2018 MKC information
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Thanks for the link. Changes I can see so far:
It doesn't look like there will be any major styling changes before 2019.
- standard audio has 1 more speaker (10 instead of 9)
- hill-start assist is standard
- embedded modem is standard
- seats are 12-way instead of 10-way
- some paint changes, including Ivory Pearl which is what I really would have liked for my 2017
- dropped the Cappuccino/Espresso interior
It doesn't look like there will be any major styling changes before 2019.
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2019 MKC will need a major and serious upgrade! The CUV/SUV luxury or non-luxury market is hotter than ever before. - Let's start from the bottom. A Chevy Equinox can be had with 252hp and 9 speed transmission with a 360-degree bird's-eye view. A Mazda CX-5 will have a twin turbo diesel 2.2L engine AWD @ 310 lb-ft with heads up display and dynamic LED headlights, and a 7 seat variant might be available against the new VW Tiguan. - If we go middle ground in the under $50k area, there is a bigger VW Atlas or a 2.4T Subaru Ascent. Let's not forget that for the money, a 3.5L V6 Hybrid is available in the Toyota Highlander. Then there's Acura... - If we go up, there will be BMW X2 M, BMW new X3 & M version, Audi SQ5, and Benz GLC43/63. So where are we now in Lincoln? A 2.7L on the MKX (only) for $60k, or a 285hp 6 speed auto on the MKC with no LED headlights, no heads up display, no 360 view, and no all-around tire pressure monitor for all 4 tires: it was ok back then, but not anymore now. I understand that Lincoln has just taken the steps 1-2. I hope that step 3 is better coming well in 2019 with greater offerings because the $30K, $40k, $50k bracket, and up to $60k are getting really saturated and blurred. - One must understand that it ain't no lux when you are on a Lincoln (top specs) and get passed by a pedestrian Ford Fusion Sp.... that has the 2.7L TT w/ LED headlights!
This is great news. No major changes, either technical or styling for 2018. It will hopefully allow us to sell or trade in our 2015 MKC 2.3 in 2018 for a reasonable value. Our journey with Lincoln will come to end. While Ford/Lincoln has done an adequate job in delivering a quality vehicle, it's certainly not on par with other premier brands. The Lincoln dealer network has a long way to go before it can begin to view themselves as a luxury brand. Until they are a stand alone dealership selling only luxury brand vehicles they will never be seen as a premier network of dealers. Selling Ford Fiestas along side MKCs and other Lincoln vehicles does not a luxury brand make.
You probably wont see a styling change until a model redo in 2019 (for MY 2020?)... I suspect it will follow the Ford Escape to a new platform since (if I remember correctly) the MKC will continue to be built at Louisville Assembly. There was some talk of moving the next MKC to Mexico but that was cancelled. Being joined at the hip with the Escape may limit some of the features/styling of the MKC.
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This.
We wanted to like the Lincoln MKC as much as we originally liked its looks/styling - which is looking dated now. But..the MKC just lacks the build quality, premium materials, features and more advanced/better drivetrains of the competition for the price they ask - just too much run of the mill Ford in it and too many cut corners. Agree, the dealership experience is not up to the level of the competition.
We are getting ready to replace our 2015 MKC and are actively shopping the competition in Canada. We recently test drove the 2018 Audi Q5, which felt much roomier and is far superior vehicle in every way. The new BMW X3 is coming out soon, which we are waiting to test drive. The current Acura RDX beats the MKC in every metric too. Sad to say, but I think Lincoln is more comparable to GMs Buick, not Lexus or Audi. The MKC just doesn't have the brand cache or re-sale value and is already on the small size for the compact SUV market - but is priced right up there with them.
