2016 Lincoln MKC Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

There aren’t as many SUVs that can elevate daily driving experience and transform the many trips to the supermarket or doctor’s office from irritating chores into cruising opportunities to look forward to. Lincoln MKC fits that depiction to a T: it is not a mere luxury crossover, but a pointer to the Lincoln’s war on mediocrity. It comes in a wide range of exterior and interior color combinations and two capable powerplant versions to choose from: the beefier 2.3-liter and the 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. Chic and comfy cabin with a long list of sophisticated amenities leaves very little to be desired and further hints to Lincoln’s forward-thinking attitude. Offered in a diversity of trims with either FWD or AWD drivetrain, Lincoln MKC may not be the most technologically endowed SUV in the Lincoln fleet, but is undoubtedly the most youthful.

The 2016 Lincoln MKC boast of new colors and Sync 3, the latest generation of touchscreen interface. Additionally, Lincoln has upgraded the 2.3-liter engine’s maximum tow capacity to 3000 pounds. There is a standard power liftgate to the Select trim as well.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Lincoln MKC - The Pros

1. Superb Powertrains and performance

The 2016 Lincoln MKC is powered by turbocharged 4-cylinder engines that are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its 2.0 liter engine makes 240 hp and produces 270 pound-feet torque and is accompanied with EPA rated 23 mg combined in the FWD form. The optional 2.3-liter powerplant produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet with EPA rated 21 mpg combined. Its engine and transmission are very responsive which makes it feel quicker.

2. Excellent Navigation

The 2016 Lincoln MKC benefits from the Lincoln’s latest generation of touchscreen interface, the Sync 3 system which includes swiping and pinch-to-zoom motions for navigation. There is also Siri Eyes-Free functionality, Bluetooth, superb audio, navigation and other functionalities via a crispy 8-inch touchscreen.

3. Variety of Driving modes

The 2016 Lincoln MKC offers three driving modes: Sport, Comfort and Normal which provides the users with an opportunity to shift their driving modes as per the terrain and personal preferences. While the Sport mode (also known as the Lincoln Drive Control) may have too sensitive accelerator making driving less smooth, the Comfort and Normal modes are easy to control and very predictable.

4. Variety of Body Styles and Options

Every 2016 Lincoln MKC is dressed to amaze. The entry-level Premier model features active noise control, power assists, dual zone climate control with MyLincoln Touch/Sync 3 and 9-speaker audio system. The Select model boasts of Bridge of Weir leather, ambient lighting, auto-folding side view mirrors, and 10-way power passenger seats. The MKC Reserve packs a glass panoramic Vista roof, heated or cooled front seats, Mylicoln Mobile app for remote vehicle access, blind spot monitoring, power adjustable tilt and telescoping steering, and a hands-free power liftgate.

5. Safety

The 2016 Lincoln MKC is endowed with stability controls, a rearview camera, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag. There is also MyKey, which gives parents an opportunity to control or set electronic elements such as maximum radio volume and speed when teenagers are behind the wheel. Lane departure intervention, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, emergency brake priming, and frontal collision warning are optional.

6. Driving Impressions

Irrespective of the engine layout, 2016 Lincoln MKC feels solid and confident. The wider track and lowered center of gravity allows it to corner with all the pleasures of a compact sports sedan. Front wheel Torque Vectoring control further boost MKC’s handling. The driving experience is even great when the Lincoln MKC is fitted with Continuously Controlled Damping system.

7. Active Noise Control

Luxury cars should be as quiet as possible, and Lincoln has gone an extra mile to ensure that the 2016 MKC’s cabin is hushed through the SUV’s audio system. It is fitted with an Active Noise Control System that cancels out obstructive sound waves ensuring that Bluetooth conversations are seamless and long road trips are more enjoyable.

8. Ingenious Interior

2016 MCK’s furnished cabin is definitely a “class above” character. The strategically mounted push-button transmission controls creates the needed extra storage space while the classy MyLincoln Touch system are equipped with user-friendly buttons and knobs instead of exasperating slider controls.

9. Exquisite Exterior

Aimed at youthful buyers, 2016 Lincoln MKC typifies the “New Lincoln” look right from its chic split wing grille with high efficiency HID headlights and full-width LED taillight to refined wraparound rear hatch. Its sleek profile is further enhanced by a flowing roofline, beautifully sculpted body panels, and bold shoulder creases. To add to the exterior lineup is the sophisticated Approach Detection System that automatically illuminates the car when owner approaches within 8 feet range.

10. Reasonable Pricing

With the goal to maximize its appeal as a conquest SUV, Lincoln has rolled the 2016 Lincoln MKC with a fairly aggressive pricing. A 2.0-liter front drive Lincoln MKC Premier opens with an MSRP of just over $34, 000; MKC Select at $38; MKC Black label at $47,500. SUV rivals such as Audi, M-B and BMW all top these figures by $5000 or more.

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2016 Lincoln MKC - The Cons

1. Additional Weight

The 2016 Lincoln MKC’s extra luxury features contribute to additional weight, which drags its acceleration times.

2. Fixed Position Bench

The fixed 60/40 folding rear bench is considerably less accommodating, especially with respect to the legroom for taller folks. Rivals like BMW X3 and Acura RDX are more accommodating.

3. Inadequate Cargo Room

2016 Lincoln MKC’s cargo capacity is quite disappointing. It offers 25.2 cubic feet capacity behind the second row and close to 53.1 cubes when the rear seatbacks are folded down. Other rivals like Volvo XC60 and RDX are roomier.

Conclusion

With a far-reaching list of excellent features—from the new Sync 3 touchscreen interface, active noise cancelation, exquisite interior and exteriors to reasonable starting price, 2016 Lincoln MKC delivers one important aspect for the buyer: plenty of value for money.