Pros: Classy, comfortable interior; competitive pricing; fine selection of luxury features; quiet, cushy ride
Cons: Some of the touchscreen controls are tedious; second-row seat space is a bit cramped for tall occupants; engines don’t feel quite as strong as their horsepower ratings imply
CG Says: The 2016 Lincoln MKC is now available with Sync 3, a new touchscreen infotainment system that is a significant improvement over the previous MyLincoln Touch system. A power liftgate is now standard on Select models, and towing capacity with the Trailer Towing Package is up to 3000 pounds. Lincoln entered the premium-compact-SUV segment with the MKC, a new-for-2015 model that shared some of its basic design with the Ford Escape. Front- or all-wheel drive is available, and the base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower. Offered on all-wheel drive models only is a 285-hp, 2.3-liter version of the base engine. Available upscale features include an electronically adjustable suspension, panoramic sunroof, lane-keep assist, an automatic parallel parking system, and a hands-free tailgate that opens with a swipe of the driver’s foot underneath the rear bumper. MKC’s unique styling and high-class accouterments help justify its price premium over a Ford Escape, and give it a distinctive upscale character. In terms of driving personality, the MKC isn’t quite as sporty as many of its rivals in the premium-compact-SUV class, but since it delivers well on its luxury aspirations, most of its target audience won’t mind.
Class | Premium Compact SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Lincoln |
Nation of Manufacture | USA |
Base Prices | Premiere: $33,260 AWD Premiere: $35,755 Select: $37,090 AWD Select: $39,585 Reserve: $40,460 AWD Reserve: $42,955 Black Label: $46,455 AWD Black Label: $48,950 |
Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 240 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-29 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 285 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26 |