2018 Lincoln MKC Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When you are making a list of sedans to check out while shopping for a new vehicle, the 2018 Lincoln MKC might not be the first name you write down on your list, but it absolutely should not be left off of the list. Lincoln has spent the last few years heating up the competition with their emphasis on a high-quality ride and features. While the MKC falls behind some competitors on design and acceleration, this year's model has a lot of good things to offer.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Lincoln MKC received a few key technological updates for the model year. Lincoln Connect is brand-new and available on all trim levels. The Premiere models now come with 4-way power lumbar support on the driver's seat. Higher level trims have 4-way lumbar support on both front seats.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Lincoln MKC – The Pros

1. Many Standard Features

One of the most impressive things about the 2018 Lincoln MKC is how many features on it are standard. While some automakers choose to make rearview cameras, parking sensors, and WiFi connections optional, Lincoln one-ups many competitors by adding them to its lengthy list of standard features.

2. A Quiet Highway Ride

Although the MKC does generate a modest amount of road noise while taking it slow on city roads, on the highway, it purrs like a kitten. Internal cabin noises are basically non-existent. The only time the tires get noisy is when you are driving over rough road surfaces.

3. Torque on the Turbocharged Engine

There are two turbocharged engines to choose from, both of which generate a good amount of torque. The standard engine is a 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbo that gets 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Optional is the 2.3-L inline-4 turbocharged engine, which gets a solid 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, which is more than sufficient to power the 2018 Lincoln MKC.

4. Comfy Seats

All seats are well-bolstered and give a good amount of lateral and lumbar support, especially when you order a trim that has 4-way-adjustable power lumbar support on the front seats. The rear seats aren't as well padded but allow passengers to recline.

5. Easy-to-Use Controls

The dash is extremely well-organized, and the controls all make sense. Every physical knob and button is clearly labeled and performs as expected. The infotainment system is also very user-friendly, and there are plenty of crucial controls mounted on the steering wheel.

6. Easy to Get In and Out

Getting in and out of the front seats is simple. The hip point makes transitioning from standing to sitting (and vice-versa) easy for people of any size. All doors open out wide, which gives enough space, although the door frames on the rear are somewhat small.

7. Chic Wood Paneling

A few of the interior materials look lackluster, but the wood paneling is simply stunning. It makes the aluminum accents really pop without looking cheap. There is also a good amount of high-quality stitching to be found throughout the cabin of the 2018 Lincoln MKC, which makes it look more expensive.

8. The Sync 3 Infotainment System

The Sync 3 infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly setups you can find. The interface is perfectly responsive and is designed with non-tech-savvy users in mind. You can find all controls with ease, and it does not take long to learn their functions.

9. Plenty of Small Item Storage Space

There is an adequate amount of storage space to be found in the 2018 Lincoln MKC. You won't have to brainstorm creative ways to store your tablet or book, as there are plenty of well-sized pockets and bins. Also, the armrest bin between the driver and front passenger is enormous.

10. Lincoln Connect

Lincoln Connect is one of the most exciting new items that come standard on all MKC trims. It is composed of a 4G WiFi hotspot system that allows you to connect your WiFi device while on the go.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Lincoln MKC – The Cons

1. Interior Material Quality

While some of the materials used in the cabin look fantastic, others still look a bit dowdy and cheap. The front bin has a rather wonky door, and the driver's seat tends to moan and groan. Also, there are multiple (and very noticeable) paneling gaps found throughout the cabin.

2. Sluggish Acceleration

The biggest drawback to driving the 2018 Lincoln MKC is its sluggish acceleration. With a 2.3-L engine that generates 285 hp, you would think that the MKC would be able to best more of its competition. Instead, the vehicle gets from 0 to 60 mph in a painfully slow 7.2 seconds, placing it behind most other vehicles in this segment.

3. Lack of Rear and Cargo Space

There is not much rear seat or cargo space to speak of on the MKC. Taller passengers will have trouble finding enough head, shoulder, and leg space in the rear, and leg space up front is even diminished. Cargo space is a very modest 25.2 cubic feet, which can only be maximized to 53.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.

4. A Finicky Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is too touchy when you first press your foot onto it. This makes having to do a panic stop feel somewhat terrifying since the MKC lacks a sense of control with the pedal. It is simply too soft for most people to feel confident in.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Lincoln MKC vs. 2018 BMW X3

The 2018 BMW X3 is revamped for the model year. It features a high-quality cabin that feels truly luxurious and spacious, engines that dish out good fuel economy and performances, and a silent ride. On the downside, the X3 has an infotainment interface that is difficult to learn, and the vehicle costs a bit more than competitors.

2018 Lincoln MKC vs. 2018 Volvo XC60

Another top competitor is the 2018 Volvo XC60. While it isn't as sporty as some vehicles in this segment, the XC60 is upscale in appearance and has a great list of engine options to select from.

Conclusion

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is, on the whole, a user-friendly vehicles that places emphasis on being high-tech. Unfortunately, there are still some important changes to the brakes, steering, handling, and engines that Lincoln needs to make in order to keep the MKC in the sales competition.