2015 Lincoln MKC – A Cross-over SUV with Discipline

The Lincoln MKC is a Crossover with Professionalism

The buttoned up old man’s suit is more or less the brand statement Lincoln has established itself over the last decade. Lincoln continues to expand its genetic culture into the cross-over platform and the result is the Lincoln MKC.

As of 2015, the Lincoln MKC is an all-new design dubbed “small premium utility vehicle” with a newly introduced 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine producing 285 horsepower and 305 ft.lbs of torque. Its premium-like exterior sculpture deems high hopes for performance capability and luxury level comfort while its interior flows seamlessly well with a quality layout and a full suite package of both safety and technology features.

Traditional Design Principles

The Lincoln MKC maintains professional looks while integrating contemporary and athletic styling. Up front lies the signature Lincoln Split Wing grille, HID headlights and decorated white LED while the back encompasses a stream of red LED’s spanning across the entire rear. Following the modern trend of cross over SUV is an added rear spoiler high side panels and shortened side windows to give off an athletic and luxurious look.

Inside impressions contain dense material layered throughout the cabin space. A favorite in our list is the vertical gear shift buttons layered on the center console. Climate and infotainment accessibility is good but not great. Touch sensitive buttons and slide sensors for temperature control offer a great visual appeal, but compromises for ease of use – you simply can’t beat tactile buttons and mechanical knobs in terms of ease of use. From the solid doors to the leather hide material used, the overall impression is rugged. However, I was expecting better sound insulation and damping for its luxury class it sits in.

Squeezing out Performance

Engine options include either a 2.0L EcoBoost engine producing 240 horsepower and 270 ft .lbs of torque or the upgraded option offering a 2.3L EcoBoost engine adding an additional 45 horsepower and 35 ft.lbs of torque. Powertrain configuration is also configurable either in FWD or AWD with the 2.0L engine while the 2.3L engine option is only available in an AWD platform.

Effort has been taken to reduce engine capacity while squeezing out performance. With only a four cylinder engine, the Lincoln MKC achieves the same performance numbers as a naturally aspirated V6. This is made possible with the incorporation of a turbo charger.

Acceleration in the Lincoln MKC reflects its claimed numbers (atleast with our 2.3L AWD tested model), but there is no escape to the induced torque path exerted by the turbo charger. As opposed to the more traditional naturally aspirated engines, the Lincoln MKC lacks the linear acceleration response. Fuel consumption in the Lincoln MKC is rated at 18 and 26 mpg in the city and highway respectively. Considering the fact that its Acura MDX competitor with a V6 engine offers nearly the same fuel, power output, and price, it’s difficult to justify why one would opt for the Lincoln MKC.

Almost Perfect

The Lincoln MKC is still young blood, but it still encompasses all the looks, maturity and quality to stand up for its name. Acceleration is smooth and reflective of its claimed numbers. There were; however, a few blotches identified in the overall driving experience. Mainly the short-width front seats lacked lateral support and suspension tuning could be a bit more improved to improve drive handling. Drive train shuttering was also found upon zero speed crossing.

A Good Balance

It’s kind of like differentiating between the day workers who are the nine-to-fivers and the ones who really care about the impact of their roles. In my opinion, the Lincoln MKC falls closer to the former statement. There’s nothing exactly wrong with the Lincoln MKC per se. Its styling is beautiful and all the amenities and features rightfully warrants its price tag. But put it under scrutiny, you begin to realize there isn’t exactly anything truly special about it. What’s ultimately lacking is design feedback based on human emotions, and not just passing quality control.

Our tested model came priced in at a high of $55,920, which includes head mirrors, panoramic sunroof, navigation with voice recognition, hands free lift gate, headed and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel. The included technology package also includes active park assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system and enhanced THX audio sound system.

Specifications

Vehicle : 2015 Lincoln MKC
Model : 2.3L Ecoboost AWD
Price as Tested : $31,873
Vehicle Type : 5 door cross-over
Seating Capacity : 2+3
Powertrain Configuration : AWD
Engine : 2.3L EcoBoost
Transmission : 6 Speed Automatic
Horsepower : 285 Hp
Torque: 305 lb.ft
Fuel Economy: 18/26 MPG City/Highway
Additional Features : Heater Side Mirrors, Navigation With Voice Recognition, Hands Free LiftGate, Heated/Cooled Front Seats, Dual climate control, Heated Steering, THX audio System, Technology Package, Panoramic Sunroof, EcoBoost Package