Used 2019 Lincoln MKC

The 2019 Lincoln MKC is a premium-compact-crossover SUV, the most affordable brand-new Lincoln SUV. After languishing in the lower reaches of buyers’ shopping lists, Lincoln has enjoyed a recent rebirth. The amount of equipment and the attention to detail, styling flair and comfort make the MKC well worth considering. The 2019 MKC comes in Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label trim levels. If this sounds a little stuffy, don’t worry. As well as advanced safety technologies on offer and features like Active Park Assist — handling most of the parallel-parking actions — there are also things like smartphone integration. Naturally, all-wheel drive is available. The MKC rivals the Lexus NX, Audi Q3, Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Pricing starts at around $35,000.

The MKC is built on good “bones” — a chassis that’s simultaneously pliant yet poised. Things improve even more with the optional Continuously Controlled Damping setup with modes that range from Comfort to Sport. In its standard form, the MKC is front-wheel drive, and a torque-vectoring system (making fine adjustments to the speed of each wheel) brings composed cornering and optimum grip. The basic engine is smooth yet punchy, with power that should be adequate for the majority of drivers, although the 2019 MKC can also cater to those wanting extra thrust. Most rivals have more gears in their automatic transmissions, but the 6-speed unit in the MKC works well enough and has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters if the driver wants greater involvement.

A clean and modern design embraces soft-touch materials, intelligent ergonomics, luxurious features and plenty of technology, including a good-sized 8-inch touch screen. There’s no gear lever, but a set of switches on the dash for selecting Park, Reverse, Drive, etc. This frees up some space in the center console for extra stowage. The front seats are super-supportive, while the rear seats fold to make a flat load floor, although maximum cargo space (53.1 cubic feet) is far from class-leading. The top Black Label trim provides the most scope for personalization and the highest quality of materials.

As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Lincoln MKC sports a new grille design. This brings it more into line with the Continental sedan and the all-new 2018 Navigator full-size SUV. People will have their own take, but we’ll say it looks appropriately upscale. It doesn’t look grafted on, but in keeping with the rest of the vehicle. There’s even a theatrical touch in the dark, when the standard Approach Detection System that senses the owner approaching and the new MKC fires up its lower front lights, taillights, and color-keyed mini-lamps in each door pull.

LINCOLN PICKUP AND DELIVERY
Lincoln appreciates that “luxury” goes far deeper than soft leather and a smooth ride. The company also saves its customers time (the ultimate luxury) and inconvenience. Every 2019 Lincoln, including the new MKC, comes with complimentary vehicle pickup/delivery for all service and maintenance. A loaner car is also part of the deal.

ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
This option takes the stress out of parallel parking. With the push of a button, its sensors will locate a parking spot and steer the MKC into that space. Later, it will maneuver out. The driver just has to operate the accelerator, brakes and forward/reverse gears.

Even the entry-level 2019 Lincoln MKC Premiere has a powered tailgate, heated front seats with driver’s-side memory settings, Wi-Fi, two USB ports, satellite radio, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, reclining rear seats, and active noise control. MKC Select replaces Leatherette/aluminum cabin appointments with Bridge of Weir leather and premium wood, while adding ambient lighting, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and power-folding side mirrors. The MKC Reserve brings heated/cooled front seats, panoramic glass roof, navigation, the MyLincoln Mobile app for remote-vehicle access, blind-spot monitoring, and a power-adjustable tilt/telescope steering column. The Black Label model has an adaptive suspension, higher-quality leather, and more trim options.

Buyers can personalize their 2019 Lincoln MKC with a selection of individual extras as well as with dedicated equipment packages. Highlights include Continuously Controlled Damping, all-wheel drive, 14-speaker THX II Certified Audio system, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, and various paint finishes. All versions offer a Climate Package for a heated steering wheel/rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. A Class II Trailer Tow Package is also available. The Select Plus Package bundles navigation with blind-spot monitoring. The Reserve-only Technology Package brings adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision mitigation, and a semi-automated parking system.

The MKC offers choice of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. The base unit produces 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter displacement. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard with this engine, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The upgrade is a 2.3-liter engine developing 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. This is offered in the Select trim and above, and comes only with all-wheel drive. Both engines are linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission that comes with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. And both drivetrains enjoy respectable fuel-economy figures. When fitted with the optional Trailer Tow Package, the MKC’s maximum tow rating is 3,000 pounds, which is well under the 2019 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: 20/27 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)

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We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.

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Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.