Luxury and reliability aren’t always synonymous. That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. The consumer nonprofit’s recommendations can even help you choose a more reliable used luxury SUV. One to consider is the 2017 Lincoln MKX.

But it might be a surprise that the 2017 MKX has several recalls on it. Here’s why Consumer Reports likes it anyway.

The 2017 Lincoln MKX

The 2017 Lincoln MKX offers two engine options. Although the 303-hp, 3.7-liter V6 isn’t exciting, the available 335-hp 2.7-liter turbo V6 “is smooth and delivers effortless thrust,” Consumer Reports says. It reports that the MKX has great handling and a “composed” ride. But Kelley Blue Book doesn’t think the 2017 MKX provides the performance of the BMW X5 M or Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43.

The MKX’s interior is quiet and offers high-quality materials and finishes, such as leather upholstery and aluminum and wood accents. And the front and rear seats feel spacious. This crossover SUV also includes an easy-to-use infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen. But Consumer Reports points out that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not included in the 2017 MKX.

Standard features on the 2017 MKX include remote start, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, torque-vectoring control, curve control, a reverse-sensing system, a rearview camera, a heated 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a particulate air-filtration system.

Kelley Blue Book really likes the 2017 Lincoln MKX’s optional features. The automotive research company suggests upgrading from nine to 19 audio system speakers and adding a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, and voice-activated navigation.

The 2017 Lincoln MKX vs. the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Consumer Reports points out that luxury vehicles depreciate quickly, so a used one can represent an excellent deal. But not all used luxury SUVs are a great deal. Some offer an uncomfortable ride, poor interior, or even “expensive out-of-warranty repairs,” Consumer Reports says.

Rather than recommending the popular 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Consumer Reports says to consider the 2017 Lincoln MKX instead. The 2017 MKX boasts better reliability than the 2013 Grand Cherokee. And according to owner surveys submitted to Consumer Reports, the MKX also offers better fuel efficiency. It gets 18 mpg as opposed to the 2013 Grand Cherokee’s 14 mpg.

The 2017 Lincoln MKX is the luxury version of the Ford Edge, and Consumer Reports find it “one of the best luxury SUVs in our testing.” The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular and “versatile” SUV that can be used for off-road driving. However, its reliability falls below average or well below average for the 2011 through 2014 model years. Jeep improved the Grand Cherokee for the 2015 model year, but it still had just average reliability.

The 2017 Lincoln MKX does have a higher price, between $17,725 and $28,375. The 2013 Grand Cherokee costs between $12,375 and $24,500. Then again, the Jeep isn’t a luxury SUV.

Recalls on the 2017 Lincoln MKX

Though Consumer Reports recommends the 2017 Lincoln MKX, you should be aware that it has several recalls. Announced between 2017 and 2020, four recalls concern the airbags, battery, and brakes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports.

The first recall, issued in February 2017, involves frontal airbags that might not deploy properly. The second recall came in November 2019. The 2017 MKX’s battery cable could chafe and cause an electrical short, posing a fire risk. In July 2020, the third recall concerns damaged wiring that could cause an airbag malfunction where the airbag deploys inadvertently or doesn’t deploy during a crash. And last, the fourth recall came in August 2020. It warns of the front brake hoses possibly rupturing, causing the SUV to take longer to stop.

Though buyers considering a used 2017 Lincoln MKX should be aware that recalls might still need to be addressed, this crossover SUV boasts overall great reliability. Consumer Reports recommends it as an excellent alternative to the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee.