2018 Lincoln MKC

Lincoln has done well to cover the basics well in the 2018 MKC. It offers a quiet cabin, smooth ride and an extensive list of standard and optional features. There are four trims to choose from while in the two-engine option you get a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. Both the engines are mated to six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive while all-wheel drive comes as optional.This 2018 Lincoln MKC is a bit of mixed bag and is definitely likable but there are better players in the market. Prices start just over $33,000.

The 2018 Lincoln is a five-passenger compact luxury SUV available in four trims: Premier, Select, Reserve and Black Label. The Premier trim offers a wide array of the standard feature with no extras, while the Select trim adds some convenience features. The Reserve and the Black Label adds to the luxury and post-sale support.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic and front wheel drive comes standard on all the trims. AWD (All-wheel drive) is optional while a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is optional for the Reserve and the Black Label trim.

Trims	Premier	Select	Reserve	Black Label
MSRP(2WD)	$33,355	$36,110	$39,985	$45,975
MSRP(AWD)	$35,765	$38,520	$42,395	$48,380
Features	2.0L Twin-Turbocharged I-4 Engine 18-inch Painted Aluminum Wheels Lincoln Premium Sound System SYNC 3	​​​​​​ 18-inch Painted Aluminum Wheels Configurable Daytime Running Lamps Ambient Lighting Semi-micro Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces	Panoramic Vista Roof 18-inch Bright Machined Wheels with Dark Stainless Painted Pockets Voice-Activated Navigation System Heated & Ventilated Front Seats	​​​​​​ Venetian Leather Seating Surfaces 19-inch Premium Ebony Painted Aluminum Wheels Alcantara Headliner/Pillars Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

Confused? We will help you find the best trim

Of all the variations available we would suggest you go with the Reserve trim as it a better value for money. It has a starting price under $40,000 and adds safety features over the Select trim. You get a hands-free power liftgate, navigation, and blind spot monitoring.

The Climate package is also available for this trim which adds- rain-sensing windshield wiper, windshield de-icer, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, and auto high-beam headlamps. Extra $2,300 will get you the Technology package with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, front parking sensor, lane keep assist and parallel park assist.

“The MKC leans significantly when you push it through a corner, lacking the poise and composure of most competitors, even with the suspension in its sportiest mode. In the city, the MKC’s modest dimensions are a boon in tight spots” -Edmunds

The 2018 Lincoln MKC gives you the option to choose between the two turbocharged four-cylinder engine and both deliver similar performance. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a good option to go for as it delivers optimum performance in any driving situation. Extra power on the large engine is not all that noticeable while you are driving.

The MKC’s ride quality is good but the SUV leans significantly while cornering. Rivals like the Acura RDX and BMX X3 feels nimble at corners and offers a more engaging drive. Fuel economy meanwhile is average for the class.

Engine and Transmission

You get two engine options to choose from in the 2018 Lincoln MKC. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240-horsepower and 270-pound-feet of torque comes as standard. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and has ample power and acceleration to satisfy most drivers.

Models	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
MSRP	$33,355	$36,000	$42,650	$41,500
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	3.5-liter port injection   V-6  engine	2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Power	245 hp	279 hp	248 hp	250 hp
Torque	275 lb-ft	252 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	285 lb-ft

A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 285-horsepower and 305-pound-feet of torque is also available and is optional on the Reserve and the Black Label trim. You do not get enough zest at higher speeds while the handling is also below par.

Acceleration

A smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission helps the 2018 Lincoln MKC with the base engine to go from 0-60 in 7-seconds, which is average for the class. It takes 15.9-seconds to cover a quarter mile which is also the slowest as compared to the rivals. Meanwhile, the optional 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is only available with the AWD (All-wheel drive) moves up to 60 mph in less than 7-seconds but fails to impress.

Models	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
0-60 MPH	7.0 sec	6.2 sec	6.0 sec	7.3 sec
Quarter mile	15.9 sec @ 87.4 mph	14.8 sec @ 93.8 mph	14.1 sec @ 98.8 mph	15.5 sec @ 86.1 mph
Engine	2.0L	3.5L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.7	7.7	7.0	7.4

The MKC's low power hampers the acceleration. Rival cars like the Acura and the BMW won the 0 to 60 test by a second. The difference expands on the quarter-mile run. 

