Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Lincoln MKC Black Label SUV
What’s new
All-new front fascia
Part of the first MKC generation introduced for 2015
Pros & Cons
More standard features than many of its competitors
Comfortable and quiet ride on the highway
Smaller back seat and cargo area compared to many competitors
Some common driver safety aids only available on the top trim levels
Slower-than-average acceleration from either available engine
Some interior materials look cheap considering the price point
Which MKC does Edmunds recommend?
Thanks to its excellent standard features, the MKC Select delivers a lot of value for the price. But if you want the MKC at its best you'll want to get a Reserve. It comes with some desirable extras such as a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free liftgate. It also gives you the option for the upgraded engine. Go with all-wheel drive to get the adaptive suspension, which helps improve both the MKC's ride quality and handling.
Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Lincoln MKC SUV
by the Edmunds Experts
Vehicle overview
The 2019 Lincoln MKC has a new grille that matches the one seen on brand's latest vehicles such as the Continental and Navigator. It's an improvement and gives the MKC a classier look. But the rest of the 2019 MKC is unchanged, which means it has some issues that prevent it from being a top contender in the premium crossover SUV segment.
Certainly, the MKC is a comfortable place for long drives thanks to its quiet interior, plentiful features and composed ride. Another high point is the Sync 3 infotainment system, which is easy to use and includes robust smartphone integration systems. But you might find the MKC's instrument panel design to be dated and not what you expect from a luxury SUV. Plus, interior space — in particular, the rear seat and cargo volume — are lacking for this class.
We also aren't overly impressed by the MKC's engines or availability of the latest driver safety aids. As such, the 2019 MKC just doesn't hold as much appeal as newer luxury SUV choices such as the Acura RDX and the BMW X3.
2019 Lincoln MKC models
The 2019 Lincoln MKC is available in four trim levels. The base trim offers competitive technology features, while the Select trim adds more convenience features. The pricier Reserve and Black Label increase the luxury through additional standard features and exclusive interior designs.
Standard on all trims is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (245 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and comes bundled with adaptive suspension dampers. Also optional for the Reserve and the Black Label is a more powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (285 hp, 305 lb-ft). Picking this engine requires getting all-wheel drive.
Standard equipment highlights on the base MKCinclude 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, a power liftgate, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory functions, and a 60/40-split reclining and folding back seat.
Standard technology features include the Sync 3 infotainment interface, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Lincoln Connect with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
The MKC Select includes auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a power-adjustable steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, a cargo cover and upgraded leather upholstery. Options include a panoramic sunroof and the Select Plus package, which adds a navigation system and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
The MKC Reserve has those Select options plus a hands-free liftgate and ventilated front seats. Nineteen- and 20-inch wheels are also available.
The MKC Black Label adds to the Reserve equipment with 19-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded leather upholstery, extended leather interior trim, a simulated suede headliner, unique exterior and interior trim, and special color choices. The Black Label also comes with a few extra concierge-style perks.
Select, Reserve, and Black Label models can be equipped with a Climate package, which adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, automatic high beams, automatic wipers and a wiper de-icer. An optional 14-speaker THX II sound system and a Technology package — which adds adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning and mitigation system, lane departure warning and intervention, and an automatic parking system — are only available on the Reserve and the Black Label.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of theLincoln MKC Reserve (turbo 2.3L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).
Driving
6.5
Equipped with the optional 2.3-liter engine, our MKC Reserve AWD had no trouble zipping around town or keeping up with traffic. Still, for an upgraded engine, the 2.3-liter doesn't have much sauce at higher speeds. Handling is also subpar, but the compact MKC is a natural fit for urban life.
Acceleration
7.0
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is rated at a healthy 285 hp, but it needs 7.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic helps its cause, yet the last 220-hp Audi Q5 2.0T we tested hit 60 in 6.7 seconds.
Braking
6.0
This MKC Reserve stopped from 60 mph in 119 feet, a strong showing for the segment. But we're not high on the real-world brake feel. The pedal is oddly touchy on initial application, and some may find it overly soft.
Steering
6.5
The quick initial steering response gives the MKC a reactive, almost darty feel. Not much road-surface feedback finds its way to your fingers, but isolation is more the point in this class anyway. The steering effort levels feel natural.
Handling
6.0
The MKC leans significantly when you push it through a corner, lacking the poise and composure of most competitors, even with the adaptive suspension in its sportiest mode.
Drivability
6.5
Between the jumpy gas pedal, touchy brakes and eager steering, the MKC can feel a little too responsive in mundane maneuvers. But the generous turbocharged torque makes quick work of most challenges. It's a pleasant SUV to pilot.
Comfort
8.0
This is the name of the MKC's game. The cushy front seats, an exceptionally plush ride and a generally quiet cabin add up to a satisfyingly comfortable experience. Those front seats are also oddly narrow, though, and sometimes the tires can be noisy over certain surfaces.
Seat comfort
6.5
The front seats are noticeably less firm than the German and Japanese norm, but they are supportive. The seats themselves are surprisingly narrow, and the cushions are quite short. The rear seat cushions feel a bit lumpy, but the seatbacks recline.
Ride comfort
8.5
The MKC's adaptive suspension is a little choppy around town on its firmest setting. Normal mode is a nice compromise, while Comfort is so soft and forgiving that it borders on floaty — in a fun way. The well-cushioned seats help, too.
Noise & vibration
8.0
The interior noise levels are remarkably low for the segment. The turbo engine is never intrusive, and only moderate wind noise is perceptible at highway speeds. The tires can be noisy, though, depending on the surface quality.
Interior
7.0
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.
Ease of use
7.5
The Sync 3 infotainment system offers a large, brightly rendered touchscreen with a horizontal function menu at the bottom and user-friendly virtual buttons that respond quickly. The climate controls are small but work well.
Getting in/getting out
7.5
It's a cinch to mount or dismount up front, thanks to just-right seat height that requires little adjustment from your standing posture. The smallish rear doors open wide, but the small openings aren't as generous as others in the segment.
Roominess
6.0
The front headroom is adequate, but legroom may be lacking if you've got a long inseam. The door cutouts give good elbow room. The thoughtful cutout on the center console keeps the driver's right knee from rubbing against it. Rear head- and legroom are tight.
Visibility
7.0
The windshield pillars aren't overly restrictive, but the windows all around are generally on the short side. As with most SUVs in the segment, the thick rear pillars seriously hamper the view. A backup camera and parking sensors come standard.
Quality
7.5
The open-pore wood trim is gorgeous, and there's no shortage of soft-touch inserts and stitched accents. But downmarket touches remain, including some uneven panel gaps and the front bin's chintzy door. This MKC also had a persistently creaky driver's seat.
Utility
7.5
There's a decent-size front storage bin ahead of the shifter with a security door. The front center armrest bin is huge. The door pockets are an adequate size. The humble cargo area holds 25.2 cubic feet or 53.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded (no cargo-area levers).
Technology
Technology is one of the MKZ's strong points. The Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use and quick to respond. The voice controls are easy to learn, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Avoid splurging for the optional 14-speaker stereo; it isn't as impressive as we hoped.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Lincoln MKC in Virginia is:
$77.33 per month*
Legal
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