Lincoln is freshening up the look and technology of the 2019 MKC, the Ford luxury brand’s entry in the highly competitive premium compact SUV field.
It’s a fast-changing field, too; many of the rest of the MKC’s rivals already have been updated or are all-new just since the MKC arrived on the scene for 2015.
The MKC is an important vehicle in the lineup for Ford’s effort to revive the Lincoln brand. Half of MKC sales are to buyers coming from other luxury brands, Lincoln says, and more than half of the buyers are women, who are driving the sales growth for these SUVs.
Along with design updates, the 2019 MKC gets expanded safety technology that includes a front collision system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. Lincoln will continue to offer standard service pickup and delivery as part of its efforts to burnish its premium-brand credibility.
Exterior
The most striking feature of the 2019 MKC is its new face. Gone is the swoopy old Lincoln split grille with integrated headlights in favor of the new Lincoln signature: a more assertive Lincoln Continental-inspired grille with separated LED headlight assemblies and a new bumper with LED light accents. A revised rear end sports LED lighting that continues to stretch from side to side.
Interior
The interior emphasizes soft-touch surfaces and will offer a panoramic moonroof. The multimedia system is Ford’s latest Sync 3 with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, USB ports and Wi-Fi.
Black Label versions get interior upholstery and wood trim upgrades built around lifestyle themes (and including annual detailing service) that include Modern Heritage, with white leather and wood trim; Indulgence, with leather and Alcantara upholstery; and Center Stage, with leather and perforated Alcantara with red piping accents. The top Reserve trim level also offers high-style Rialto Green interior with black ash wood accents.
Under the Hood
Carrying over to the 2019 model is the base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 245 horsepower on premium fuel; a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 285 hp on premium is optional. Both currently are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Front- and all-wheel-drive are offered with both engines.