As it stands now, we are going with the Audi Q5 (our second choice would be RDX). Here is the pricing breakdown we are looking at for Compact 'Premium' SUVs in Canada - MSRP only (no freight or other fees):
2017 Lincoln MKC starts at $43,300 for 2.0T, with top trim Reserve 2.3T w/tech package starting at $52,700
2017 Acura RDX 3.5l starts at $42,190, with top level Elite trim at $46,790 (RDX is larger and offers better performance with more standard features such as LED headlights and AccuraWatch, which includes Forward collision warning/braking, Lane departure warning and keeping )
2018 Audi Q5 2.0T starts at $44,950, with top trim at $54,200 (Q5 is larger and offers better performance - top trim includes virtual cockpit, LED headlights with washers, top-view camera, heated and cooled cup holders, more desirable 40/20/40 rear seats and the other typical tech stuff)
2017 Lexus NX 200t starts at $42,950, with top trim Executive at $54,750 (the top trim Lexus has LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, power rear seat release buttons on dashboard and cargo area - plus all the other typical tech )
With the 2019 MKC, I think Lincoln needs to focus on being competitive with just Acura and copy how Acura packages it's RDX. What I think Lincoln needs to do to make the MKC a contender:
Stretch the MKC by at least 4 inches
Make the 285 HP 2.3l the standard engine (closer to 2.0T Audi Q5 & 3.5l V6 RDX performance)
Make LED headlights standard
Make heated rear seats standard
Make forward collision warning & braking standard
Make tire specific pressure sensor standard
Make two LED cargo hold lights standard (one each side)
Make rear seat releases in cargo hold standard
Make foot activated rear hatch opening standard
Then offer just two trims levels - with the above added standard features - and price competitively as follows:
MKC Select 2.3T starting at $41,900 CAD
MKC Reserve 2.3T starting at $46,900 CAD (Reserve trim adds Navigation, Adaptive cruise, BLIS, Vista Roof, ventilated front seats, rain sensing wipers, premium audio, front & rear parking sensors, top-view camera)
If they don't make these changes, they need to realize that they just don't compare well to the Q5 or RDX and re-price to compete in the subcompact market with the Audi Q3 which starts at $35,490 CAD and the BMW X1 which starts at $40,300 CAD. Actually, from what I've seen the BMW X1 is a better choice than the MKC, currently - similar size inside (maybe roomier in some respects?) and very nicely equipped with leather and premium package essential at $44,500CAD. Better performance than the 2.0l MKC, too
MKC sales have been poor this year in Canada (to Apr), without the new Q5 out. It wasn't a stellar success in the first place, but.
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MKC sales are down 12% YTD in Canada. They were also down over 10% in 2016 (yoy 2015). This in a growing segment of the market!
I suspect the US would have more 'brand/made in USA' loyalty sales - plus the US does have the cheaper FWD models for sale. Not in Canada, the MKC only comes in AWD and has to stand on its merits. NX/Q5/RDX are all outselling the MKC 3:1 this year up here. Dismal results for Lincoln.
I suspect the US would have more 'brand/made in USA' loyalty sales - plus the US does have the cheaper FWD models for sale. Not in Canada, the MKC only comes in AWD and has to stand on its merits. NX/Q5/RDX are all outselling the MKC 3:1 this year up here. Dismal results for Lincoln.
Fully agree with both of your threads. We bought our 2015 MKC primarily because we were offered a full bumper to bumper 4year/80M km warranty. Our daughter had bought an Escape at the same dealer 2 years earlier and had a pleasant experience. My wife enjoyed driving the Escape, so when the new MKC came out it was a pretty easy sale. While the vehicle has not cost us a dime it has spent a lot of time at the dealer for various issues and in particular the heated front seats. To many emails & phone calls with the service manager & the general manager with no positive outcomes. We'll be one of the silent buyers that just walk away, most likely into the Audi dealership where I have had wonderful experience and bought an exceptional car. Lincoln is just not ready for prime time and I see no need to help them get there.
The Q5 is now Hecho en México, no longer Germany for North America, interesting how the 'cost saving' of using cheaper labor is not passed on to the consumers but I digress, and the 2.0T does not have better performance then the 2.3T MKC either. MB AMG GLA is the only other 4 Cylinder with better performance.This.
