2018 Lincoln MKX

The 2018 Lincoln MKX is a luxury crossover SUV and a solid pick as a moderately sized high-end family hauler. Having undergone a recent redesign with primary resolve toward improved quality and luxury, Lincoln has successfully upped the MKX's ante, but under the skin, it's still pretty much a Ford Edge. A naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engine with outputs of 303 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque powers the MKX by default along with a six-speed automatic transmission but for those seeking more power, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft is optional. Making up the 2018 MKX lineup are four trims; the Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. In the highly competitive segment, the MKX stands out with its exceptionally luxurious ride quality which has become increasingly difficult to find in competitors.

The new Lincoln MKX is still accoutred with an older version of the signature Lincoln grille and front-end fascia, with the MKX expected to make way for the 2019 Nautilus boasting new styling. While the Premiere and Select are equipped with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, the Reserve is equipped with 20-inch bright machined 20-spoke aluminum wheels and the Black Label with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels. The Premier is equipped with standard adaptive HID headlamps while the upper-level trims are all fitted with adaptive LED headlamps with LED signature lighting and configurable LED daytime running lamps.

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has typical crossover SUV dimensions and shares similar measurements to the Ford Edge with which it shares a platform. Riding 7.8 inches from the asphalt with a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, the body of the Lincoln MKX spans a length of 190 inches, is 76.1 inches in width, and stands 66.2 inches in height. It carries an approach angle of 18 degrees and a departure angle of 23.6 degrees. The FWD MKX has a curb weight of 4,168 pounds while the AWD variant weighs in around 200 lbs heavier at 4,387 lbs.

There are ten exterior paint options available for the Premier, Select, and Reserve trims including Black Velvet, Ingot Silver Metallic, and Rhapsody Blue. There are fewer colors available for the Black Label, but it gets an exclusive selection including Chroma Couture Dark Brown Premium Metallic and Chroma Elite Copper Premium Metallic. Most striking for the lower-end trims is the Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat as it accentuates the aggressive traditional Lincoln grille and black exterior accents. The Chroma Crystal Blue Premium Metallic gives the MKX Black Label a classy and sophisticated appeal with an undertone of robust utility.

With standard FWD and a chassis optimized for practicality and utility, the MKX is no performance SUV. Yet still, with the optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine the MKX is one of the more powerful SUVs in the class and feels a lot quicker than it is. In AWD guise it plows from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 153 mph. The Ford Edge, when equipped with the same engine is marginally slower to the 60mph mark, handing the point to the MKX. But as for hauling performance, equipping the 2018 Lincoln MKX with the optional Class II Trailer Tow Package accords it with a 3,500 lbs max tow capacity and installs trailer sway control.

The MKX is configured with a front-wheel drivetrain by default, and all-wheel-drive is available which optimizes traction and adds all-weather driving advantages. But these configurations aren't unique to the MKX and are standard for most competing rivals.

Though equipping the base 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine avoids the turbo-lag presented by the optional turbocharged V6, acceleration power is dialed down notably. The 303 hp and 278 lb-ft doesn't feel quite enough for the weight of the MKX, exhibiting some lackluster acceleration throughout. Nevertheless, the throttle responses are calibrated for comfort and efficiency and are predominantly precise. The push-button shifter is inconvenient and can't be adjusted for manual shifting but otherwise delivers suitable automatic up and downshifts.

The optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo engine is the better of the two powertrains with a greater output potential of 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. It delivers powerful and consistent acceleration and the additional 32 hp and 100 lb-ft it offers over the base engine gets the hefty SUV on the move with gusto, especially with overtaking at highway speeds. The engine does present some bouts of turbo-lag but the default six-speed auto transmission is refined enough to mitigate most of the delay. Shift points from the six-speed are accurate and low-speed transitions imperceptibly smooth.

As a premium SUV, the Lincoln MKX drives luxuriously. Its ride quality is soft and smooth and despite its large-diameter wheels it always remains well-controlled. The standard suspension absorbs most road imperfections and undulations adequately and larger bumps are never taken too harshly. An adaptive suspension is equipped on the MKX with the selection of the AWD system which firms up the ride slightly but still keeps the SUV comfortable and composed.

