Used 2018 Lincoln MKC for sale 

The 2018 Lincoln is a five-passenger compact luxury SUV available in four trims: Premiere, 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.

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Of all the variations available, we would suggest you go with the Reserve trim as it is 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.

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.

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 in the competition.

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. The 2018 BMW X3 takes the crown in the quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds. Following X3 in quarter-mile is Acura RDX with 14.8 seconds.

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 the 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 feels responsive. MKC's braking ability also presents a strong showing as it stops from 60-0 in 123 feet. However, the pedal feels a bit touchy and overly soft initially.

The Acura RDX was the earliest to halt from 60mph, it took 123 feet to come to a stop. The MKC was next just a foot behind the Acura. The BMW and Volvo XC60 took their time though and held third and fourth spot with 127ft and 130ft, respectively.

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 exceed 3000-pound, the BMW X3 makes for a better option although it will leave a bigger dent in your bank.

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.

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

The biggest disadvantage with the 2018 Lincoln MKC is that it does not have a roomy cabin. Front seats are comfortable with a 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 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.

Lincoln came up with a unique idea for the MKC with the presence of buttons for the transmission system. This in fact helps in space management by increasing the space between the front two seats. The front seats are easy to get in and are comfortable. However, the space in the rear seats is limited. The front seats deliver an exceptionally plush ride and the cabin is quiet noise isolated from the exterior sounds. Headroom is adequate for most passengers, but the legroom can be a bit low especially if you are tall. 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 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.

As said earlier, cargo capacity is not the MKC's best suit. You get as much as 10 cubic feet extra of a full cargo bay with the competitors when the 2nd-row seats are down. With the rear seat up, the 2018 BMW X3 takes the crown by offering the best in class cargo space of 28.7 cu-ft.

The 2018 Lincoln MKC boasts a flowing roofline, bold shoulders, and sculpted body. The 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.

The 2018 Lincoln MKC highlights with Xenon headlights for good visibility during night time. The car rolls on 18-inch alloys and a power tailgate are provided for easy access to the cargo bay. It also includes auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors. Features like panoramic sunroof come with an optional package.

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. Some of the exterior features include:

• Automatic Xenon Headlamps
• Power tailgate
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated Mirrors
• Rear-view camera
• Keyless ignition
• Remote Start

The NHTSA has given 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.

All the passengers get airbags along with a 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 that you otherwise get with the competitors. Some of the notable safety features that come with the Lincoln MKC are:

• 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
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
• Child-safety rear door locks
• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad

Lincoln MKC Vs Acura RDX

Acura RDX is an excellent SUV considering its strong marks in crash tests along with an attractive list of optional safety features, more cargo space than the Lincoln MKC, and more legroom 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 MKC 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 passengers 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, 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. 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 SUVs 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.