“Because I travel 90% for my job and drive all types of cars via rentals. I was able to narrow my search to the Lincoln MKC after driving other same class rentals. The Lincoln was hands down the easiest to handle, the least effort in driving. I knew Within the first 100 miles this would the the car for me.”
2018 Lincoln MKC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2018 Lincoln MKC is a quiet carryover with no major changes from 2017. It keeps the same basic design, trim lineup, turbocharged engines, and technology.
About the 2018 Lincoln MKC
1st generation (2015-2019), fourth model year and last year before the 2019 refresh.
Lincoln markets the MKC as a compact luxury SUV built around calm, quiet travel rather than sportiness. Its core appeal is an upscale cabin, easy-to-use touchscreen tech, a smooth ride, and a more welcoming ownership feel than many rivals. For most shoppers, the MKC is the small Lincoln for commuting, errands, and road trips in comfort, with higher trims adding richer materials and more convenience instead of changing the vehicle’s basic mission.
The 2018 MKC is a comfort-focused compact luxury SUV, starting with the straightforward Premiere and stepping up through the more polished Select and well-equipped Reserve. Premiere has a 245-hp turbocharged engine, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Reserve adds cooled front seats, a panoramic roof, and blind-spot monitoring. Black Label tops the range with themed interiors, Venetian leather, real wood and metal trim, and a simulated suede headliner.
2018 Lincoln MKC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 18–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25–28 mpg | 25–28 mpg | 28 mpg | 25–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–285 hp | 240–285 hp | 240 hp | 240–285 hp |
| Torque | 270–305 lb-ft | 270–305 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270–305 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 36.8 in | 36.8 in | 36.8 in | 36.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Lincoln MKC compared with the 2017 model?
Nothing major changed for the 2018 Lincoln MKC. Its design, trim lineup, turbocharged engine strategy, six-speed automatic transmission, safety equipment structure, and touchscreen system carried over from 2017.
Was the 2018 Lincoln MKC redesigned?
No, the 2018 Lincoln MKC was not redesigned. It retained the first-generation body and split-wing grille; the more visible front-end and safety update arrived for 2019.
Did the 2018 Lincoln MKC get a new engine?
No, the 2018 Lincoln MKC did not get a new engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder remained the core engine, while a stronger 2.3-liter turbocharged engine remained an option on upper trims.
Does the 2018 Lincoln MKC have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 2018 Lincoln MKC has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through its SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. This technology carried over rather than being introduced for 2018.
What distinguishes the 2018 Lincoln MKC Black Label?
The 2018 Lincoln MKC Black Label is the design-focused top trim. It has a choice of four themed cabin designs, Venetian leather, real wood and metal trim, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and cooled front seats.
2018 Lincoln MKC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Lincoln MKC.
“Love the design, both outside and inside, as well as the new blue color. The safety features are better than cars I previously owned. A few of the luxuries I really enjoy is the heated wrapped leather steering wheel and the soft leather seats. The blue tooth and navigation systems are high tech and easy to set up. People can actually understand me when I use my cellphone through the blue tooth.”
“i have told others that after purchasing the Esapes that there wasn't too much more cost to buy the MKC. Found out warranty was longer also.”