The MKX offers some enthusiasm on straight roads with the bi-turbo engine equipped, however, it isn't as dialed-in when the road starts to bend with some body-roll exhibited around sharper turns. Despite its ample ground clearance, the MKX is still very car-like as it doesn't like tackling anything more than a dirt road or two and feels more suited to the tarmac. The steering in the MKX is firm and responds precisely to inputs. Road and wheel information is, however, vaguely communicated. The brakes are accurately responsive and provide stopping power that is easy to modulate through the feel of the brake pedal.

Both the MKX's powertrain options return middling gas economy figures relative to class rivals. Equipped with the default 3.7-liter V6 engine and in FWD guise, the MKX returns EPA estimates of 17/25/20 mpg city/highway/combined. With the AWD system equipped, it returns 16/23/19 mpg. The twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine performs a bit more efficiently returning EPA estimates of 18/25/20 mpg in FWD guise and 17/24/19 mpg in AWD guise. The MKX returns these figures utilizing premium 93-octane fuel, and is accorded with a 360-mile total cruising range with its 18-gallon gas tank filled to the brim.

The interior of the MKX is of average quality and design with a few creaks and squeaks originating from various paneling and fixtures. There is a mix of soft- and hard-touch materials used throughout the cabin and the seating upholstery is easily susceptible to wear and tear. The initial impression of the interior is not as premium or upscale as alternative luxury SUV's but the materials do effectively aid overall comfort. Room throughout the cabin is adequate overall, though the headroom can be somewhat limited. The front seat armrests are not ergonomically positioned for the driver and front passenger but the seats themselves, however, are very comfortable. The driver's seat features ten-way power-adjustability and both front seats feature heating as standard with ventilation in the Reserve and Black Label models. The MKX is a suitable family commuter, comfortable enough for short daily trips and extended excursions.

The Lincoln MKX has a seating capacity of five. The seats are comfortably cushioned and are fitted with adequate adjustability. Legroom is ample throughout the cabin even for taller passengers in the rear seats, however, the headroom can prove rather limited even for passengers below six-foot-tall. Ingress and egress are made effortless by virtue of the MKX's high ground clearance, narrow door sills, and suitably high-set seats. The driving position feels slightly out of place with the height of either side armrest differing and the button-style gear shifter only adding to inconvenience. Thanks to a high seating position and large exterior rearview mirrors, visibility is good; the driver is positioned with a commanding view of the road and rearward visibility is aided by a standard-fit rearview camera.

All MKX trims feature a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Lower trims feature Lincoln soft-touch seating surfaces and aluminum accents on the center console and door-trim panels while the Select and Reserve feature Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather seating and genuine wood accents on the center console and door-trim panels.

There are three predetermined themes to choose from for the Black Label MKX, though. The Modern Heritage theme adorns the interior with an elegant Vianca White and Jet Black environment combined with Venetian leather with striking Crimson Red stitching. It also includes Piano Black wood accents, Diamond-L perforation pattern seat inserts, and an Alcantara headliner. The Thoroughbred theme is made up of Chestnut leather touch-points accented by Chilean Maple wood trim and a Jet Black Alcantara headliner. The Jet Black Venetian leather seats feature Diamond-L perforation pattern inserts and Terra Cotta stitching. Finally, the Indulgence theme includes Truffle or Ganache hues complemented by a Venetian leather and Alcantara trimmed interior and Ziricote wood trim with seats featuring Linking-L perforation pattern inserts and Tuxedo stripes.

There are 37.2 cubic feet of space available in the trunk of the Lincoln MKX, or enough room for a family of four week-long vacation luggage. Folding down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats expands space to 68.8 cubic feet, enough room to store a bicycle or two.

Internal storage is decent, too. The front center stack is fixed with a small sealed storage cubby, dual cupholders and a moderately sized storage tray slotted above a larger and deeper storage tray as well as a cavernous center armrest console. The glovebox is decently sized and there are thick door side pockets on all four doors that hold bottles. Behind each front seat is a seatback map pocket and dual cupholders are located in the rear center seat backrest.

