2015 Lincoln MKC Review
2015 Lincoln MKC Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Generous standard equipment
- comfortable and quiet highway ride
- good value.
Cons
- Snug backseat
- modest cargo capacity
- lackluster performance
- touchscreen interface can be finicky to use.
What’s new
The 2015 MKC is an all-new entry-level luxury crossover.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Lincoln MKC doesn't set any new standards for the small luxury crossover segment. But as a stylish alternative to the class favorites, it's a smart choice.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Lincoln MKC 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$162/mo for MKC Base
MKC Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Is that the name of a new Lincoln or a stock market ticker symbol? Even we have a hard time keeping our Lincolns straight, but all you really need to know about the 2015 Lincoln MKC is that it's a genuinely competitive compact luxury crossover.
The MKC has good genetics on its side, as it's mechanically based on the excellent Ford Escape. Note the word "based," as opposed to past Lincoln efforts that were more akin to removing a Ford oval and slapping on a Lincoln badge. It certainly doesn't look much like an Escape. Indeed, if the MKC imitates any particular vehicle, it's the Audi Q5. Lincoln has clearly drawn inspiration from the Q5's distinctive liftgate and integrated taillights, and the profiles of the two are rather similar. But the winged grille is pure Lincoln, and the overall effect is quite pleasing to the eye. The MKC's cabin also pleases with its tasteful wood accents and sleek, high-tech dashboard.
The MKC gets the Escape's more powerful, optional turbocharged engine as standard equipment. This 2.0-liter four-cylinder cranks out a respectable 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, but you can also get an upgrade, to a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder good for 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Complementing this power is the MKC's optional adaptive suspension, which gives the MKC an excellent ride quality on the highway.
As good as the Edmunds "B" rated MKC is, there are some exceptionally desirable models in this segment. Top choices include the practical 2015 Acura RDX, the stylish Audi Q5, the sporty 2015 BMW X3, the classy Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and the family-friendly 2015 Volvo XC60. Truth be told, we'd be hard-pressed to give the MKC a decisive nod over any of these outstanding vehicles. But the MKC holds its own, and it's typically priced lower than these competitors as well. If you're looking for an alternative to the usual suspects, a 2015 MKC at the right price could be a compelling candidate.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Lincoln MKC's base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. For this engine, front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway) with FWD and 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway) with AWD.
During Edmunds performance testing, an MKC with front-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter engine went from zero to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, a slow time for this class of vehicle.
The optional 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder churns out 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. It comes only with AWD. Fuel economy is barely affected at 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway). In our testing, an all-wheel-drive MKC with the 2.3-liter engine accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. It's an improvement, but most competing crossover SUVs are still quicker.
Safety
The 2015 Lincoln MKC comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes, a rearview camera, front-seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard is MyKey, which allows parents to set electronic parameters (such as maximum speed and radio volume) for when teenagers are behind the wheel. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a frontal collision warning with emergency brake priming are optional.
In government crash tests, the MKC received four out of five possible stars, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. However, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration did note a safety concern for the MKC: "During the side impact test, the left rear passenger door unlatched and opened. A door opening during a side-impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection."
During Edmunds performance testing, an MKC with the 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is several feet longer than average for the segment. An MKC with all-wheel drive and the 2.3-liter engine came to a stop in a much more respectable 121 feet.
Driving
The 2015 MKC's base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine packs a suitable amount of punch for most situations. Despite its spec sheet numbers, the 2.3-liter engine doesn't feel a whole lot quicker. It's also noticeably less potent than the six-cylinder variants of the Q5, X3 and GLK.
If you want a luxury crossover with a comfortable and quiet cabin, then getting the MKC with its optional adaptive suspension is a good choice. On long highway journeys, the MKC feels smooth and relaxed. And thanks in part to a standard active noise-cancellation system, it's also very quiet. When the road bends, though, the MKC is less appealing. The comfort-tuned suspension allows a lot of body roll, or lean, which cuts back on how precise the MKC feels. All-wheel-drive models feel a bit more nimble in turns thanks to their torque-vectoring technology.
