Used 2018 Lincoln MKX for sale 

The 2018 Lincoln MKX seats five and is available in four trim levels: Premier, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. Techs and features grow as you move up the trim, although the MKX base also has a decent amount of equipment. A 3.7-liter V-6 engine along with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is standard on all the MKX. Meanwhile, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 for $2,000 and all-wheel drive for $2,495 comes optional on all trims.

We Recommend

We recommend the MKX's Select trim with the optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. It offers more features than the base and also adds extra comforts. By selecting this trim, you also get the option to add optional packages such as the Climate package (heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, automatic windshield wipers, and automatic high beams) and Select Plus package (navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert system). 

A 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 303-horsepower and 278-pound-feet of torque is standard across the board. While a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 comes optional for all four trims. Both the engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive is standard as well, with all-wheel drive optional. Lincoln stands the cheapest of all the competitors on the table.

The optional V-6 engine feels upmarket and smooth allowing the Lincoln MKX to run against rivals like the Acura MDX and the Cadillac XT5. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth despite being two gears down as compared to most in the competition, which helps explain the MKX's sub-par fuel economy.

Acceleration

The base V-6 engine is powerful and makes 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, but the optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 provides brusquer acceleration and makes more responsive high-speed passing. The Lincoln MKX takes 5.9-seconds to cover 60 mph with the optional engine, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the segment. It may be fast but it does not fare up well against some performance-oriented competitors.

The Acura MDX ranks first for having the quickest acceleration. But it does not have that peak power to reach the best incase of the top speed. The Lincoln MKX snatches that position from the Acura and declares itself a winner for the highest top speed in the segment. The worst performance on the block is offered by Lexus.

Braking and Handling

The Japanese competitors may deliver sharper handling, but the Lincoln MKX with a long wheelbase and adaptive suspension makes for a comfortable and composed ride over rough roads. Stability control helps the SUV on winding roads and makes cornering nimble. The power steering feels numb with no sense of the tire's interaction with the road. With the available all-wheel drive, the MKX has tight ground clearance, limiting its off-roading capability.

Brakes on the 2018 Lincoln MKX feel consistent with a minor nosedive. The MKX takes 119-feet in coming to a halt from 60mph. These numbers are impressive for an SUV this size while also taking rivals stopping power into consideration. The worst in this department is performed by Cadillac as it takes 128 feet to reach a halt from 60 mph.

The base 3.7-liter V-6 engine checks in at 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined with the front-wheel-drive, while the all-wheel-drive gets an EPA rating of 16/23/29 mpg. The surprise element is the powerful twin-turbo V-6, which is more fuel-efficient and is rated at 18/25/20 mpg with the front-wheel drive, while the all-wheel-drive scores 17/24/19 mpg.

By comparison, the Lincoln 2018 MKX is the least fuel-efficient vehicle in the class. On the other side, the Lexus RX is the best delivering 23 mpg of combined mileage. The Acura MDX is the car with the highest tank capacity and decent fuel economy. So, it helps in delivering a better overall range compared to the rivals.

A tall roof and a large door make for an easy entry/exit in the 2018 Lincoln MKX. You also get a good view of the road because of the large windows and an upright seating position. Meanwhile, the cabin keeps you isolated from the wind, tire, and road noise, while the V-6 engine remains quiet in city driving but you will listen to the engine growling once you hit the freeway speed.

Front seats are extremely comfortable with functions like massaging, heating, ventilation, and multiple adjustments. There is enough legroom in both rows to accommodate adults, although the headroom is a bit tight because of MKX's sloping roofline. Some of the interior features include:

• Leather upholstery (Optional)
• Heated rear seats (Optional)
• Heated steering wheel (Optional)
• Massaging
• Heated front seats
• Multiple adjustments

Infotainment 

The 2018 Lincoln MKX comes fitted with the parent company Ford's latest Sync 3 infotainment system, which is easy-to-use but does not respond to touch as quickly as in some rivals. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, while the 8-inch touchscreen has bright and intuitive graphics. Standard infotainment features include:

• 10-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• Sync 3 Infotainment
• Bluetooth
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Voice recognition
• Satellite Radio
• USB Port
• Wi-fi hotspot

Cargo Space

The 2018 Lincoln MKX boasts 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row and 68.8 cubic feet with them folded. There are plenty of cubbies inside the cabin to store small items, while a power liftgate comes standard and a hands-free liftgate is available.

