“Plenty of room to travel in. The seat adjust to each driver. Set high so elderly people can get in and out with ease.”
2017 Lincoln MKX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Lincoln MKX is a light-update year, not a redesign. The main change is the switch to the easier-to-use SYNC 3 touchscreen system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup.
About the 2017 Lincoln MKX
2nd generation MKX (2016-2018), second model year before the 2019 rename and update to Nautilus.
Lincoln positioned the MKX as a two-row luxury SUV built around a calm ride, a quiet cabin, and warm interior materials rather than sharp, sporty handling. Its core appeal was traditional comfort: easy V6 power, supportive seats, straightforward technology, and useful cargo space for everyday family duty or road trips. Compared with many German rivals, the MKX leaned more toward relaxed American luxury and less toward aggressive performance.
The MKX keeps four trims, ranging from the comfort-focused Premiere to the more richly equipped Reserve and designer-themed Black Label. Notable features include the Reserve’s heated and cooled front seats, navigation, and panoramic roof, while Black Label adds special interior themes, finer leather, an Alcantara-trimmed cabin, and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
What changed, by category
Tech
An 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen replaces the previous MyLincoln Touch system on every trim, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard. Adaptive steering moves into the Reserve’s optional Driver Assistance Package. Premium audio changes from standard to optional on Select and Reserve.
Styling
Alloy wheels change from standard to optional on Black Label.
2017 Lincoln MKX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter / V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter |
| 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 | 17–18 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 23–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 24–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 303 hp | 303 hp | 303 hp | 303 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 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 | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Lincoln MKX?
The biggest change is the new SYNC 3 infotainment system. Its 8-inch touchscreen replaces MyLincoln Touch, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2017 MKX trim.
Was the 2017 Lincoln MKX redesigned?
No, the 2017 MKX was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2016, so its engines, chassis, and four-trim lineup largely carry over.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKX meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
The main practical difference is the 2017 model’s newer SYNC 3 touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The engines, chassis, and trim structure are largely unchanged, so this is a modest update rather than a major mechanical change.
Did the 2017 Lincoln MKX trims or engines change?
No, the four-trim structure and engine lineup stayed largely the same for 2017. The notable changes involve infotainment and equipment packaging rather than new trims or powertrains.
Which 2017 Lincoln MKX trim has the most distinctive luxury features?
Black Label has the most distinctive luxury treatment. It features one of three designer interior themes, Venetian leather, an Alcantara headliner and pillar trim, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, adaptive LED headlights, and a panoramic roof.
2017 Lincoln MKX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Lincoln MKX.
4.3
2017 Lincoln MKX
(327 reviews)
“Good value for the money. More features, looks, and performance for the dollar.”
“MKX is a treat to drive. It's fun, comfortable, convenient, stylish, quiet, powerful, roomy, smart.”