2018 Lincoln MKX

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$39,035 — $56,725 MSRP Shop local deals
(4.7) 33 reviews
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2018 Lincoln MKX
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Key Specs
Our Take
First Drive
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Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2018 Lincoln MKX. Base trim shown.

2018 Lincoln MKX First Drive

Brian Wong

For the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, a new name is a chance at a new beginning, and the SUV-formerly-known-as-MKX gets enough new equipment to give the mid-size premium/luxury SUV a new lease on life. The Nautilus is the first Lincoln to ditch its old lettered name for a new, exploration-themed moniker. That's fine by me because it was hard to keep Lincoln's alphabet soup lineup of MKC, MKX, MKZ and MKT straight. Lincoln reps say that eventually all of the vehicles will ditch the lettering and get real words for names, but they weren't able (or willing) to disclose what those names would be just yet.

Related: New Name, New Price: Ex-MKX 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Starts at $41K

Aside from the name, changes include new styling, new powertrains and additional safety features to differentiate it from the MKX. I tested all of these updates in Santa Barbara, Calif., piloting the Nautilus through the country and along the coast at Lincoln's national media preview. (In accordance with our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its transportation to, and lodging at, such manufacturer-hosted events.)

The Nautilus ended up being one of the more uneven vehicles that I've tested, with its share of highs equally matched by some odd lows.

One Standout Powertrain

The powertrains are an example of this dichotomy. The Nautilus replaces the outgoing V-6 with a new base engine: a 250-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 280 pounds-feet of torque. The optional ... Read More


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Latest 2018 MKX Stories

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Consumer Reviews

4.7
33 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.9)
Performance
(4.8)
Interior Design
(4.8)
Comfort
(4.8)
Reliability
(4.9)
Value For The Money
(4.6)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

most reliable car I've owned and I have owned many

by bowrinkle from HOLBROOK, NY on October 11, 2018

It has everything I could want except when You go over the line warning, but that was my fault I didn't get it. I should at my age. Read full review

(5.0)

Very comfortable

by Steve from Westport, IN on October 10, 2018

This car exceeds my expectations. Not to mention the smooth handling, comfort, and how quiet it is. I truly enjoy my commute now. The leather seating is exceptional. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2018 Lincoln MKX currently has 0 recalls

IIHS Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2018 Lincoln MKX Premiere

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.

Child Seat Anchors (Latch)

Ease of Use
acceptable

Head Restraints and Seats

Dynamic Rating
good
Overall Rear
good
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry
good

Headlights

Overall Rating
marginal

Moderate overlap front

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Left Leg/Foot
good
Overall Front
good
Restraints
good
Right Leg/Foot
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Other

Roof Strength
good

Side

Driver Head Protection
good
Driver Head and Neck
good
Driver Pelvis/Leg
good
Driver Torso
good
Overall Side
good
Rear Passenger Head Protection
good
Rear Passenger Head and Neck
good
Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg
good
Rear Passenger Torso
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Small Overlap Front - Driver Side

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Hip/Thigh
good
Lower Leg/Foot
good
Overall Evaluation
good
Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
good
Structure and Safety Cage
good
marginal

Small Overlap Front - Passenger Side

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Hip/Thigh
good
Lower Leg/Foot
good
Overall Evaluation
good
Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
good
Structure and Safety Cage
good
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers.

Manufacturer Warranties

Backed by Lincoln
New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    48 months / 50,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    72 months / 70,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    unlimited months / unlimited distance

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    Less than 6 years old/80,000 miles

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    6 years/100,000 miles

  • Powertrain warranty

    6 years/100,000 miles

  • Dealer Certification Required

    200-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website .

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The MKX received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker