Compete to Win
Now in its third year of production, the 2017 Lincoln MKC provides all the styling, performance, and comforts befitting a true American-made luxury brand, all while keeping prices remarkably competitive. It's not just here to compete against Europe's best—it's here to win.
Performance
The 2017 Lincoln MKC can be had with one of two powertrains, both of which feature EcoBoost® technology for added efficiency and stout performance.
Base models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that punches well above its weight. It serves up 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque that delivers all the comfort and responsiveness required of a luxury crossover SUV. The engine is paired with a six-speed SelectShift®, which offers the control of a stick shift with the convenience of an automatic. Front-wheel is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.
EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2.0-liter powertrain are 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway)* with front-wheel drive, and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
For the truly power-hungry, there’s also a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost® four-cylinder. Producing 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, this engine comes with the same six-speed automatic as the 2.0-liter, but is only available with all-wheel drive.
Lincoln buyers really get the best of both worlds here. Since the increase in power isn’t linked to a massive increase in displacement, the 2.3-liter still gets good fuel economy, as its 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) rating attests.*
Features
The 2017 Lincoln MKC comes in a practical five-door, five-seat crossover body style, and with plenty of luxurious features.
Lincoln wasn’t exaggerating when it named the base Lincoln MKC trim level Premiere. Starting at $32,720 (with the 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive), you get a 10-way power heated driver’s seat with power lumbar and memory, an eight-inch LCD touch screen, nine-speaker audio, dual-zone climate control, and a host of other features.**
Next up is the Select model, which builds on the Premiere. In addition to all of the applicable equipment from the Premiere, the Select adds upgraded leather-trimmed seats, ambient lighting, 18-inch nickel-anointed aluminum wheels, and more.
The Reserve trims offer significant upgrades, including Panoramic Vista Roof, navigation with voice control, and a hands-free liftgate. There are also a couple of notable standalone options.
The MKC Black Label is the most refined trim available. It adds 19-inch wheels, a multimode adaptive suspension, upgraded leather upholstery, simulated suede headliner, and much more.
For all you audiophiles out there, the Select, Reserve, and Black label models can be outfitted with an enhanced 14-speaker THX II-Certified audio system for ultimate sound quality. A Climate package is also available. Highlights include heated rear seats and steering wheel, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, and a wiper de-icer.
Design
To match its premium level of equipment, the 2017 Lincoln MKC sports a sophisticated exterior that’s both stylish and distinctive. The bold winged grille echoes the front fascia of the classic 1940 Continental while a wraparound liftgate makes a seamless base for full-width taillights at the back.
It’s a bold look that would suit a much larger luxury sedan or a full-size SUV, let alone a scrappy compact crossover. Even the base Lincoln MKC comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome dual exhaust tips, too, so it will always look good at the stoplight.
The exterior is matched by the interior. The standard setup is a leather-trim steering wheel that features redundant audio controls for ease of use while driving. It’s complemented by a sculpted instrument panel with Lincoln’s trademark push-button shifter. The entire cabin also gets a classy aluminum trim.
Safety
Lincoln has safety covered as well. The 2017 Lincoln MKC comes standard with features like anti-lock brakes; stability and traction controls; and front, front side-impact, and driver’s knee airbags. There’s also a Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags.
Optional safety technology includes BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with rear cross-traffic alert, a forward-sensing system, and lane-keep assist.
Verdict
The 2017 Lincoln MKC is one of those rare cars that truly sells itself by virtue of its riveting exterior design, dynamic handling, and exquisitely crafted interior. Where it exceeds expectation, however, is by also offering a broad and varied assortment of powerful yet fuel-efficient engines.
For more information, or to simply schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
*EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary
**Base MSRP and base plus package price exclude destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included
Image Credit: Lincoln Motor Company
