Auto123 compares the 2019 Lincoln MKC and the 2019 Volvo XC40, two solid small SUVs tasked with democratizing luxury for buyers of utility models
Until quite recently, there was in the automotive industry a fairly clear demarcation between mass-market and luxury models. This distinction has become fuzzier with the arrival of many popular models with features that were once only seen on luxury models. Think leather seats, drive assist systems and touchscreens, which have gradually come to be part of the standard equipment found on more-affordable vehicles.
These Joe Public models now can often compete with many so-called luxury models in terms of equipment. What’s more, the line separating brands that want to sell luxury models and luxury brands that to become more accessible is being erased. Today, we look at two recent models trying to attract customers positioned right at the threshold of moving into the luxury segment settled on the border of a new market, all while the companies making them work to hold on to the aura so important to them as luxury brands.
2019 Lincoln MKC
If you’re interested, this is the last chance for you to for the MKC. After this year, the luxury brand’s smallest SUV will be effectively replaced by the Corsair. Based on the Ford Escape, the MKC has been acquitting itself surprisingly well on the sales front, in good part thanks to its sophisticated styling and practical format.
Inside, the MKC gets Sync3, the latest version of the infotainment system shared with various other Lincoln models and those sold by Ford's parent company. Owners can also use the Lincoln smartphone app, which includes a concierge service and interactive parking information, and lets you control door locks and start the engine from anywhere using your smartphone.
Buyers interested in the Lincoln Black Label Premium Group can also choose from three interior themes: Modern Heritage, Indulgence and Center Stage, which feature premium materials such as Venetian leather, Alcantara wood accents, Argento and Ziricote.
Powerful engines
In terms of safety, the MKC's forward collision warning system adds pedestrian detection. Otherwise, the SUV remains unchanged. Power comes from a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine (245 hp, 275 lb-ft of torque) borrowed from the Ford Escape, but the MKC can also be equipped with a more-powerful 2.3L engine making 285 hp and 305 lb-ft. All-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission come standard.
The 2.0L engine can be equipped with a stop/start feature that turns it off at stops to reduce fuel consumption in the city. Regardless of the choice of engine, the performance is good, but the lack of an 8-speed transmission like offered by many competitors inflates consumption figures and means the powertrain doesn’t deliver the same smooth drive. The MKC performs well thanks to adaptive dampers that enhance driving when the car is tuned to its Sport drive mode.
Standard equipment includes 10-way power adjustable front seats, proximity key with push-button start and power liftgate. The MKC also benefits from Lincoln approach detection with a welcome mat and bright logo, ultra-soft leather upholstery, a 9-speaker premium audio system and the Sync3 infotainment system. Radar-based cruise control, forward collision warning with auto brake, lane keeping assist and parking assist are optional.
The MKC is arguably the only recent product in the Lincoln lineup that has managed to get a spot in the sun, but even here Lincoln is facing a tough battle to get recognition in this category with vehicles like the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3, but also the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace, which are all compelling products. Lincoln will have to stop playing eternal cath-up and come up with some innovative ideas to survive in the mid and long term.
Consult our listing of pre-owned Lincoln MKC vehicles available in your region of Canada
2019 Volvo XC40
The XC40 compact SUV is the newest model in the Volvo utility family, started a few years ago with the XC90. But where Volvo scores a lot of points is with the styling of this more-affordable small model, which for the company is a gateway to a potentially much larger potential clientele.
Available in Canada in the Momentum, R-Design and Registration versions, the XC40 comes with a single 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. The entry-level model comes with the T5 designation on the tailgate.
Volvo arrives at the right time in a category of vehicles that only a few years ago was practically deserted. And though it may be late to the game, it has made a grand entrance with the XC40, thanks to stylistic landmarks such as his "Thor's Hammer" headlamp treatment and two-tone bodywork.
Clean interior
Like the all recent Volvo products, the XC40 gets a very zen approach for its cabin. There’s plenty of storage space for small items, including doors that hold a water bottle and a laptop, a trash can built into the centre console and a glove box with a hook to hang a bag.
The Momentum edition’s standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge, heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, manual passenger seat adjustments with thigh extension, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, downhill control, fabric / leatherette seats, and 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen.
The safety features included in the XC40's starting price include a front-end collision sensor, lane keep assist, driver's knee airbag and tire pressure monitoring.
The R-Design model brings specific interior and exterior styling elements, notably a black headliner, steering-wheel paddle shifters, nubuck leather upholstery, power-adjustable passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 19-inch wheels, sports suspension and adjustable LED headlights.
The Inscription version includes the 18-inch wheels, the electric driver's seat cushion extension, the Swedish crystal gear lever and various interior and exterior design elements specific to this model.
Conclusion
The XC40 is all about balance. Both pleasant and comfortable, the XC40 has very welcoming seats and the sound insulation is excellent. There’s enough power on offer to make on-ramping a breeze.
Consult our listing of pre-owned Volvo vehicles available in your region of Canada
Advantage Lincoln MKC
The MKC is more powerful than the XC40 and offers a lot of luxury options that puts it one step above the Volvo.
Advantage Volvo XC40
The XC40 offers a more balanced overall ride that combines comfort, handling and a quieter ride. The interior is also better designed.
Similarities
Both offer a comprehensive list of standard equipment and comparable list of drive assist systems. The styling is for these both models a top selling point, and the prices are comparable.
Verdict
The XC40 takes it, offering in our view the best combination of price, value and features, and it delivers better fuel economy than the Lincoln. Although the MKC gets a good rating, its heavy driving, high fuel consumption and uncomfortable suspension loses it a lot of points. We also get a stronger feeling of luxury from the Volvo than the Lincoln.
2019 Lincoln MKC
We like
Competitive price
Quiet interior
SYNC 3 system
We like less
6-speed transmission
Fir and finish could be improved
Reliability below average
2019 Volvo XC40
We like
Successful styling
Balanced driving
Super comfortable front seats
We like less
Blind spot alerts optional
Rear seat a little tight
Multimedia system a bit complicated
| ... | Specifications | ||
| 2019 Lincoln MKC | 2019 Volvo XC40 | ||
| Transmission | Auto 6 speed | Auto 8 speed | |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
| 2.0L | 2.0L | ||
| Fuel consumption (city) | 1.3L/100 km | 9.0L/100 km | |
| Fuel consumption (highway) | 9.3L/100 km | 7.5L/100 km | |
| 2.3L T | |||
| Fuel consumption (city) | 13.1L/100 km | ||
| Fuel consumption (highway) | 9.5L/100 km | ||
| Engine | |||
| Type | gas | gas | |
| Output | 245 hp | 247 hp | |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | |
| Displacement | 2.0L T | 2.0L T | |
| Type | gas | ||
| Output | 285 hp | ||
| Torque | 305 lb-ft | ||
| Cylinders | 4 | ||
| Displacement | 2.3L T | ||
| Capacity | |||
| Cargo space | 712 L / 1,505 L | 460 L / 1,336 L | |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 54 L | |
| Towing capacity | 907 kg, 1,360 kg | 1,600 kg, 2,100 kg | |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4552 mm | 4425 mm | |
| Width | 1854 mm | 1863 mm | |
| Height | 1657 mm | 1652 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2690 mm | 2702 mm | |
| Warranty | 4 yrs/ 80,000 km | 4 yrs / 80,000 km | |
| Price | $44,150 to $48,800 | $40,300 to $47,050 |
