Used 2017 Lincoln MKC

Lincoln’s 2017 MKC compact-luxury SUV may be the company’s best effort to date. Although it shares a common architecture with the Ford Escape, the MKC shares little else. With its own distinct styling, interior and amenities, the 2017 Lincoln MKC exudes a youthful and cool vibe, something that has eluded Lincoln vehicles of late and is a welcome change. The 2017 Lincoln MKC small-luxury-crossover SUV has a rather substantial feel, placing it in the same league as the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. With a choice of two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the MKC offers more choice than the Acura RDX and Land Rover Evoque, and even the new Cadillac XT5, which offers only a single V6.

Regardless of which EcoBoost engine is under the hood, the 2017 Lincoln MKC compact-luxury-crossover SUV exudes a feeling of solidity, confidence and safety. With the competent Ford Escape as its starting point, Lincoln gave the MKC a wider track and a lower center of gravity, a move that greatly improves this compact SUV’s ability to corner and maneuver like a small sports sedan. Front-drive versions benefit from Lincoln’s Torque Vectoring Control system that helps improve grip on any road surface. But, for the driving enthusiast, it’s Lincoln’s Continuously Controlled Damping system that is a must-have. The system’s Comfort setting is a bit too soft for our taste, but we very much approve of the Sport and Normal modes, noting that the Sport mode’s ride is quite firm. A loaded MKC brings with it significant weight gain, prompting us to advise opting for the more powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine.

As the first vehicle from the new Lincoln Design Studio, the 2017 MKC’s well-finished cabin has a definite “class-above” character. Its dash-mounted push-button transmission controls yield additional storage space while the new Sync 3 system features user-friendly knobs and buttons instead of annoying slider controls. Up front, the MKC’s power bucket seats offer laudable comfort and support. However, its fixed-position 60/40-folding rear bench is less accommodating, particularly with respect to legroom for adults. Maximum cargo space — expanding from 25.3 cubic feet to 53.1 with the seatbacks folded — falls well below its larger Acura, Audi and BMW rivals.

Although aimed at younger and younger-thinking buyers, the MKC’s retains the old face of Lincoln, that being the split-wing grille framed by high-efficiency HID headlights. Full-width LED taillights grace a sophisticated wraparound rear hatch. The 2017 Lincoln MKC’s sleek profile is further enhanced by a flowing roofline, bold shoulder creases and smartly sculpted body panels. Standard across the lineup is a class-leading Approach Detection System that automatically illuminates the vehicle when its owner comes within eight feet and even includes color-keyed mini-lamps in each door pull. The Range-topping Reserve variant also features a huge 12-square-foot glass Vista Roof.

CONTINUOUSLY CONTROLLED DAMPING SUSPENSION
Standard on AWD models and optional on all others, Lincoln’s CCD joins forces with Lincoln Drive Control allowing the driver to choose three distinct shock settings. Choices include the soft-riding Comfort, Normal (our favorite) and the rather firm Sport setting.

ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL
To ensure its MKC small-luxury-crossover SUV for 2017 remains true to Lincoln standards, the company employs advanced electronics to banish unwanted noise from the cabin. Active Noise Control creates noise-canceling sound waves via the car’s audio system, making it easier to use Bluetooth, as well as converse with passengers.

Every Lincoln MKC compact-luxury-crossover SUV for 2017 comes dressed to impress. The entry-level Premiere model packs a bounty of power assists, active noise control and dual-zone climate control with Sync 3 and a 9-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio. MKC Select spec replaces leather and aluminum cabin appointments with Bridge of Weir leather and premium wood, while adding ambient lighting, a 10-way-power passenger seat and auto-folding side-view mirrors. The MKC Reserve brings heated/cooled front seats, a glass panoramic Vista Roof, navigation, the MyLincoln Mobile app for always-on remote-vehicle access, blind-spot monitoring and a power-adjustability tilt/telescoping steering column.

Buyers can personalize the MKC with a selection of free-standing extras as well as with focused equipment packages. Highlights include Continuously Controlled Damping, all-wheel drive, a 14-speaker THX II Certified Audio system, 19- and 20-inch wheel/tire fitments, and various paint finishes. All MKC’s offer the Climate Package (heated steering wheel/rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights), and a Class II Trailer Tow Package. The Select Plus Package bundles navigation with blind-spot monitoring, and the Reserve-only Technology Package brings adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Forward Sensing and Active Park Assist systems. The Black Label series represents the ultimate Lincoln experience.

The 2017 Lincoln MKC compact-luxury SUV offers a choice of two turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines. The base 2.0-liter is the same one used in the Ford Escape and produces an identical 240 horsepower/270 lb-ft of torque. Rated at 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, the MKC’s optional engine is the same 2.3-liter used in the Ford Mustang. Both engines are backed by a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that offers manual-style control via paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Although the engines boast very respectable fuel-economy figures, the MKC’s maximum tow rating — when fitted with the optional Trailer Tow Package– is 3,000 pounds, well under the Audi Q5’s class-leading 4,400-pound figure.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (FWD), 19/25 mpg (AWD)

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
285 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
305 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (AWD)