With plenty of room for five passengers and luggage for a long weekend, Lincoln’s full-size MKS flagship is a nicely appointed luxury sedan that takes Ford’s formidable Taurus to the next level.
Pricing and Equipment
The 2016 Lincoln MKS is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine or an optional 3.5-liter turbocharged Ecoboost V6 engine. Both powerplants are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The MKS is available with two engines and drive types:
- The base model with 3.7-liter V6 and front-wheel starts at $39,010; with all-wheel drive, it's priced from $41,005.
- The 3.5-liter Ecoboost, which comes only with all-wheel drive, starts at $46,000.
Performance Pros

The base 2016 Lincoln MKS is powered by a 3.7-liter engine that makes 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The up-level 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
- All MKS models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear selection.
- Fuel economy ranges from 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the 3.7-liter and front-wheel drive to 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with the 3.5-liter and all-wheel drive.
- Lincoln Drive Control is standard on all trims. The system allows the driver to configure the suspension, steering and powertrain settings to favor comfort, sport or economy.
- Standard continuously controlled damping monitors the suspension up to 500 times per second and makes tiny adjustments to improve handling and ride quality.
- The electronic steering is precise and accurate, even if it does feel a tad bit numb at times.
Performance Cons
While the top-spec MKS Ecoboost is certainly nice, its price puts it into direct competition with rivals that offer more performance and polish.
Interior Pros

Lincoln’s MKS is a well-appointed full-size luxury sedan that lives up to the premium nameplate. The standard leather-trimmed seating surfaces, leather-wrapped transmission shifter, genuine wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel provide an inviting and comfortable environment for all five passengers.
- Cabin and cargo space are excellent—there is a good reason that the MKS is a rental car favorite. There is plenty of room in the back seat for three adults of average height.
- Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, Lincoln premium sound system, remote vehicle start, keyless entry, SYNC with MyLincoln Touch 8-inch touchscreen infotainment and 19-inch premium alloy wheels.
- Optional equipment includes a dual-panel sunroof, active park assist, lane keep and adaptive cruise.
The Most Pleasant Surprise
The lively 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine runs on regular 87 octane fuel. You’d be hard-pressed to find another premium brand turbo engine that doesn’t require hi-test.
The Least Pleasant Surprise
The MKS’s low roof line doesn’t improve the styling enough to excuse the poor rear-passenger headroom. I’d rather have my MKS a little boxier and ensure all three of my rear occupants arrive without sore necks.
The Bottom Line
The 2016 Lincoln MKS is a nicely appointed full-size luxury sedan that offers—in its base trim—a lot of features at a lower price point than some key Japanese and European rivals. Exterior styling is subdued, which may be exactly what you’re looking for in a family-oriented luxury sedan, but it does keep the MKS from making a splashy visual statement of success.