Lincoln MKX vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Lincoln MKXPremiere | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premiere | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lincoln MKXPremiere | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $39,035 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lincoln MKXPremiere | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 25 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal (best) | 17.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Lincoln MKXPremiere | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 303 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lincoln MKXPremiere | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 37.2 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,168 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 7.8 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 112.2 in |
| Length | 190 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 76.1 in (best) | 76 in |
| Height | 66.2 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lincoln MKXPremiere | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 5 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Lincoln MKX | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premiere $39,035 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premiere $41,530 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | Select $42,550 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | Select $45,045 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | Reserve $46,560 MSRP | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | Reserve $49,055 MSRP | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | Black Label $54,230 MSRP | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
| 8 | Black Label $56,725 MSRP | — |
Lincoln MKX vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 Lincoln MKX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Lincoln MKX starts lower at $39,035.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2018 Lincoln MKX leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,035).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2018 Lincoln MKX leads on horsepower in this comparison (303).
- Which has better seats: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2018 Lincoln MKX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 Lincoln MKX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Lincoln MKX (5/5 NHTSA overall); Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).