2008 Lincoln MKX [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 43 MKX reviews and test drives.
Lincoln MKX - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Lincoln MKX ranks 20 out of 26 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Lincoln MKX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The MKX delivers a nice combination of luxury and refinement in a crossover vehicle that rides, drives and sips fuel like a sedan while offering the spaciousness and cargo space of an SUV. But it still doesn't match the interior refinement of some rivals and ranks near the bottom of its class.
Lincoln's first crossover vehicle (sometimes called a CUV), the MKX offers a refined, smooth ride and is filled to its very spacious brim with luxury features. The 2008 MKX is virtually unchanged since last year, but it has gained more interior features. BusinessWeek says the MKX has "all the virtues of an SUV -- ample interior space, available all-wheel drive, a high driving position -- and lacking the major drawback, lousy fuel economy." However, some reviewers find the MKX falls short in interior refinement, especially when compared to its luxury-minded rivals. Reviewers are also conflicted over whether the MKX is worth the premium cost it carries as compared with similar SUVs. It costs about $5,000 more than the Ford Edge, its sister car. However, for the level of standard equipment it may be a steal.
The 2008 Lincoln MKX is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. Optional for both is the Ultimate Package, the Elite Package and the Class II Trailer Tow Prep Package.
- "Unless you need to carry more than five people, or tow massive trailers, the MKX is a very appealing alternative to bigger, thirstier luxury SUVs such as its own big brother, the Lincoln Navigator. It's surprisingly nimble, great on the highway, and those looks don't hurt a bit." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "The MKX, in short, is a very decent offering. It's easy to look at, easy to park. It's got comfortable seats, lots of room for second-row passengers, and enough surprise and delight to keep you pressing buttons and throwing switches for weeks." -- Los Angeles Times
- "A week with a well-equipped front-wheel drive MKX showed it to be a fine contemporary luxury vehicle. Its upscale design and specification are enhanced by interior quiet and a smooth but controlled ride. It drives and feels like a car, not a truck, and the powertrain meets all demands placed upon it." -- The Auto Channel
MKX Performance - 7.2 (Good)
The Lincoln MKX's comfortable ride, adequately powerful engine, and smooth suspension get generally positive reviews. Still, its performance can't compete with stronger performers in the class and ranks in the bottom half. "Ride and handling are on par with the competition, though steering feel is a bit distant and detached," says the Orlando Sentinel. Continue with our full Performance review to learn why the automatic transmission is a deal-breaker for at least one test driver. continue
MKX Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
For its exterior, the 2008 Lincoln MKX earns a good score and a middle-of-the-class ranking, based on a few criticisms. The Orlando Sentinel says: "This is a great-looking vehicle, arguably the most handsome SUV on the market..." Continue with our full Exterior review to learn why the MKX's large chrome grille brings out mixed reviews, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
MKX Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2008 Lincoln MKX's five-seat interior gets a good score for its spacious and comfortable blend of style and function. However, sub-par interior materials don't quite live up to the luxurious image Lincoln is shooting for and bring the score down, though the interior still ranks in the top half of the class. "The cabin aesthetics of the MKX -- featuring the so-called 'satin-nickel' finish on the dash and central console -- are just this side of awful, a sugary coating on Ford's stock panels and switches seen in everything from Focus to F-150," complains the Los Angeles Times. Continue with our Interior Review to learn about the MKX's panoramic vista sunroof and award-winning navigation system options, or check out our interior photos. continue
MKX Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)
The 2008 Lincoln MKX receives an excellent safety score based on its abundance of important safety features and stellar crash test scores. Forbes says, "There's nothing missing on the safety front." In fact, the 2008 model receives a "Top Safety Pick" designation for its excellent crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Continue with our full Safety Review to learn whether the optional reverse sensing system is worth the money. continue
MKX Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Lincoln MKX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The MKX comes with Ford Motor Company's four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about powertrain coverage. continue
