The Lincoln MKX was introduced into Lincoln’s lineup as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV in 2007 and remains available through today. The MKX is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Lincoln MKX?
The Lincoln MKX has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds depending on if it has a towing package installed.
There’s a bit more to know about Lincoln MKX towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2018 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2018 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2018 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2018 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2018 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| Lincoln MKX Select | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| Lincoln MKX Select | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
| Lincoln MKX Reserve | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| Lincoln MKX Reserve | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
| Lincoln MKX Premiere | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| Lincoln MKX Premiere | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
| Lincoln MKX Black Label | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| Lincoln MKX Black Label | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Lincoln MKX Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Lincoln MKX Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Lincoln MKX Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Lincoln MKX tow capacity.
Towing Equipment Installed
For all model years besides the 2010, you needed a towing package installed to get the 3,500 lb max towing capacity from your MKX.
If you didn’t have a tow package installed, the capacity for towing capped out at 2,000 lbs.
Wheel and Tire Size
For the 2010 model year only, Lincoln specified that if your MKX had tires and wheels that were 22”, you could only tow 2,000 lbs.
All other wheel and tire sizes of 2010 MKX can tow 3,500 pounds.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Lincoln MKX, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Lincoln MKX Tow Package Info
Does The Lincoln MKX Have A Tow Package?
Lincoln offers a MKX towing package which includes the following:
- Receiver Hitch
- Wiring Harness
- Upgraded Fan
- Larger Radiator
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Lincoln MKX?
If you plan on towing anything with your Lincoln MKX, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Lincoln MKX Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Lincoln MKX uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Lincoln MKX trailer hitch:
- Application: Compatible With 2007-2014 Ford Edge Models, 2007-2015 Lincoln MKX All Models ( Attention Note: Will Not Fit 2009-2013 Ford Edge Models With EcoBoost Engine, Drilling Is Required )
- Trailer Hitch ( Pin, Clip, Ballmount & Wirings Are Not Included )
- Hitch Class: Class 3, Receiver Size: 2" Receiver Tube
- Towing Specifications: Weight Carrying Capacity - 4000 lbs, Tongue Weight - 400 lbs, Weight Distribution - N/A, Weight Distribution Tongue Weight - N/A
- Color: Black
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your MKX:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Lincoln MKX Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Lincoln MKX trailer hitch installation:
Lincoln MKX Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your MKX, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Lincoln MKX?
The Lincoln MKX stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
Does My Lincoln MKX Have A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your MKX to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your MKX.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2017 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2017 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2017 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2017 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2017 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2016 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2016 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2016 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2016 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2016 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2015 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2015 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2015 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2015 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2015 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2014 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2014 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2014 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2014 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2014 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2013 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2013 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2013 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2013 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2014 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2012 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2012 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2012 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2012 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2012 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2011 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2011 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2011 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2011 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2011 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2010 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2010 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the wheel and tire size.
A 2011 Lincoln MKX with 22 inch wheels and tires can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2011 Lincoln MKX with all other sized wheels and tires can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2011 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Tire and Wheel Size |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 22” |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | All Others |
2009 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2009 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2009 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2009 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2009 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2008 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2008 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2008 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2008 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2008 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
2007 Lincoln MKX Towing Capacity
The 2007 Lincoln MKX can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on whether it has a towing package installed.
A 2007 Lincoln MKX without a tow package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2007 Lincoln MKX with a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2007 Lincoln MKX can tow.
| Lincoln MKX Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Yes |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Lincoln MKX Owner’s Manuals on Lincoln’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Lincoln MKX.