Interior
When you first slip behind the MKC's wheel, you may find yourself wondering what they did with the shifter. Since it's all run by computers anyway, Lincoln has elected to present the MKC's transmission as a vertical stack of buttons to the left of the touchscreen, opening up a handy storage area at the base of the center stack where the shift lever normally resides. The shift buttons themselves don't feel as high quality as we'd like, but we can't argue with the increased versatility that results.
Overall materials quality in the MKC isn't a home run, but we'll call it a solid double off the wall. The tastefully finished wood inlays and available leather upholstery impress, though the generic Ford-spec climate buttons and the dashboard's dull silver-painted plastic trim do not. The standard MyLincoln Touch (a.k.a. MyFord Touch) system handles Bluetooth, audio, navigation and other vehicle functions via its crisp 8-inch touchscreen. In practice, however, MyLincoln Touch's processing speeds still seem sluggish during certain tasks. Nonetheless, it is improved over past iterations and tech-savvy owners will likely appreciate the system's capabilities.
The MKC's backseat offers adequate legroom unless there are tall folks in front, in which case it's pretty cramped back there. You can make it work, but rivals like the Acura RDX and BMW X3 are more accommodating. Cargo capacity is also disappointing. The MKC offers 25.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 53.1 cubes with the rear seatbacks folded down. Rivals such as the RDX and Volvo XC60 are notably roomier.
2015 Lincoln MKC models
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover SUV. There are available packages/equipment groups known as Premiere, Select and Reserve.
Standard equipment for the base MKC (Premiere) includes 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED taillights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), driver memory settings, a four-way power front passenger seat, heated front seat and leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery. On the technology front you'll find an 8-inch touchscreen with the MyLincoln Touch interface, a rearview camera, voice controls (Sync) and a nine-speaker audio system with two USB ports, an SD card reader and satellite radio.
The Select package (required with the 2.3-liter engine) adds power-folding side mirrors, leather upholstery, an eight-way power passenger seat (with power lumbar), ambient interior lighting and a cargo cover. The Reserve gets you a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate with a foot sensor, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert and an embedded modem that enables remote communication with the vehicle via the MyLincoln Mobile smartphone app (including GPS location, remote start and status checks for fuel, tire pressures, etc.).
Depending on configuration, additional features are also available. The Climate package comes with automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The Technology package contributes adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system, a forward collision warning system and an automated parallel-parking system. Stand-alone options include adaptive suspension dampers, 19- or 20-inch wheels and a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Lincoln MKC.
5 star(63%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(8%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I still love this vehicle, no regrets!
moon63, 12/29/2015
2015 Lincoln MKC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I purchased this vehicle for three reasons. The first being, I am a empty nester, 2nd I am retiring soon, and lastly I wanted to own a vehicle that would be fully equipped with all of the bells and whistles. I deserve it! Having the vehicle for one year, I could not be more pleased. This vehicle is worth every penny that I spent. It is a very good looking car, and holds itself quite … nicely compared to other small luxury cuvs. I have been getting exceptional gas mileage in the city. This vehicle handles quite nicely and is very quiet. I have read reviews where some critics argue that it does not handle like some other sport cuvs. If I wanted a sporty car, I would by a "sports car." I want a smooth, quiet, soft ride. The safety features, the technology, real leather heated and cooled seats, you cannot beat it for the price. European vehicles would cost a lot more with the same packages. I know this for a fact! I have owned my share of European vehicles and base my statement on actual ownership.
This is a vehicle worthy of being referred to as a luxury vehicle.
4.88 out of 5 stars
MKC made a Lincoln man out of me!
newlincolnman, 01/11/2015
2015 Lincoln MKC 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Those that think the MKC is just a gussied up Escape are making a big mistake. My wife has an Infiniti EX35 and this competes very well in all facets. The ride is luxury in a European way and seems bigger and even heavier than you expect but in a very good way. Synch seems to be surprisingly better than my first experience and this is the best Bluetooth phone quality in any car I have … experienced. If you are looking for a small luxury SUV, you should make time to test drive an MKC.
