Is Lincoln discontinuing the MKX?
Yes. Lincoln discontinued the MKX after the 2018 model year and replaced it with the Lincoln Nautilus starting in 2019, continuing the brand’s two‑row midsize SUV lineup under a new name.
The question centers on whether the MKX name survives in Lincoln’s current catalog and how the replacement fits into Lincoln’s broader SUV lineup. Here is a concise look at what happened and what Lincoln offers today.
Background and transition
Below is a concise timeline that outlines how the MKX was phased out and replaced by a renamed model, along with the status of the Nautilus in Lincoln’s lineup.
- 2007: Lincoln introduces the MKX as a two‑row premium crossover, positioned between smaller and larger Lincoln SUVs.
- 2018: Lincoln confirms the MKX nameplate will be retired and replaced with a new name for the two‑row crossover.
- 2019 model year: The Lincoln Nautilus debuts as the successor to the MKX, marking the rebranding of the model in Lincoln’s lineup.
- 2020s–present: The Nautilus remains Lincoln’s current two‑row midsize SUV, with updates and refinements as part of the ongoing lineup.
In short, the MKX family line was discontinued in favor of the Nautilus, which has continued to serve as Lincoln’s primary two‑row SUV since 2019.
Lincoln’s current SUV lineup
To understand where the MKX stands in today’s catalog, it helps to see which models Lincoln now uses to fill the same size and capability segments.
- Nautilus — Lincoln’s current two‑row midsize SUV, renamed from MKX for the 2019 model year and still in production as of 2025.
- Corsair — Lincoln’s compact SUV, positioned below the Nautilus in the lineup.
- Aviator — Lincoln’s three‑row flagship SUV, larger than the Nautilus with seating for seven.
- Navigator — Lincoln’s full‑size, three‑row luxury SUV, offering the largest footprint in the lineup.
Everyone can clearly see that the MKX name itself is no longer used, having been replaced by the Nautilus several model years ago. The Nautilus continues to be the direct two‑row alternative with ongoing updates, while other SUVs fill the broader range.
Summary
The MKX name has been permanently retired by Lincoln. Since the 2019 model year, the MKX has been replaced by the Nautilus, which remains Lincoln’s two‑row midsize SUV. The brand continues to offer Corsair, Aviator, and Navigator to complete its SUV lineup, with Nautilus serving as the direct successor to the MKX.