Key Lincoln MKX base specifications include a remote start system, an approach detection system, and a Lincoln Logo illuminated welcome mat. Also standard in all MKX models is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a push-button shift transmission, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The front seats of all base MKX models are ten-way power-adjustable with driver-side memory functions and the rear seats are 60/40 split-fold-flat with recline and EasyFold seatback releases. The Premier and Select are fitted with heated front seats with cooling added to the Reserve and Black label. The base Premier MKX features a manual tilt/telescoping steering column which is powered in all other trims. Upper-level trims also receive auto-folding and dimming side view mirrors, a hands-free liftgate, and a universal garage door opener. All MKX models feature a rearview camera, a reverse sensing system, and hill-start assist. There are additional driver-assists in the optional Driver Assistance Package and Technology Package available for the Reserve and Black Label.

All MKX models are installed with Lincoln's Ford-derived SYNC 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display and a ten-speaker Lincoln premium sound system with AM/FM stereo/single-CD player, and MP3 capability. The Black Label receives a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system as standard. The SYNC 3 system allows for enhanced voice recognition, Bluetooth, 911 assist, Applink, and Lincoln Connect powered by the Lincoln Way app which includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are included as standard. It comes capable of SiriusXM Radio with a six-month All-Access trial subscription. There are two standard smart-charging USB ports and a single 12-volt powerpoint. The system is easy to use and intuitive but occasionally has laggy command responses, otherwise, device connectivity and wireless functions are effective.

The 2018 year model of the Lincoln MKX has been subject to multiple recalls in the USA. Excessively short door bolts and potentially loose alternator and starter cables were the two most pertinent recalls. There have also been a handful of complaints lodged by Lincoln MKX drivers, nevertheless, J.D. Power's review of the 2018 MKX resulted in an above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five. Lincoln covers the MKX with a standard four-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

The 2018 Lincoln MKX received some of the best safety ratings within the segment. The NHTSA gave the 2018 year model MKX a perfect five out of five overall rating. The IIHS's reviews of the 2018 Lincoln MKX resulted in top scores of Good in six different evaluations and with a rating of Superior for the effectiveness of its frontal crash prevention specs.

Every MKX model features a front passenger personal safety system which comprises some basic safety enhancement measures such as safety belt usage sensors etc. As standard, the MKX is fitted with eight standard airbags and features AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, an SOS post-crash alert system, a reverse sensing system, hill start assist, and a standard-fit rearview camera. The Black Label MKX is additionally fitted with rear inflatable safety belts on the outboard seats. Additional safety and advanced driver-assist features such as a 360-degree camera with a split-view screen, enhanced active park assist, and a forward sensing system is available in the optional Technology Package.

The 2018 Lincoln MKX is an impressive crossover SUV and family hauler, which does enough to set itself apart from the Ford Edge that it's based on. It offers two impressive engine options, front-wheel or all-wheel-drivetrains, and a refined six-speed automatic transmission. It provides a luxuriously comfortable ride in a modern and decently outfitted cabin with favorable tech capabilities and appealing comfort and convenience features. Though gas economy estimates from both powertrain options are middling, acceleration, especially from the twin-turbo V6, is phenomenal for the segment. Practicality and utility are hallmarks of the MKX too, with an abundance of trunk and in-cabin room as well as a favorable towing ability. The NHTSA and IIHS accorded the 2018 year model of the MKX with exceptional crash-test safety ratings and the SUV itself comes with a decent selection of standard safety and driver-assist features with much more available in the various optional packages. The MKX will take you and your family from point A to B safely and in total comfort and style.

For 2018, the base MKX Premiere is priced at an MSRP of $39,035. Moving up to the mid-tier models sees the MKX Select priced at $42,550 and the MKX Reserve at $46,560. The upper-tier MKX Black Label punches past the 50k mark, making it the most expensive Lincoln MKX with its price of $54,230. Opting for an AWD variant will cost an additional $2,495 and an extra $2,000 is added for the optional twin-turbo V6. Those prices are excluding US taxes, registration, and licensing fees as well as Lincoln's destination charge of $1,195.

Comprised in the 2018 Lincoln MKX lineup are four trim options: Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black label. As standard, all models come equipped with a default 3.7-liter V6 engine tethered to a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD system. A more powerful twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine is optional along with an AWD system.