We wanted to like the Lincoln MKC as much as we originally liked its looks/styling - which is looking dated now. But..the MKC just lacks the build quality, premium materials, features and more advanced/better drivetrains of the competition for the price they ask - just too much run of the mill Ford in it and too many cut corners. Agree, the dealership experience is not up to the level of the competition.
We are getting ready to replace our 2015 MKC and are actively shopping the competition in Canada. We recently test drove the 2018 Audi Q5, which felt much roomier and is far superior vehicle in every way. The new BMW X3 is coming out soon, which we are waiting to test drive. The current Acura RDX beats the MKC in every metric too. Sad to say, but I think Lincoln is more comparable to GMs Buick, not Lexus or Audi. The MKC just doesn't have the brand cache or re-sale value and is already on the small size for the compact SUV market - but is priced right up there with them.
As it stands now, we are going with the Audi Q5 (our second choice would be RDX). Here is the pricing breakdown we are looking at for Compact 'Premium' SUVs in Canada - MSRP only (no freight or other fees):
2017 Lincoln MKC starts at $43,300 for 2.0T, with top trim Reserve 2.3T w/tech package starting at $52,700
2017 Acura RDX 3.5l starts at $42,190, with top level Elite trim at $46,790 (RDX is larger and offers better performance with more standard features such as LED headlights and AccuraWatch, which includes Forward collision warning/braking, Lane departure warning and keeping )
2018 Audi Q5 2.0T starts at $44,950, with top trim at $54,200 (Q5 is larger and offers better performance - top trim includes virtual cockpit, LED headlights with washers, top-view camera, heated and cooled cup holders, more desirable 40/20/40 rear seats and the other typical tech stuff)
2017 Lexus NX 200t starts at $42,950, with top trim Executive at $54,750 (the top trim Lexus has LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, power rear seat release buttons on dashboard and cargo area - plus all the other typical tech )
With the 2019 MKC, I think Lincoln needs to focus on being competitive with just Acura and copy how Acura packages it's RDX. What I think Lincoln needs to do to make the MKC a contender:
Stretch the MKC by at least 4 inches
Make the 285 HP 2.3l the standard engine (closer to 2.0T Audi Q5 & 3.5l V6 RDX performance)
Make LED headlights standard
Make heated rear seats standard
Make forward collision warning & braking standard
Make tire specific pressure sensor standard
Make two LED cargo hold lights standard (one each side)
Make rear seat releases in cargo hold standard
Make foot activated rear hatch opening standard
Then offer just two trims levels - with the above added standard features - and price competitively as follows:
MKC Select 2.3T starting at $41,900 CAD
MKC Reserve 2.3T starting at $46,900 CAD (Reserve trim adds Navigation, Adaptive cruise, BLIS, Vista Roof, ventilated front seats, rain sensing wipers, premium audio, front & rear parking sensors, top-view camera)
If they don't make these changes, they need to realize that they just don't compare well to the Q5 or RDX and re-price to compete in the subcompact market with the Audi Q3 which starts at $35,490 CAD and the BMW X1 which starts at $40,300 CAD. Actually, from what I've seen the BMW X1 is a better choice than the MKC, currently - similar size inside (maybe roomier in some respects?) and very nicely equipped with leather and premium package essential at $44,500CAD. Better performance than the 2.0l MKC, too
MKC sales have been poor this year in Canada (to Apr), without the new Q5 out. It wasn't a stellar success in the first place, but.
Enjoy whatever you'd decide on.
