2017 Lincoln MKX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 190.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,387 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 18% below the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Lincoln MKX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (3.7L 6-cyl and 2.7L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,387 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 18% worse than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 MKX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 MKX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 190.2 in | 76 in | 66.1 in | 112.2 in | 65 / 64.6 in | 4,387 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKX FWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $3,350 | 440 |
| MKX FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $3,350 | 444 |
| MKX AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -17% | $3,550 | 467 |
| MKX AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -17% | $3,550 | 471 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lincoln MKX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.4% |
| 2017 Lincoln MKX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lincoln MKX (this car) | 20 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 BMW X3 | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Volvo XC90 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (5)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Aug 22, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V544000 · 499,129 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.
Service Brakes · Aug 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V469000 · 488,594 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
- Risk
- A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V414000 · 19,299 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Nov 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V809000 · 54,411 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX vehicles equipped with 3.7L engines. The battery positive cable harness may contact the transmission shifter cable bracket resulting in a short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the battery harness clips and elbow guide, and install a wire channel shield and protective sleeve to the battery cable harness, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on December 2, 2019. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available, currently expected to be the end of April 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S41.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 27, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V123000 · 27,531 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C02.
Not every 2017 Lincoln MKX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Lincoln MKX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 13 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln MKX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 31 |
| 2016 MKX | 20 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 156 |
| 2015 MKX | 20 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 19 |
| 2014 MKX | 21 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2013 MKX | 21 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 152 |
| 2012 MKX | 21 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 75 |
| 2011 MKX | 21 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 130 |
| 2010 MKX | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 6 | 98 |
| 2009 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 6 | 59 |
| 2008 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 5 | 220 |
| 2007 MKX | 19 | 187 in | Not rated | 5 | 234 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →