2014 Lincoln MKX

Reviewers say the 2014 Lincoln MKX lives up to luxury SUV standards with soft-touch materials, elegant wood trim and quality workmanship. Both the front and rear seats are spacious and comfortable, they add. Test drivers point out that the MKX is fully loaded with tech features, but they dislike the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, which they think can be distracting to use while driving. As a result, many critics wish that more functions were controlled by traditional knobs and dials. Cargo space is decent for the class and reviewers say the standard power liftgate is convenient when your hands are full.

• “The 2014 Lincoln MKX has plush, leather-trimmed seating for five and generous standard features, such as heated and cooled front seats. … Aluminum and optional wood trim help lend a luxurious feel to the cabin.” -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Visible contrast stitching and available genuine wood accents lend an air of opulence to the cabin. They complement the abundant soft-touch surfaces, giving the whole interior a look and feel that's in-line with its pricing and rival luxury crossovers." -- Consumer Guide
• "As luxury crossovers go, the MKX's main draws are its features and a rear seat that's roomier than the norm." -- Edmunds (2013)

Seating

The 2014 Lincoln MKX seats five and comes standard with leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats. Options include a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. The Lincoln MKX’s seats are set high, which helps with visibility, test drivers report, though they note that the depth of the dashboard can block some sight lines in the front. The seats are spacious and comfortable even on long trips, reviewers say, but some point out that the optional moonroof may make tall passengers feel cramped.

• "The MKX's high seating position is appreciated, although we can't say the same for the long dash that impedes forward visibility." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Both rows of seats offer plenty of space -- particularly in back, where three people can fit comfortably." -- Edmunds (2013)
• "MKX's seats are designed for long-haul comfort rather than sporty bolstering. A high-set seating position makes for a commanding view of the road, aided by optional blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert. At the same time, the seating position can mean that tall adults' heads can run afoul of the optional panoramic sunroof." -- Consumer Guide (2013)

Interior Features

The 2014 Lincoln MKX comes standard with remote start, push-button ignition, a 10-speaker CD audio system, satellite radio, the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, two USB ports, an SD card reader, an auxiliary jack and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Optional features include a voice-activated navigation system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera, a panoramic moonroof and a premium THX audio system.

Though reviewers agree that the MKX is well-equipped, many say that the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system can be cumbersome to operate while driving. There aren’t many traditional knobs or buttons, they say, adding that most functions are controlled through a touch screen that can be slow to respond to inputs.

See 2014 Lincoln MKX specs »

• "All models come with the MyLincoln Touch interface, which replaces many conventional buttons with a multifunction touch screen. It's modern but a little challenging to operate on the go." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Based on the Ford Edge, the upscale MKX has a novel button-free cockpit with touch-sensitive controls, some of which can be less than simple to operate." -- Car and Driver (2013)
• "Standard equipment is certainly a highlight for this Lincoln -- features that are often optional on other models, such as leather upholstery, keyless ignition/entry and a power liftgate, are standard here." -- Edmunds (2013)
• "Standard on all models is Lincoln's version of its parent company's MyFord Touch interface and infotainment systems. We're not the biggest fans, mostly due to the annoying delay in response from when you push a virtual button to when the system does what you want. Software updates have improved the process and simplified a few features, but it's still no optimal." -- Consumer Guide (2013)

Cargo

The 2014 Lincoln MKX offers 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and a maximum of 68.6 cubic feet of space with the seats folded flat. That’s a decent amount of room for the class, but rivals like the Lexus RX 350 and Land Rover LR4 offer more overall space. Reviewers say that loading cargo is easy even when you’re carrying luggage thanks to the standard power liftgate. A sizable glove box and center console provide a good amount of interior storage, they add.

• "The power-operated liftgate, which comes standard in the Lincoln MKX, is a super convenient feature to have when your hands are full. All it takes is a push of a button to raise or lower the big rear door." -- Kelley Blue Book (2013)
• "Flip down the second row and capacity expands to 69 cubic feet, which is again a competitive advantage." -- Edmunds (2013)
• "Like its Edge sibling, MKX has generous cargo space, even with the rear seat backs raised. Cabin storage is good with a large center console bin and roomy glovebox. The Lincoln also has a bin below the dashboard's central control area, but its usefulness is compromised a bit because that space is where the media-player inputs are located." -- Consumer Guide (2012)