Abstract Since their discovery, MXenes have become a focal point in the development of advanced nanomaterials, offering a unique combination of electrical conductivity, surface functionality, and processability. Their integration with polymers has opened new avenues for creating multifunctional composites with applications spanning electronics, communication, energy, healthcare, structural, and environmental technologies. This article examines how processing strategies, interfacial design, and material selection have shaped their performance and versatility. Emphasis is placed on current capabilities and challenges that must be addressed to realize their full potential. The field is poised to expand into new material systems, scalable fabrication methods, and adaptive, intelligent functions that could define the next generation of soft and structural materials. Graphical abstract