Braking and Handling

All the 2018 Lincoln MKC comes standard with the front-wheel drive while the all-wheel drive along with an adaptive suspension and three driving modes (Normal, Sport, and Comfort) are available. The adaptive suspension feels a bit jerky in the Sport mode while the Normal mode makes things a little better. Comfort mode offers best ride quality and the SUV soaks up most of the bumps in the road. However, the MKC fails to impress in terms of agility as there is a lot of body roll when going around turns.

Despite its heft, the Steering remains stable and feel responsive. MKC’s braking ability also presents a strong showing as it stops form 60-0 in 123 feet. However, the pedal feels a bit touchy and overly soft initially.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Brake Front(in)	13.2	12.3	13.0	13.6
Brake Rear(in)	12.4	12.0	13.0	12.6
Curb Weight(lbs)	3823	3737	4150	4058
60-0 MPH (ft.)	123	122	127	130

The Acura RDX was the earliest to halt from 60mph, it took 123 feet to come on a stationary. The MKC was next just a foot behind the Acura. the BMW and Volvo XC60 took their time though. 

Towing Capacity

The MKC is rated to tow 3,000-pounds with either engine. These figures are not impressive considering what others in the competition are offering except the Acura RDX. So, if your towing needs exceeds 3000-pound the BMX X3 makes for a better option although it will leave a bigger dent in your bank.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Drive Train	2WD	2WD	AWD	AWD
Power Train	2.0L	3.5L	2.0L	2.0L
Capacity(lbs)	3000	1500	4409	3500

The 2018 Lincoln MKC with the base engine and front wheel drive gets an EPA rating of 21mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Ratings drop when you opt for the all-wheel drive as it is rated at 19/25/21 mpg. Things get from poor to worse with the larger 2.3-liter turbocharged engine which is only offered with all-wheel drive. It gets an EPA rating of 18/25/ 20 mpg.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
MPG (city)	21	20	22	22
MPG (highway)	28	28	29	28
MPG (combined)	23	23	25	24

Accounting other cars in the lot, the Lincoln MKC can hold its own when it comes to efficiency. The MKC's 23 mpg of combines mileage mirrors that of the Acura RDX. The BMW and Volvo deliver a tad more at 24 and 25 mpg respectively. 

"Lincoln went with a vertical stack of buttons for the transmission, which frees up space between the seats. A natural-feeling step-in height eases access for front occupants, but backseat space is tight"- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort 

The biggest disadvantage with the 2018 Lincoln MKC is that it does not have a roomy cabin. Fronts seats are comfortable with good amount of headroom but the legroom in both the rows is tight as compared to rivals. The door cutouts provide for a good elbow room in both the rows. Driver visibility looking forward is great but it’s limited while looking backward due to thick roof pillars. Most of the physical controls are within reach so you will not need to take your eyes off the steering.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	97.9	103.5	101.4	102.8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.6/56/42.8	38.7/58.7/42.0	41.1/57.6/40.3	38/58.2/41.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.7/55.3/36.8	38.1/57.2/38.3	39.1/56/36.4	38/56.3/38

Interior Features 

Some of the seating features include:

• Leatherette upholstery
• Reclining and power adjustable rear seats
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery (Optional)
• Ventilated front seats (Optional)
• Heated rear seat (Optional)
• Heated steering wheel (Optional)

Infotainment 

The user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system is responsive and easily navigable. There are buttons and knobs on the center stack which makes things easier for those who like physical controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard and the voice controls are easy to learn. Infotainment features include:

• Dual USB port
• Bluetooth
• A nine-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• An 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Cargo Space

Things do not look bright for the Lincoln when it comes to cargo capacity. It has 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 53.1 cubic feet with them folded. These numbers are not impressive at all considering what the rivals are offering, however, there is no dearth of cubbies inside the MKC. A power liftgate comes standard while a hands-free liftgate is available.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Volume behind 2nd row (cube ft.)	25.2	26.1	28.7	22.4
2nd row folded (cube ft.)	53.1	61.3	62.2	63.3

As said earlier, cargo capacity is not the MKC's best suit. You get as much as 10 cubic feet extra of full cargo bay with the competitors when the 2nd-row seats are down. 

