“The MKX is a great luxury car for the money. Comfort and good ride are important as we get older and like to take road trips.”
2016 Lincoln MKX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Lincoln MKX is an all-new, second-generation model, making this a major change year. The redesign brings a more modern luxury-SUV layout and replaces the previous single trim with Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label versions.
About the 2016 Lincoln MKX
2nd generation, first year of the redesign (2016-2018 MKX before the 2019 Nautilus rename/refresh).
Lincoln positions the MKX as a calm, upscale midsize SUV for buyers who value comfort, quiet, and an easy everyday driving experience more than sporty handling. Its core appeal is a hushed cabin, warm interior design, simple luxury features, and a relaxed ride. Compared with rivals that lean harder into sharp performance, the MKX sells the idea of a quieter, softer, more welcoming two-row luxury SUV with distinctive Lincoln styling and a more personal ownership feel.
The redesigned MKX emphasizes a quiet, comfort-first cabin, with Premiere serving as the straightforward entry trim and Select adding richer leather, wood trim, and convenience features. Reserve adds highlights such as cooled front seats, a panoramic roof, navigation, and blind-spot monitoring, while Black Label tops the range with themed interiors, richer materials, and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The standard 3.7-liter V6 is joined by an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6.
Styling
The exterior and interior are fully redesigned around Lincoln’s cleaner, quieter luxury theme.
Tech
Push-button shifting and Auto Hold are standard throughout the lineup. New Revel premium audio systems further distinguish upper trims.
Structural
The body, chassis, and suspension are reworked to deliver a quieter cabin and a more controlled ride.
2016 Lincoln MKX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 2.7L | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 2.7L | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 2.7L | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 2.7L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD / FWD | FWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 23–26 mpg | 26 mpg | 24–26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300–330 hp | 300–330 hp | 300–330 hp | 300–330 hp |
| Torque | 280–370 lb-ft | 280–370 lb-ft | 280–370 lb-ft | 280–370 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKX a full redesign?
Yes. The 2016 MKX begins the model’s second generation with a redesigned exterior and interior, a reworked body and suspension, and a new four-trim lineup.
How different is the 2016 Lincoln MKX from the 2015 model?
The 2016 MKX is substantially different from the 2015 model because it is a full redesign. It has new styling, a quieter structure, revised suspension, push-button shifting, Auto Hold, and a four-trim lineup in place of the previous single-trim structure.
What engines does the 2016 Lincoln MKX have?
The 2016 MKX has a standard 3.7-liter V6. A newly offered 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 provides the alternative engine for this model year.
What are the 2016 Lincoln MKX trim levels?
The 2016 MKX lineup consists of Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. These four trims replace the 2015 model’s single Base trim as part of the redesign.
What distinguishes the 2016 MKX Black Label?
The 2016 MKX Black Label is the top, style-focused trim. It has four exclusive interior themes, richer cabin materials, an Alcantara headliner, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic roof, and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
2016 Lincoln MKX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Lincoln MKX.
4.3
2016 Lincoln MKX
(529 reviews)
“Maybe the best vehicle I have ever owned. great ride and handling, headlight outstanding, quiet, Massage seat are amazing a must have.”
“The vehicle is very enjoyable to drive. The dimensions a good for city and country. I love the interior and ride. It is taking me a while to break in the drivers seat, it still seems a little stiff.”
Sources
- media.lincoln.com — Product / 2016 / 2016 Lincoln MKX Product Card HR
- media.lincoln.com — 01 / 13 / All New Lincoln Mkx Delivers Personal Luxury
- media.lincoln.com — 08 / 27 / Safer Effortless Ride And Elegant Design Highlight All New Mkx
- media.lincoln.com — 06 / 16 / Meticulous Attention To Detail Elevates Craftsmanship Of Next Li
- media.lincoln.com — 11 / 17 / Lincoln Black Label Elevates Craftsmanship Quality Service