2019 LINCOLN MKC FIRST LOOK

2019 LINCOLN MKC FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Lincoln’s most affordable vehicle and smallest SUV enters the 2019 model year with a fresh redesign. The last to shed the attractive split-wing grille, this MKC features the new face of Lincoln, LED headlamps and a new rear design with chrome highlights.

A Lincoln welcome mat greets both driver and passenger, entering a redesigned cabin crafted to be quiet, warm and inviting.  A panoramic roof and climate controlled seats are offered.  Wi-Fi and USB ports throughout are standard.  SYNC 3 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offers the latest in smartphone connectivity.

Engine choices carryover, starting with a 2.0-liter turbo making 245 horsepower and a 2.3-liter twin-scroll turbo generating 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque.  Either can be paired to an all-wheel drive system and both can tow a maximum of 3,000 pounds.  A suite of driver-assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. Available active park assist can reduce parking anxiety by helping guide drivers in to and out of tight parallel-parking spaces.

Other available technologies include lane-keeping alert and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.  Lincoln is all about the effortless ownership experience these days and when you buy an MKC, pickup and delivery for service of your vehicle is included and can be scheduled through the Lincoln Way app which also includes a complimentary loaner vehicle.

Arriving next summer, the 2019 MKC will also be available in 3 high-end Black Label themes and is also expected to spawn a plug-in hybrid variant.