The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company. Introduced in late 2006, the MKX ("X" stands for "crossover") is the first crossover SUV offered by the Lincoln brand. Initially the smallest Lincoln SUV, it has been slotted between the Lincoln Corsair and the Lincoln Aviator. It is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Edge crossover across both generations.

The first-generation MKX was produced from 2007 to 2015, based upon the CD3 platform. The second generation is based on the CD4 platform. Both generations of the MKX were manufactured at Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada alongside the Ford Edge, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT.

As Lincoln phased out its use of "MK" model names, the MKX adopted the Lincoln Nautilus nameplate as part of a mid-cycle update in 2018 for the 2019 model year.

Development
The Lincoln MKX made its first appearance as the Lincoln Aviator concept vehicle at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as a successor to the first generation Aviator. The concept vehicle was smaller and more car-like with a V6 that was rated at  and . The Aviator Concept also differed from the production model stylistically and with its panoramic sunroof. The production model received the MKX nameplate, with Lincoln management suggesting a "mark ex" pronunciation during the 2006 auto show circuit, which was then changed to the phonetic M-K-X. Due to the similarity of the MKX name to the MDX name used by Acura for their competing luxury crossover, Honda, Acura's parent company, filed a lawsuit against Ford in January 2006, eventually settling the case out of court.

First generation (U388; 2007)

The 2007 MKX debuted in December 2006 as a rebadged variant of the Ford Edge. In addition to the chrome grille, the MKX's front fascia features projector-beam headlight assemblies with standard chrome-accented fog lights mounted in the lower fascia. The MKX features an optional adaptive headlight system that pivots the aim of the light projectors to match the steering inputs of the driver. In the rear, the MKX features dual chrome exhaust tips and brake lights backlit by LEDs with a light bar that crosses the MKX's liftgate. The optional sunroof, marketed as a Panoramic Vista Roof, is the production version of the glass roof feature shown on the 2004 Aviator Concept. The Vista Roof features a forward power sunroof and a fixed rear moonroof with dual power sunshades.

As a rebadged variant of the Ford Edge, the MKX also shares Ford's CD3 platform, unibody construction, four-wheel independent suspension with a MacPherson strut front suspension with L-shaped lower control arms and a four-link rear suspension with stamped steel control blades and monotube shocks. Both the front and rear suspensions feature an isolated subframe and stabilizer bar. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard in all models with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with Roll Stability Control (RSC) optional. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The MKX comes with standard 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with 18-inch chrome wheels optional. The sole powertrain in the MKX is an all-aluminum, 3.7-liter Duratec DOHC V6 mated to Ford's 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. Like the Edge, which shares the powertrain, the MKX's engine produces  at 6,250 rpm and  of torque at 4,500 rpm; noticeable improvements over what the Aviator Concept's engine was rated at. The MKX, Edge, and Lincoln MKZ were the first recipients of Ford's 3.5-liter Duratec V6. Front-wheel drive versions of the MKX come with a  fuel tank while all-wheel drive models come with a  fuel tank. The MKX has a base curb weight of  when front-wheel drive only and  when equipped with all-wheel drive.

For 2008 changes for the MKX included Lincoln badges added near the front doors as well as Ford Sync, Limited Edition and Monochromatic Limited Edition packages with unique styling elements and 20-inch chrome wheels, and a voice-activated DVD navigation system. No major changes were made for the 2009 MKX.

2011 refresh

For the 2011 model year, the MKX was refreshed with a new interior, a new front-end resembling the 2010–2012 MKZ, a new rear end and a 3.7-liter DOHC V6 which boosts the MKX's power up to  and  of torque.

The 2011 MKX featured the first application of the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology system.

Second generation (U540; 2016)

The second generation Lincoln MKX was revealed as a concept vehicle at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. The production model was revealed at the 2015 North American International Auto Show and officially went on sale in the fall of 2015 as a 2016 model.

The Lincoln MKX features bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, LED taillights, or full adaptive LED headlights with LED amber turn signals, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and LED fog lights which replaces the standard bi-xenon headlights if the Lincoln MKX is equipped with Luxury Package. The standard engine is the Duratec 3.7-liter V6 rated at  at 6500 rpm and  at 4000 rpm. The optional engine is the all new Ecoboost V6 that produces  at 5500 rpm and  at 3000 rpm. Trim levels include Premiere, Select, Reserve and top level Black Label, which is three special appearance packages, a tradition started with the Designer Editions in 1976. The MKX offers the "Thoroughbred" (shared with the MKZ and the Continental), "Modern Heritage", and "Indulgence" theme appearance packages.

The transmission is no longer activated with a center console installed transmission selector; the computer controlled transmission uses buttons installed to the left of the MyLincoln Touch infotainment touch screen labeled "P, R, N, D, S". In the late 1950s a similar feature was offered on all 1957 and 1958 Mercury sedans called Multi-Drive. During the same time, Chrysler offered the push button TorqueFlite and Packard offered the Ultramatic. The "S" transmission selection represents "Sport" mode, where the Continuously Controlled Damping suspension, electric power steering and transmission shift points take on a different posture.

For the 2019 model year, the second-generation MKX underwent a mid-cycle revision that was introduced in November 2017, taking on the Lincoln Nautilus nameplate.

Sales

References

External links

 
 2007 Lincoln MKX Updated Press Kit with Specifications

MKX
Luxury sport utility vehicles
Mid-size sport utility vehicles
Ford CD3 platform
All-wheel-drive vehicles
Front-wheel-drive vehicles
2010s cars
2020s cars
Cars introduced in 2006
Luxury crossover sport utility vehicles