The Premiere is equipped with a base selection of features including a manual tilt/telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The standard infotainment system carried through most of the lineup comprises an eight-inch touchscreen display and ten-speaker Lincoln premium sound system.

Moving onto the Select sees the addition of configurable LED DRL's, auto-fold and dimming mirrors, a hands-free liftgate, power tilt/telescoping steering column, and a universal garage door opener.

The Reserve additionally receives heated and cooled front seats, an upgraded navigation system, and a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert as standard. It is also equipped with a power panoramic vista roof with a power sunshade.

As standard, the top-tier Black Label MKX receives adaptive auto high beam LED headlamps with LED signature lighting, a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, more luxurious upholstery, and a premium Revel Ultima audio system with 19 speakers.

Available for all but the Black Label trim is a Cargo Accessories Package which includes a durable cargo area protector and rear bumper protector.

Only available for the Select is a Select Plus Package which incorporates a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, and a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert.

The Select and Reserve have access to a Cargo Utility Package comprising a rear cargo management system, below-floor molded-plastic storage bins, and spare tire cover, a reversible cargo mat, a 110V/150W AC power outlet, and a cargo area tonneau cover. A Climate Package is also available for the Select and Reserve which includes auto high-beam headlamps, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a windshield wiper de-icer.

The Reserve has exclusive access to a Luxury Package which upgrades it with adaptive LED headlamps and a Revel Ultima audio system with 19 speakers and includes HD Radio Technology.

Available for the Select, Reserve, and Black Label is a Class II Trailer Tow Package which accords the MKX with a 3,500 lbs tow capacity and with trailer sway control. The Enhanced Security Package adds a secondary horn, lockable interior storage, vehicle inclination sensor, and enhanced valet mode.

The Reserve and Black Label can be equipped with the Driver Assistance Package which includes a Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert System; adaptive cruise control; adaptive steering; and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, which includes forward-collision warning with brake support and active braking. The Technology Package comprises a 360-degree camera with Split-View Display, enhanced active park assist, and a Forward Sensing System.

With more comfort and convenience features fitted as standard and with exclusive Lincoln member privileges, the MKX Black Label is our recommended trim. We suggest equipping the optional twin-turbocharged V6 for its improved acceleration and overall punch. We also recommend the intelligent AWD system for the improved all-weather capabilities and adaptive suspension that comes with it. For added safety and advanced driver-assists, we also suggest optioning in the Driver Assistance Package as well as the Technology Package for the 360-degree camera and enhanced active park assist. It may add up to an expensive all-in package, but it's worth every cent.

Getting behind the wheel of any 2018 Ford Edge is a more affordable affair than any MKX with about a $10,000 difference between corresponding trims. Because the MKX and Edge share base platforms, they both feel relatively similar in terms of ride and quality. Though not as potent in acceleration with less output potential, the Edge's base engine is far more economical than the MKX's, returning EPA estimates of 20/27/23 mpg with the AWD guise. Although the Edge received marginally lower safety ratings in one or two evaluations, it offers an equal level of safety and driver assistance features. The Edge offers a tiny bit more trunk capacity at 39.2 cubic feet and the same maximum tow capability. Technology, comfort, and convenience features in the Edge somewhat match that of the MKX. The MKX may offer better performance and utility, but the Edge is considerably more economical, more spacious inside, and for its price point offers more value for the money.

At just under $6,000 less than the Lincoln MKX, shoppers can look to the more compact Lincoln MKC. It comes equipped with a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with outputs of 240 hp and 270 lb-ft with the option for a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine for outputs of 285 hp and 305 lb-ft. Both options are far slower than the MKX's powertrains but a lot more economical with EPA driving cycle estimates of 21/28/23 mpg. The MKC can be seen as a more compact version of the MKX with a shorter wheelbase of 105.9-inches. Consequently, the MKC offers about 12 cubic feet less trunk space, it also only has a 3,000 lbs max tow capability. The 2018 model of the MKC didn't receive safety ratings as good as those of the MKX. Nevertheless, the MKC is as readily equipped with technology, comfort, and convenience features as the MKX is and features a decent array of safety and driver-assist elements. Compared to the MKX, the MKC offers similar value for far less cost, if you don't need all the extra room and utility of the MKX, then the MKC is the better option.