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Vehicle
Steve, 04/26/2016
2015 Lincoln MKC 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
We narrowed our choice down to the MKC and the Acura RDX. They both had many of the same features, but we like the more luxurious interior and eye catching exterior of the MKC. The RDX just looks like another Honda on the road and we wanted something else. We have the 2.0 and find it has plenty of power. The transmission shifts smoothly and we love the Sport mode. At night the car … has so many great lighting features including the welcome mat, lighted outside and inside door handles and the ambient interior lighting (with 6 color choices). Our only negative feedback is the back seat room when the front seats are pushed all the way back - a little snug. However, our car has the heated back seats and that makes up for it in the winter time! I would recommend this car to anyone that wants to feel like they are driving a European car but wants to by American.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Shocked
olekiller, 01/13/2015
2015 Lincoln MKC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
This is my 1st cross over. I also own a 2014 volvo s60 t6 awd that I love dearly. But this car got me in the sweet spot and i'm a 27 year old. If you're looking for 0-60 times or engaging performance looks elsewhere. But if you want a car that can carry some bags and make driving after a long day the easiest thing in the world. This is your one of the best option. Sometimes during hwy … driving I purposely take the longer route so I wont have to get out(no lie) its so easy to drive. I would've never looked at lincoln before. The only thing I hate is the placement of the gear change please give me a stick back.
2015 Lincoln MKC videos
-If you enjoy driving around aimlessly talking to yourself, or staring down a cow in the middle of the desert. And are Matthew McConaughey, the Lincoln MKZ is an easy choice. For everyone else, this compact luxury crossover may need a bit more explanation. Many luxury crossovers try really hard to be sporty, usually at the expense of ride comfort. The MKZ does have responsive steering with a nicely linear amount of effort, and is generally confident around corners. However its available three mode adjustable suspension provides a genuinely comfortable ride in its normal mode. And in comfort mode, the sort of pillowy float and rebound that you just don't experience anymore. It's almost like driving one of these. And in a way, it's kind of cool.
Sport mode firms things up should you find yourself on a road like this. That ride comfort is paired with an incredibly quiet cabin to create the sort of car that would make road trips that much easier. There are two turbo charged four cylinders available. The two liter has 240 horsepower, and has a torque wrench power delivery around town that makes it difficult to notice that it's 0 to 60 acceleration is about a second slower than average for the segment. If you do notice the 2.3 liter has 285 horsepower and should provide that extra bit of punch. Fuel economy for both engines is on par with most competitors.
Inside, Lincoln has improved its materials and control interfaces, but the results are mixed. The straight forward buttons for the climate and audio systems fall right at hand. The MyLincoln Touch screen is also easier to reach, but its icons remain too small, and we did experience some glitches. We also like the soft leather and open pore wood trim, but the other interior surfaces just aren't as nice as those in the Audi Q5, Lexus NX, or Volvo XC 60. Interior space is a more significant issue. Everyone's OK, but there's less leg room, front and back, than most competitors have. It also has one of the smallest cargo areas. And in total, this isn't the best choice for families.
You do get a ton of stuff for your money though. Heated seats, push button start, and a view cameras are all standard for less than the base prices of lesser equipped competitors. Adding things like leather, navigation, and blind spot warning, and that adjustable suspension, only bring the price up to about $39,000. Only the Acura RDX can match that value, while most other competitors are at least only $4,000 more expensive. A Lincoln MKZ is certainly not the strongest overall compact luxury crossover, its superior ride cabin and excellent value do make it stand apart in ways that should be very appealing to a lot of car shoppers. And not just the Lincoln Lawyer. How do you think the MKX stacks up to its rivals? And for more information, go to Edmunds.com.
2015 Lincoln MKC Video Review
This 2015 Lincoln MKC video review includes information about comfort, fuel economy, pricing and technology features like MyLincoln Touch. We also discuss its 2.0 and 2.3 EcoBoost models, as well as how it compares to other compact luxury crossovers. For more information, read the… 2015 Lincoln MKC review.
2015 MKC Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $33,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $162/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 25.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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