Escape Hatch Lincoln MKC Review

Escape Hatch Lincoln MKC Review

Let's get one inescapable reality out of the way- the Lincoln MKC is based on the Ford Escape. But you probably already knew that. Even though Lincoln reaches into Ford’s cabinet for every one of its models, this Pygmalion strategy is not unique. Other luxury brands are in the game, too: The Acura RDX is born of a Honda CR-V and a Porsche Cayenne is a Volkswagen Touareg. Those brands have proven that it’s possible to hide a mass- market product beneath a veneer of luxury. So far Lincoln has had a tough time hiding the Ford in its products. That said, the new MKC gives us hope that Lincoln is on the path toward making better Lincolns, and not just better Fords.

Lincoln MKC front view

The MKC is arguably the best execution of Lincoln’s design language. Its grille is more restrained than the wings of Icarus melted onto the front of the MKZ sedan. To be sure, Lincoln cribs liberally from the Audi Q5’s design, making the MKC look European from the rear and in profile. The greenhouse traces the Audi’s lines, and the hatch incorporates the taillights, just as in the Q5. But the way the metal folds, the bright work, and the design details are enough to differentiate this Lincoln from its competition and, perhaps more importantly, the Ford Escape.

If only Lincoln had borrowed a few Audi interior-design ideas. Instead, Lincoln stitched up a vinyl-wrapped instrument panel that reminds us of the MKZ. Even the MKZ’s push-button transmission controls are carried over.

Lincoln MKC back view

Unlike in the MKZ, though, MKC drivers will control the climate and audio systems with actual buttons. But the seat bottoms aren’t particularly supportive, nor does the Bridge of Weir leather look especially rich. While the interior might not scream Ford, too much of it screams MKZ, which barely whimpers luxury.

If luxury equals space, the MKC’s rear seat misses the mark. Riding on the same 105.9-inch wheelbase as the Escape, the MKC would benefit from a three-or-more-inch wheelbase stretch to enhance rear seat comfort and legroom.

Lincoln MKC interior

Two engines are available. At the bottom of the lineup is a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four that is shared with the Escape. We drove the new 2.3-liter turbocharged four, a version of which will also see duty in the Mustang. In the MKC, it makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. At speed and at idle, the engine is subdued; a trace of intake grittiness enters the cabin if you listen carefully. Even with the 2.3-liter engine, the Lincoln probably won’t be the quickest vehicle in its crowded segment. We haven’t had the chance to perform instrumented testing, but the engine doesn’t sweep toward the red line with the intensity expected of nearly 300 horsepower.

Lincoln MKC engine

A shorter final-drive ratio compared with the Escape’s helps initial acceleration, but is likely responsible for a slight drop in fuel economy. When equipped with the 2.0-liter, the MKC manages 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway; opting for four-wheel drive reduces that to 19 city and 26 highway. Moving up to the 2.3-liter engine brings standard four-wheel drive and EPA numbers of 18 city and 26 highway.

Another unimpressive number is the 2.3-liter version’s 4000-pound curb weight. Despite the mass, the MKC remains stable and flat in corners, and its steering is responsive without exhibiting any nervousness. Three-position, electronically controlled shocks are standard on four-wheel-drive versions and a $650 option on front-drivers. Town Car owners will feel at home in comfort mode. Switch to sport and the MKC’s ride becomes too jittery. It’s best to leave the shocks in normal, which balances ride comfort with just the right amount of firmness.

Lincoln MKC steering wheel

Pricing begins about where the Escape leaves off. In its most basic (Premiere) guise, the MKC costs $33,995. Adding four-wheel drive to a 2.0-liter adds $2495. The 2.3-liter version opens at $37,630, or $1140 more than a comparable, four-wheel-drive 2.0-liter version. Stick to the well-equipped Premiere trim and the MKC strikes us as a compelling buy below $40,000.

Above $40,000, however, the MKC faces some hard-hitting competition from the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLK, as well as larger alternatives such as the Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX350, and Volvo XC60. Kept below $40,000 the MKC is sufficiently polished for high society, which is more than we’ve been able to say about a Lincoln for some time.

Who would have thought that the most successful application of Lincoln’s design themes would come on a compact SUV?