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 2017 Lincoln MKC adds Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability to its Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system. Automatic engine start/stop is now available with the turbocharged 2.0-litrer engine. Auto Hold, which can automatically keep the brakes applied after the vehicle is stopped, is now standard on all MKCs. Also standard on all models is a power liftgate. 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: $32,720 AWD Premiere: $35,130 Select: $35,720 AWD Select: $38,125 Reserve: $39,485 AWD Reserve: $41,895 Black Label: $45,475 AWD Black Label: $47,880 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-28 |
| 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) 25 |
