The Lincoln MKC is a five-seat compact premium crossover launched in 2013 that went on sale in June 2014 as a 2015 model. It shares a platform with the Ford Escape. Three basic trim levels are offered and a group of Black Label design themes developed specifically for each Lincoln model were offered a year later. Trim levels include Base Premier, Select, Reserve, and the MKC Black Label offers the “Center Stage, “Modern Heritage”, and “Indulgence” theme appearance packages. Redesigned in 2018, it came with some big changes to its exterior. In 2021, it will offer a new plug-in hybrid model.
First Generation (2014-2019)
The Lincoln MKC featured a wing-design for the front grille, with the headlights extended from their tips. A wide opening in the front bumper was extended from side to side. The taillights were linked together by a red bar across the tailgate.
The MKC offered a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines - the standard twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 245 horsepower or the optional 2.3-liter engine with 285 horsepower that’s available on the Reserve trim and above. Each came with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter engine was offered with 2WD, with all-wheel-drive being optional; the 2.3-liter engine came standard with all-wheel-drive. It got an estimated 21/33 mpg city and highway. An available self-parking system with existing features was an option.
Premier trim – Included front-wheel drive and 2.0-liter engine. Leatherette seating, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, driver’s knee airbag, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and start, a nine-speaker audio system with USB input and satellite radio, and a backup camera are standard features.
Select trim – Included 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a 10-way power front passenger’s seat with lumbar support, cargo cover, power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming inside mirror, and interior ambient lighting. An optional trailer tow package and panoramic moonroof were available. A Climate package that included heated rear seats and steering wheel, auto high beams and rain-sensing wipers is available. A Select Plus package added navigation and blind-spot monitoring systems. All-wheel drive was available, as well as the 2.3-liter engine.
Reserve Trim – Included are heated/cooled front seats, a navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, a hands-free power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering, and a built-in wireless modem. A Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control, forward sensing, active park assist, and the lane-keeping assist. THX audio system, 18-inch wheels, and adaptive damping suspension were also available.
The 2016 model year replaced the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system with an available SYNC system. A power liftgate was made standard on the Select trim level and the Black Label editions were available. Each included wood interior trim, 10-speaker premium sound, a Torque Vectoring brake system, leather headliner, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
In 2017, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became available and were added to the SYNC 3 infotainment system. A power liftgate and automatic brake hold were made standard.
Redesign (2018)
A redesigned Lincoln MKC came in 2018 with big changes. In the front of the MKC, the split grille was replaced by a more traditional rectangular corporate grille; the headlights, hood, bumpers, and brake lights were all new, as well as the interior. New in this redesign, was automatic emergency braking, pedestrian collision avoidance, and available park assist.
For 2018, Premier models received four-way power lumbar control for the driver seat and power lumbar was added for both seats on Select and High trims. It also added the Lincoln Connect 4G Wi-Fi system as standard on all trims.
In 2019, MKC offers nine available paint colors on its base trim. You have your choice of black or tan Lincoln Soft Touch upholstery, with aluminum trim on the doors and instrument panel.
2020 Lincoln Corsair First Generation
In 2020 the Lincoln MKC was redesigned and dropped the MKC name, giving it the name Corsair. As the Corsair, it boasts a more upscale look and nicer interior materials. It features roomier seating, more cargo space, and more horsepower. It also comes standard with many standard driver assistance features that were optional in the MKC.
The base 2.0-liter engine generates 250 horsepower, and the 2.3-liter engine puts out 295 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It gets an estimated 22/29 mpg city and highway. The optional engine only comes with all-wheel drive and gives you 21/28 mpg city and highway.
Standard safety features include pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also includes a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and the MyKey system.
SYNC 3 infotainment features an 8-inch touch screen, two USB ports, Android auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 10-speaker premium stereo.
2021 is mostly unchanged, but a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option will come later in 2021 and will offer around 25 miles of all-electric power before it switches over to regular hybrid operation. A Grand Touring trim applies only to the plug-in hybrid models and takes on the Reserve features. It is priced to compete with other premium brands. It starts at $35,945 and ranges to $50,230.