Best Car Reviews - 2017 Lincoln MKX FWD

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Introduction

The 2017 Lincoln MKX FWD is a five-seat luxury crossover aimed at buyers who value a quiet ride, generous standard comfort equipment and distinctive American styling. Positioned in the premium midsize SUV market, it combines a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6, front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Its spacious cabin, available upscale Black Label trim and strong crash-test performance helped it stand apart from many mainstream-based luxury rivals.

Design and Exterior Features

The MKX has a smooth, substantial crossover shape with a wide split-wing grille, swept-back headlights and a clean tailgate design. At roughly 190 inches long, it is easy to place on the road while offering a more substantial look than many compact luxury SUVs. The second-generation MKX introduced for 2016 brought a more modern Lincoln identity, a quieter structure and a more premium appearance than the earlier model.

Signature Lincoln split-wing grille and LED-accented exterior lighting.
Front-wheel-drive layout with a confident, road-oriented stance.
Available panoramic glass roof and hands-free power liftgate.
Available 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs, depending on trim and options.

Interior and Comfort

The 2017 Lincoln MKX FWD emphasizes relaxed long-distance comfort. Its cabin uses soft-touch materials, wood trim and available leather upholstery, while the wide dashboard and push-button transmission controls free space in the center console. Supportive front seats, active noise control and a well-isolated ride make it particularly suitable for commuting and family travel. Higher trims add richer materials and more distinctive interior themes.

Five-passenger cabin with comfortable, supportive front seating.
Dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start.
Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel.
Available premium leather, genuine wood trim and Black Label interior themes.

Performance and Handling

This front-wheel-drive MKX uses a 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 with 303 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. It uses regular gasoline and provides smooth, predictable power rather than sports-SUV urgency. Official EPA estimates for the FWD 3.7-liter model are 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 13.8, 9.4 and 11.8 L/100 km. The supplied 14.8755 consumption figure should be treated as a vehicle-record value rather than the official combined EPA rating. Electric power steering, torque vectoring control and a well-damped suspension give the MKX composed highway manners, although the front-drive setup is less engaging than some rear-drive-based luxury SUVs.

3.7-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
Six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle activation.
Official FWD economy: 17 city/25 highway/20 combined mpg.
Regular-gasoline operation helps contain fuel cost compared with premium-fuel rivals.

Technology and Connectivity

The MKX was available with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which improved responsiveness over earlier Lincoln interfaces. Depending on trim and option package, buyers could add navigation, voice control, smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera and high-end Revel audio. The available Revel Ultima system delivered 19 speakers, making the MKX especially appealing to buyers who prioritize audio quality.

Available SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment with voice control.
Available navigation, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and satellite radio.
Available Revel premium audio and 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio.
Available 360-degree camera system and remote-start functionality.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, a rearview camera, airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Available driver-assistance equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2017 MKX a Top Safety Pick when equipped with optional front crash prevention. IIHS gave the 2016-2018 MKX Good ratings in its driver-side and passenger-side small-overlap, moderate-overlap, side-impact, roof-strength and head-restraint tests; its headlight rating varied by equipment and could be Poor.

Standard rearview camera, ABS, stability control and traction control.
Available blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert.
Available lane-keeping alert and lane-keeping aid.
Optional Pre-Collision Assist earned an IIHS Superior front-crash-prevention rating.

Pricing and Variants

The 2017 Lincoln MKX FWD started at $38,260 MSRP in Premiere trim, excluding options, taxes and fees. The lineup included Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label models, with the FWD Black Label listed from $53,475. The available twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 offered more power, but the 3.7-liter V6 FWD is the straightforward choice for buyers seeking regular-fuel operation. Against rivals such as the Lexus RX, Cadillac XT5, Acura MDX and Volvo XC60, the MKX offered competitive comfort and equipment, though its cabin technology and brand resale strength were not class leaders.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Quiet, comfortable ride well suited to highway travel.
Strong 303-horsepower V6 using regular gasoline.
Spacious, premium-feeling five-seat cabin.
Available Revel audio, panoramic roof and luxury-focused Black Label trim.
Excellent IIHS crashworthiness results with optional collision prevention.

Cons

Official combined fuel economy is modest for a front-wheel-drive luxury crossover.
Six-speed automatic feels dated beside newer eight- and nine-speed rivals.
Front-wheel drive does not offer the all-weather traction of AWD.
Headlight performance received a Poor IIHS rating on tested equipment.
Some ownership reports identify electrical, infotainment and accessory concerns.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable, model-specific annual maintenance-cost estimate is not consistently available from a primary source, so buyers should budget based on age, mileage, service history and local labor rates rather than rely on a single figure. Owner-survey and complaint data point to several areas worth checking during a pre-purchase inspection: electrical-accessory faults and 12-volt battery drain, infotainment or camera issues, moonroof-drain water leaks, minor oil leaks, and climate-control or seat-heating-and-cooling faults. Confirm that recall work has been completed by checking the vehicle identification number with Lincoln or NHTSA.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.8/10. Design: 8/10; comfort: 8.5/10; performance: 7.5/10; technology: 7.5/10; safety: 8/10. The MKX earns its strongest marks for refinement, cabin comfort and available safety technology, while fuel consumption, aging transmission hardware and potential electrical issues limit its score.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly describes the 2017 Lincoln MKX as a comfortable and well-equipped used luxury SUV. Satisfaction tends to be highest among drivers who prioritize ride quality, cabin quietness and value, while criticism most often focuses on city fuel use and age-related electronics or accessory repairs.

Owners often appreciate the quiet cabin and smooth highway ride.
Leather seating, available ventilation and premium audio are frequently valued features.
Many drivers find the V6 adequately strong for daily driving and passing.
City fuel consumption is a common concern, especially on short trips.
Used-car shoppers should inspect electronics, battery condition, roof drains and service records carefully.

Best Cars in This Category

2017 Lexus RX 350
2017 Cadillac XT5
2017 Acura MDX
2017 Volvo XC60
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Summary

The 2017 Lincoln MKX FWD is best for buyers seeking an affordable used luxury crossover with a comfortable cabin, refined road manners and a naturally aspirated V6 that uses regular gasoline. It remains appealing for families and commuters who value comfort over sharp handling. A documented maintenance history, completed recall check and thorough inspection of electrical and convenience systems are essential to determining whether a specific example represents strong value.