Used 2018 Lincoln MKC

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is the luxury brand’s smallest and least expensive SUV. Exquisitely detailed, luxuriously appointed and powered by a choice of turbocharged engines, the compact SUV packs big comfort, features and performance in a small package. All-wheel drive is available and the Lincoln MKC offers a long list of in-cabin convenience and safety technology, including Apple CarPlay connectivity and Active Park Assist, which will practically parallel-park the SUV for you. Offered in four trim levels, Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label, the new 2018 Lincoln MKC exudes a youthful and cool vibe, something that has eluded Lincolns of late and is a welcome change. It competes with the Lexus NX, Audi Q3, Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Prices start just over $34,000.

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is a compact-luxury-crossover SUV that exudes a feeling of solidity, confidence and safety. Lincoln gave the new MKC a wide track and a low center of gravity, which greatly improve this compact SUV’s ability to corner and maneuver like a small sports sedan. Power from the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is smooth, and acceleration is more than enough for most buyers. Its 6-speed automatic has fewer gears than many in the class, but it’s well-tuned and a good match for the 245-horsepower engine. Front-wheel-drive versions benefit from Lincoln’s Torque Vectoring Control system that helps improve grip on any road surface. But, for the driving enthusiast, Lincoln’s Continuously Controlled Damping system 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.

Those expecting a boring, old-school interior inside the Lincoln MKC will be disappointed. The SUV’s cabin is modern, cleanly designed and packs a youthful exuberance. Lincoln has infused the MKC’s interior with the comfort and refinement associated with traditional American luxury along with the technology and inspired design expected from Japanese and German luxury brands. It’s a unique combination and it works. The Lincoln’s dash-mounted push-button shifter yields additional storage space while the infotainment system features a sizable touch screen and user-friendly knobs and buttons. The MKC’s power bucket seats offer laudable support, and the rear bench folds flat to expand cargo space, which is tight compared to some rivals.

The 2018 Lincoln MKC’s sleek profile is enhanced by a flowing roofline, bold shoulder creases and smartly sculpted body panels. Up front is Lincoln’s split-wing grille framed by high-efficiency HID headlights. Full-width LED taillights grace the new MKC’s sophisticated wraparound rear hatch. Overall the SUV’s design stakes middle ground in the compact-luxury-SUV class, sandwiched between a few radically shaped competitors and others that take a more conservative approach. Standard across the MKC lineup is a class-leading Approach Detection System that automatically illuminates the Lincoln when its owner comes within eight feet and even includes color-keyed mini-lamps in each door pull.

LINCOLN PICKUP AND DELIVERY
Lincoln understands that luxury is more than soft leather and a smooth ride. It’s also saving you time and inconvenience. And that’s why every 2018 Lincoln, including the new MKC, comes with complimentary vehicle pickup and delivery for all service and maintenance. A loaner car is also part of the deal.

ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
This optional system takes all the stress out of parallel-parking the new Lincoln MKC. With the push of a button its sensors will locate a parking spot and steer the SUV into and then later out of the space while you control the accelerator, brakes and gear selection.

Every 2018 Lincoln MKC compact-luxury-crossover SUV 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, onboard 4G Wi-Fi and a 9-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio. MKC Select spec replaces Leatherette 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 Lincoln 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-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column.

Buyers can personalize their 2018 Lincoln 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 that adds heated steering wheel/rear seats, rain-sensing wipers and automatic high-beam headlights. A Class II Trailer Tow Package is also offered. 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 2018 Lincoln MKC compact-luxury SUV offers front- and all-wheel drive and a choice of two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. The base 2.0-liter is the same one used in the Ford Escape and produces an identical 245 horsepower and 275 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
245 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
275 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)