In comparison, the number of Lincoln is impressive when compared to rivals like the Lexus RX 350, Cadillac XT5, and even the Acura MDX. The second in line behind the Lincoln is another American, the Cadillac XT5 with 30.0 cu-ft, followed by the Lexus and then Acura with 18.4 cu-ft and 14.9 cu-ft, respectively.

Lincoln MKX fails to check all the right boxes, and as its styling doesn't enroll its entry into luxury SUV territory for the price at which it is offered. The MKX shares its chassis with one of its kind, the previous generation Ford Edge, but there are some styling cues that make them different. The front fascia employs a large twin-wing grille along with the substantial use of LEDs. There is a gentle use of chrome, and its curvy style makes it stand out in the crowd.

When it comes to dimensions, the Lincoln MKX is neither the longest nor the heaviest in the class, so maneuverability will not be a concern for most. It matches the Cadillac XT5 in length and ground clearance but the Acura MDX leads the class with 196.2-inches of length. These extra inches on the MDX gets you an additional third row of seating, unlike the MKX. In terms of ground clearance, the Lexus RX 350 leads the segment while the Acura MDX disappoints.

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has earned an impressive crash rating by the NHTSA and the IIHS. The NHTSA rated the MKX with a five star overall, albeit a four-star for rollover. The IIHS meanwhile gave it "Good" scores on the crash test, and a "Superior" rating for crash avoidance but only with the AEB (automatic emergency braking) that is a part of the Driver Assistance package ($2,250).The 2018 Lincoln MKX comes standard with 10-airbags, stability control, a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and blind-spot monitoring. An optional Driver Assistance Package brings to the table features like:

• Active lane control
• Adaptive steering
• Pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection
• Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Daytime Running Lamps
• 10 airbags
• Passenger Sensing System
• Rear Vision Camera

Lincoln MKX vs Cadillac XT5

The 2018 Lincoln MKX is a better value than the Cadillac XT5 as it offers more on less price. The XT5's engine fails to provide ample power as compared to the base engine of the MKX, which provides fast acceleration. There is also no other engine option available with the Cadillac but the MKX offers a more powerful V-6 engine. The MKX also leads in terms of cargo space.

Lincoln MKX Vs Acura MDX

The Acura MDX and the Lincoln MKX both feature a V-6 engine but the MDX accelerates better and is also more fuel-efficient. The Acura also offers a smooth ride and feels more agile while cornering. It also boasts a more modern cabin than the Lincoln rival but that comes at a price. The MDX is $5,165 pricier than the MKX, but it does not offer smartphone integration like the Android Auto or the Apple CarPlay.

Lincoln MKX Vs Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 boasts a stylish interior and rich material quality. It also has a long list of standard features, including active safety techs that are optional in the MKX. Both the SUVs have powerful engines, however, Lexus offers better mileage and stable handling. There is some area where the MKX scores ahead of the RX. It offers more cargo space than the Lexus and is also priced much below. At the price which it is offered, you will be happy with the MKX.

The 2018 Lincoln MKX low price and a long list of features along with a comfy and plush cabin make it a top pick in the midsize luxury SUV segment. It does everything well if not the best. Its crash-test scores are excellent, but it lags behind the competitors when it comes to gas mileage. In terms of driving dynamics, it might not attract the attention of driving enthusiasts, but if you are looking for a luxurious and accommodating SUV, the MKX is definitely a vehicle to go for.