Everybody has their own reasons for selecting a particular vehicle and one needs to spend a lot of time researching the alternatives. I considered some of these other vehicles but they were rejected for various reasons. The Acura RDX only has a 1500 pound towing capacity - kind of low for a 3.5L V6, and does not have Android Auto capability. I was very interested in the Lexus NX200T as I have driven Toyotas for nearly 14 years. However, it has even less cargo space than the MKC, does not have Android Auto capability, and other than HP rating, the lower end models don't seem to be much of a step up from my RAV4 LTD. Neither of these have lumbar support for the front passenger seat which my wife wanted. The Audi Q5 looks interesting but the top trim is more like CDN $60K and I don't see any provision for towing.
I am satisfied with the 2.0 L engine - it is comparable to the NX200T. It's nice to have the option of the larger engine on the MKC for those that want the extra power. I have a four year lease, a four year warranty, a loaner vehicle when I am getting mine serviced and an established dealership five minutes away from my home. I accept the fact that this vehicle may need more trips for servicing than some of the other brands noted but any of them are a twenty plus minute drive away. I'm also not bothered by the fact that is based on a Ford product as it can be serviced by a Ford dealer if necessary.
I am still happy with my choice. Three years from now? Time will tell. By then there may be even more choices!
I am satisfied with the 2.0 L engine - it is comparable to the NX200T. It's nice to have the option of the larger engine on the MKC for those that want the extra power. I have a four year lease, a four year warranty, a loaner vehicle when I am getting mine serviced and an established dealership five minutes away from my home. I accept the fact that this vehicle may need more trips for servicing than some of the other brands noted but any of them are a twenty plus minute drive away. I'm also not bothered by the fact that is based on a Ford product as it can be serviced by a Ford dealer if necessary.
I am still happy with my choice. Three years from now? Time will tell. By then there may be even more choices!
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I have no problem with made in Mexico. I believe Ford wanted to do the same with the MKC - and you can bet your bottom dollar the price wouldn't have changed! What I do see is much more for your $$ with the new Audi Q5
Most sources I can find (car and driver, audi, lincoln) say that the new Audi 2.0T does (if just) out perform the MKC's 2.3l T, and noticeably out-performs the MKC's 2.0T. The Q5 has a a much better transmission and AWD system.
It should matter that is is made in Mexico, by purchasing a vehicle that has been outsourced for cheaper labor you are contributing to the economic demise of workers all over the world and indirectly your own job. So basically workers in Germany making a good wage and supporting their family and paying taxes are now unemployed. It is a race to the bottom and workers all over the world are losing because of attitudes of consumers like you. Perhaps your job is one that cannot be outsourced, doubtful tho, very few jobs are insulated from outsourcing. Persist with this 'I don't care attitude" and you will soon find yourself unable to afford a car, muchness a new luxury car because your job has been outsourced to Mexico or Vietnam or India or .......I have no problem with made in Mexico. I believe Ford wanted to do the same with the MKC - and you can bet your bottom dollar the price wouldn't have changed! What I do see is much more for your $$ with the new Audi Q5
Most sources I can find (car and driver, audi, lincoln) say that the new Audi 2.0T does (if just) out perform the MKC's 2.3l T, and noticeably out-performs the MKC's 2.0T. The Q5 has a a much better transmission and AWD system.
For the Record, if the MKC was made in Mexico, I would not of even considered buying it, Will never buy an MKZ as long as it is made in Mexico.
There was an article in one of the auto journals stating the workers at the Q5 plant in Mexico will make roughly $15 per day...How do you compete with that? I too try to buy made in America - My cars and high-end my audio equipment which is my hobby all made here!
Ford has been building cars in Mexico since 1925. U.S. workers get about $30. per hour vs Mexican workers who get about $5. per hour. Quality of workmanship is about the same. Robotics have taken as many jobs away as outsourcing to other countries. Even though vehicles are produced in other countries by Ford, profits still come back to U.S. I suppose nobody has a flat screen TV or goes to Walmart or Target where a large percentage of products are foreign made. Oh well, we all draw a line in the sand and take a stand. Each to their own.
MKC and Escape Sales are at a record so far this year!
http://www.autonews.com/article/201...rtens-summer-shutdown-at-louisville-suv-plant
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