKX’s easier maneuverability gives it the performance edge. It also has a nicer interior.

Which Is Better: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2018 Cadillac XT5

There are few advantages that the 2018 Cadillac XT5 offers over the MKX. The Lincoln has a slightly better predicted reliability rating, as well as a bit more cargo space. This Caddy only has one available engine, and like the Lincoln's base powertrain, it's merely OK. Neither SUV is particularly engaging to drive, and both offer similar lists of features with a few infotainment hiccups. The XT5’s average price is a bit higher than that of the MKX, so there's not a lot of reason to spend more for what is really a slightly worse SUV.

Compare the MKX, MKT, and XT5 »

2018 MKX Performance

How Does the 2018 Lincoln MKX Drive?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, and a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 is available. The base powertrain has sufficient power for daily commuting and is a fine choice for most buyers. The twin-turbo V6 is more muscular and provides quicker acceleration from a stop and better passing power on the highway. The standard six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly but still has fewer gears than many competitors. Those extra gears in rivals' transmissions help match power delivery to the driver's needs while also improving fuel economy.

The MKX's primary focus is ride comfort. The suspension easily dispatches rough pieces of pavement, and you shouldn't feel many jitters and bumps in the cabin. The MKX exhibits little body lean or roll. Steering is light, which makes it easy to navigate through parking lots or tight traffic. However, the MKX also lacks steering feedback through turns.

• Base engine: 303-horsepower 3.7-liter V6
• Available engine: 335-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6
• Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
• Transmission: six-speed automatic

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKX Get Good Gas Mileage?

The 2018 MKX has below-average fuel economy for a luxury midsize SUV. The MKX's stronger V6 actually returns better gas mileage as well.

• 3.7-liter V6, FWD: 17/25 mpg city/highway
• 3.7-liter V6, AWD: 16/23 mpg
• Twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, FWD: 18/25 mpg
• Twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, AWD: 17/24 mpg

2018 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity

The MKX can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Read more about MKX performance »

2018 MKX Interior

How Many People Does the 2018 MKX Seat?

The 2018 MKX seats five people in two rows. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive. Tall adults should enjoy ample legroom in both rows, but for some, the MKX is a little short on headroom in the back seat. The interior stays quiet even at high speeds.

Standard seating features:

• synthetic leather upholstery
• 10-way power adjustable front seats
• heated front seats
• leather-wrapped steering wheel

Available seating features:

• genuine leather upholstery
• power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• heated steering wheel
• heated rear outboard seats
• ventilated front seats
• 22-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats
• premium Venetian leather upholstery

How Many Car Seats Fit in the 2018 Lincoln MKX?

The 2018 MKX has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear outboard seats and an upper tether on the rear middle seat.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for ease of use. The lower anchors are set deeply in the seats, and you may confuse other hardware for the tether anchors on the back of the seats.

2018 Lincoln MKX Features

The standard SYNC 3 infotainment system in the Lincoln MKX is easy to use. You can use smartphonelike gestures like pinching or swiping, but screen response times could be quicker. Physical controls on the center stack for quick audio or climate adjustments are arranged intuitively, and they're within close reach for the driver.

• Standard infotainment features: the SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touch screen, a 10-speaker stereo, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, satellite radio, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot
• Available infotainment features: navigation, a 13-speaker Revel premium stereo, HD Radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima premium stereo
• Additional standard features: an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start
• Other available features: a panoramic roof, a 110-volt power outlet, a universal garage door opener, and an Alcantara headliner

See 2018 Lincoln MKX specs »

Read more about MKX interior »

2018 Lincoln MKX Dimensions

Lincoln MKX Cargo Space

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and there's 68.8 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Those values are about average for the class. A hands-free power liftgate is available.

These cargo dimensions are for comparative purposes. There is no substitute for visually examining the storage area in any car you’re considering.

2018 Lincoln MKX Length and Weight

• Length: 15 feet, 10 inches
• Curb weight: 4,168 to 4,387 pounds

Where Was the 2018 Lincoln MKX Built?

Lincoln built the MKX in Canada.