"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"- Edmunds

Dimension and Weight

The 2018 Lincoln MKC boasts a flowing roofline, bold shoulders and sculpted body. Front fascia gets a split-wing grille and HID headlights while a full-width LED taillight graces the rear hatch. The MKC, however, shows a few similarities to the Ford Escape and compared to others it looks a bit dowdy. A class-leading approach detection system is standard across all the MKC’s lineup which automatically illuminates the Lincoln when the owner comes within the eight-feet radius of the car.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Curb weight(lbs)	3823	3737	4150	4058
Length(in)	179.2	184.4	185.9	184.6
Width(in)	73.4	73.7	74.4	74.9
Height(in)	65.2	65.0	66.0	65.3
Ground clearance(in)	6.8	8.1	8.0	8.5
Wheelbase(in)	105.9	105.7	112.8	112.8
Track width(in) F/R	62.4/62.5	63.1/63.4	63.8/64.4	65.1/65.2

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is neither the longest nor the widest in the segment so it will be easy to maneuver in city traffic and its compact size also makes it easy for the driver to park the SUV. The BMW X3 leads the segment with 185.9-inches in length and 66-inches in height. The Volvo meanwhile offers exceptional ground clearance with 8.5-inch.

Wheels

Wheel sizes range from 18-inch to 20-inch. The Premier, Select and Reserve model gets 18-inch painted aluminum wheels as standard while you also get to choose between a 19-inch and a 20-inch wheel in the Reserve trim. A 19-inch premium Ebony painted aluminum wheel is standard on the Black Label trim.

Model	Lincoln MKC Premier	Acura RDX Standard	BMW X3 xDrive30i	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Size F/R (in.)	18*8/18*8	18*7.5/18*7.5	18*7/18*7	18*7.5/18*7.5
Quality	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum
Wheel type	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy

The NHSTA has gives the 2018 Lincoln MKC a four-star overall crash rating which is worrying. It also gets a four-star rating in frontal and rollover crash safety. The IIHS meanwhile has not conducted a full test on the MKC, however, it has rated the SUV “Good” in moderate overlap and side impact.

When it comes to reliability, Lincoln has covered the MKC with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 6-year/ 70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

NHSTA Rating

Overall Rating	4 star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 star
Overall Side Barrier Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5 star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 star
Rollover Rating	4 star

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good

 

Crash Avoidance and Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Basic
Child Seat Anchors	Marginal

Safety features

All the passengers get airbags along with dual-stage front airbag and a driver’s knee airbag in the Lincoln MKC. A rearview camera is standard on all models and blind-spot monitors are optional. The MKC, however, lacks advanced safety features which you otherwise get with the competitors.

• Dual-Stage Front Airbags
• Front Seat-Mounted side impact airbags
• Safety Canopy System with Side Curtain Airbags
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children)
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• Belt-Minder front safety belt reminder
• Illuminated entry
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
• Child-safety rear door locks
• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
• Perimeter alarm

Lincoln MKC Vs Acura RDX

Acura RDX is an excellent SUV considering its strong marks in crash test along with an attractive list of optional safety features, more cargo space than the Lincoln MKC and more leg room in the second row. However, Acura suffers when it comes to performance and luxury. The SUV is priced $3,000 above the MKC and comes with a V-6 engine which does not feel nimble around corners. The Lincoln meanwhile, feels more luxurious inside and has a better towing capacity.

Lincoln KMC Vs BMW X3

The BMW X3 leads the segment with on-road performance, interior quality and above average reliability and safety score. It also comes with excellent cargo capacity and more room for passenger along with outstanding fuel economy for the class. The BMW X3 beats the Lincoln in almost every segment but it's priced $9,200 above. Drivers who crave a luxurious cabin and supple handling will be better off in the X3. However, the Lincoln is a good choice considering its price and features.

Lincoln MKC Vs Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 has been fully re-designed for the 2018 model year and the features have been improved. Some of the improvement includes a state-of-the-art infotainment system, more legroom for the rear passengers, a peppy engine choice and best in class cargo capacity. The XC60 is also $9,000 pricier than the Lincoln MKC but it proves its value worth. If you have the money and want a more luxurious ride go for the Volvo, however, the Lincoln MKC is also a good option to go with.

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is a good option to go with. It is although not the class leader in many areas while others in the segment stand out for one reason or the other. The flaws are eminent in the Lincoln with poor cargo space, cramped rear seats and below average fuel economy. However, it has a smooth and comfortable ride and easy to understand infotainment system. It is one of the lowest priced luxury SUV in the segment and considering its price we cannot ask for more. Buy this Lincoln only if you are tight on the budget otherwise there are better options in the market.