Introduced for the 1998 model year, this full-size luxury SUV marked Lincoln’s entry into the SUV market and quickly became one of the brand’s defining nameplates. It arrived at a moment when buyers were beginning to want truck-based utility without giving up the comfort and prestige associated with traditional luxury sedans, and that formula gave it immediate impact. From the start, it was positioned as a spacious, upscale alternative to mainstream SUVs, with an emphasis on refined interior appointments, strong towing and hauling ability, and a commanding road presence.
The nameplate has remained in continuous production since its debut, evolving through several generations rather than disappearing and returning. Early versions established the basic character that still defines the vehicle today: a large three-row luxury SUV with an emphasis on comfort, presence, and long-distance travel. Over time, later generations brought major updates in design, chassis sophistication, and technology, while preserving the model’s role as Lincoln’s flagship SUV.
One of the most significant milestones came in the late 2010s, when a redesigned generation helped reassert the nameplate’s status as the centerpiece of Lincoln’s modern lineup. That era emphasized a more elegant exterior, a more upscale cabin, and a stronger focus on the brand’s “sanctuary” approach to luxury. Across its run, the vehicle has remained closely associated with size, quietness, and first-class family travel, making it one of the most recognizable American luxury SUVs of its era.