Lincoln MKC Gets A Fresh Face For 2019

Khodrocar - It's been three years since Lincoln launched the Ford Escape-derived MKC crossover in the United States. It's been a great thing for the Blue Oval's luxury division – the automaker says half of all MKC sales are to folks who are new to the Lincoln brand. That's great stuff. So with the MKC already proving to be a winner, it makes sense that its mid-cycle refresh is more of a thoughtful nip/tuck than a full-on overhaul.

The most obvious change is found out front, where the MKC loses its split-wing grille. The single-piece grille and separately housed headlamps give the MKC a friendlier face than before. We'll let you decide if it's more or less attractive than its predecessor – to our eyes, it's a welcome change.

Engine options carry over unchanged, with 2.0- and 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offerings. The base engine is rated at 254 horsepower; the 2.3-liter packs a more potent 285, not to mention 306 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional with either engine.

The MKC's interior design stays the same, with high-quality materials and a trio of higher-zoot Black Label options on offer. The latest version of Ford's Sync 3 infotainment is housed in the center stack, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Lincoln Way app allows owners to remotely start, lock/unlock, and locate their MKC, and Lincoln's Concierge service gives owners the option to have a totally hands-off service experience – schedule a pick-up and delivery time, and Lincoln does the rest.

None of this totally revolutionizes the MKC, but it doesn't have to. Lincoln has a great product on its hands, and the 2019 model year update just keeps it fresh. Look for the 2019 MKC to hit Lincoln dealers sometime next summer.