“The Lincoln MKS is a vehicle that offers both luxury and performance. There is also quite a bit of room inside the car. The ride is smooth and quiet. The car offers leather, wood, and a blend of technology that is on par with any luxury brand.”
Lincoln MKS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan known for its quiet ride, roomy cabin, generous comfort features, and relaxed character rather than sporty handling.
Sold from 2009 through 2016, the MKS served as Lincoln’s flagship sedan before the Continental replaced it. Its character stayed consistent: substantial, quiet, and easy to drive, with comfort taking priority over sharp handling. The 2013 refresh modernized the styling, cabin, and suspension, while the EcoBoost model gave the lineup a stronger, quicker side.
Strengths
- The cabin is roomy and built around quiet, comfortable travel rather than a sporty feel.
- Heated and cooled front seats were part of the MKS formula from its 2009 launch.
- The comfort-focused suspension helps give the MKS its calm, easygoing road manners.
- The EcoBoost model delivers notably stronger acceleration and pairs it with standard all-wheel drive.
- The trunk is genuinely spacious, measuring 19.2 cubic feet in 2016.
Who it's for
The MKS suits someone who wants a roomy, well-equipped luxury sedan for commuting, road trips, or carrying adults in comfort. It is a better fit for a relaxed driver than for someone seeking the feel of a tightly tuned sport sedan.
Lincoln MKS lineup
The main divide is between the Base MKS with its 3.7-liter V6 and the quicker EcoBoost model introduced for 2010. Pick the Base version when quiet comfort and everyday ease matter more than extra power. Choose EcoBoost for stronger, more effortless acceleration and standard all-wheel drive; in 2016, it was rated at 365 horsepower. A Livery trim also appeared in the 2016 lineup, but the standard car and EcoBoost represent the MKS family’s two enduring personalities.
Lincoln MKS generations
From 2009 to 2016, the MKS spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2009.
1st Generation (2009–2016)
The MKS debuted as Lincoln’s roomy, comfort-focused full-size sedan with V6 power and a technology-heavy cabin. A major 2013 refresh reworked the styling, interior, touchscreen system, steering, and suspension without starting a new generation.
6 In Stock
2016Trim changes
SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen replaced the older MyLincoln Touch system. This was the final MKS model year before the Continental took its place.
2015
A redesigned trunk lid relocated the release button; the rest of the car largely carried over.
2014
A rearview camera became standard, feature packages were reshuffled, and the 3.7-liter V6 gained a little power.
2013Mid-cycle update
New front and rear styling, a redesigned cabin, an 8-inch touchscreen, stronger engines, and updated steering and suspension substantially refreshed the MKS.
2012
Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert moved into option packages; otherwise, the MKS carried over.
2011
Minor electronics updates aside, the engines, design, and main features carried over.
2010Trim changes
The EcoBoost model joined the lineup with a twin-turbo V6 and standard AWD. Lincoln also improved refinement, cabin quietness, and standard equipment.
2009New generation
The all-new MKS launched as Lincoln’s full-size flagship sedan with a 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed automatic.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lincoln MKS.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Lincoln MKS?
The Lincoln MKS is a large, four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. It focuses on a quiet cabin, a calm ride, and generous comfort features rather than sports-car-like handling.
What is the Lincoln MKS known for?
The MKS is known for roomy, relaxed luxury. Its main strengths are a quiet cabin, a comfort-focused ride, substantial road presence, and features such as heated and cooled front seats.
Is the Lincoln MKS a hybrid?
No. Every MKS uses a gasoline V6. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6, while EcoBoost models from 2010 onward use a stronger twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6.
Does the Lincoln MKS have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is part of the MKS lineup, and every EcoBoost model has it as standard. Standard-engine cars may have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, so check the individual vehicle.
Is the Lincoln MKS sporty or comfort-focused?
The MKS is mainly comfort-focused. Its quiet ride and roomy cabin matter more than sharp handling. EcoBoost models accelerate more strongly, but they still retain the car's relaxed luxury character.
Who is the Lincoln MKS a good fit for?
The MKS suits someone who wants a spacious, well-equipped sedan for commuting, highway travel, or carrying adults comfortably. It is less suited to a shopper seeking a small car or highly athletic handling.
How many generations of the Lincoln MKS were there?
There was one MKS generation, sold from 2009 through 2016. A major 2013 refresh brought new styling, a redesigned cabin, a touchscreen, and updated ride and steering technology. The Continental then took over its full-size sedan role.
Is the Lincoln MKS roomy enough for passengers and luggage?
Yes. The MKS seats five and is built around a roomy cabin. In its final lineup, it had 38.6 inches of rear legroom and a large 19.2-cubic-foot trunk, making it useful for adults and road-trip luggage.
Lincoln MKS Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lincoln MKS.
4.3
Lincoln MKS
(210 reviews)
“Wonderful vehicle, I'm tall, could use some additional leg room. However of all the vehicles this was my first choice.”
“Modest style that works with the most important factor for me - interior comfort and satisfying ride.”
“Try it, I guarantee you will love it for the price. It totally compares with any luxury vehicle you can buy for the price.”
“I will only drive a Lincoln! The best car that I ever drove! It feels like I'm driving on marshmallows! Lol I really enjoy my car!”
“It has more than met my expectation. I just enjoy being in it. It has exceeded my expectation. I enjoy driving it and when I get in the car I feel I should go to some additional places or just take a trip.”