In the past, many buyers often dismissed the Lincoln MKC as another Ford Escape in fancy slacks. Well, that was to a big extent true since the outgoing model was almost identical to the Ford Escape with a few altered features and Lincoln badges. However, that is a thing of the past with the new MKC. While the 2017 Lincoln MKC still shares its drive-train and platform with the Ford Escape, it does not look anything like it.
For a while now, the Lincoln, Ford’s luxurious brand has been struggling in the market dominated by a trio of crossovers from the three German-based luxury automotive giants. Ina bid to morph Lincoln into an attractive brand, the automaker has upped its game and the MKC is one proof of those efforts. Read along to find out what Ford has done with the new 2017 Lincoln MKC:
2017 Lincoln MKC Exterior
On the outside, the MKC has achieved a good blend of aggressiveness, boldness and elegance. Ford has in fact adopted some exterior styling from the Lincoln MKZ sedan. At the front, the crossover features a split-wing grille, which flanked by sharp headlights. The headlights comprise of HID bulbs to enhance its visibility as well as LEDs for enhanced clarity and accenting. Below the grille is a refined bumper with light strips at the lower part.
At the rear, the vehicle features a wraparound lift-gate, rounded exhaust tips as well as upgraded graphics for the taillights. The new taillights design makes the rear look wider. On the other hand, the rear lower diffuser-esque insert and dual exhaust tips enhance the vehicle’s sporty character.
The front look is designed to draw attention to the crossover’s high-riding flanks. The flanks feature double shoulder lines that seem to crease above its fenders. This visually raises the model’s ride height than it actually is. The side mirrors have an auto-folding function and are integrated with turn signals. The model is available in 6 different sets of wheels ranging from 18- to 20-inches. The wheels are finished in either aluminum, polished aluminum or luster nickel-painted aluminum.
Other exterior features include a panoramic Vista Roof, approach lighting where the front and rear lights as well as door handles glow to welcome the driver and the ground around the doors is illuminated when the driver gets within 8 feet of the vehicle when it is in parking to facilitate easy entry.
The model is 179.2 inches long, 73.4 inches, has a height of 65.2 inches and a wheelbase that spans 105.9 inches.
2017 Lincoln MKC Interior
Ford has also revised the cabin to bridge the gap between it and offerings from Germany. The model is available in four trim levels that include the base Premiere, mid trims Select and Reserve and the top-of-the-range Black Label trim.
The MKC has ditched the gear shifter and replaced it with push buttons. It comes with a gigantic infotainment screen mounted at the center of the dash. The screen houses the new Sync 3 system. There are large knobs for radio tuning and volume as well as a number of controls for the climate system; these controls are placed on the model’s new kiosk-like center console.
Unlike the outgoing model, Ford has hooked up the model with a more premium feel whereby premium materials including Weir leather and wood are offered as options. The mode is adequately equipped even in the base trim. The Premiere trim in fact includes awesome features like power heated front seats, keyless ignition, programmable MyKey system, automatic climate control, satellite radio and the Sync 3 infotainment system.
The Select trim adds premium leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and additional seating adjustments. The Reserve trim on the other hand adds a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats and a hands-free tailgate. Buyers who opt for the range-topping Black Label have an option of ordering a number of special extras.
For safety, Ford offers a Technology Package that features lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, active park assist as well as a rear cross-traffic alert system.
Engine Specs and performance
The MKC is offered in two drive-trains. The base trim are be powered by a turbocharged 2.0 L, EcoBoost 4-cylinder mill. This same engine powers the Ford Escape. It produces 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine is EPA rated at 21 mpg on city and 28 mpg on highway drives for FWD models and 19 mpg on city and 25 mpg on highway drives for models using AWD.
The most potent engine is a turbocharged 2.3 L, EcoBoost 4-cylinde power-plant which is rated at 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. The engine is EPA rated at 18 mpg on city and 25 mpg on highway drives. Ford also uses this engine on the Ford Mustang. The two engines mate to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a manual-style control that is enabled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The MKC has a rather disappointing tow rating which at a maximum of 3,000 pounds falls well below the Audi Q5’s 4,400 pounds capacity.
Price and release date
The MKC is competitively priced. The base 2.0 L MKC Premiere has an MSRP of $33,600, $36,600 for the MKC Select while the MKC Black Label fetches $46,500. Going for the more potent 2.3 L powered models with AWD, you will need to spend more cash as the base model starts at just over $40,000 and can go as high as $56,000 for a well-equipped MKC Black Label. This price is very competitive considering that range-topping trims of rivals such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi fetch around $5,000 more.
Competition
The 2017 Lincoln MKC will face stiff competition from the likes of Lexus NX 200t, BMW X3, Acura RDX, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Almost all these models are expensive than the MKC, factor that could make the MKC an attractive option for price conscious customers.