2015 Lincoln MKC: Hail Mary Compact Crossover Scores Big

The 2015 Lincoln MKC is the first of its breed for the premium nameplate: a compact crossover that goes where Cadillac isn't, avoiding its historical cross-town rival to instead focus on more natural competitors from Japan like Lexus and Acura.  More than that, however, the MKC demonstrates that the brand that pretty much everyone in the market for a luxury vehicle has forgotten about can still produce a memorable model, especially when allowed to stray from the Ford platform roots that have so firmly anchored Lincoln to mediocrity in recent years.

Not Just A Pretty Escape

The Lincoln MKC is based on the Ford Escape, a popular compact crossover in its own right and one that can be had with a long list of high end features when ordered in range-topping Titanium trim.  From the outset, however, the MKC goes to great lengths to distance itself from everything Escape so as to develop its own distinct character.  Immediately obvious is the styling effort that has been made to erase almost all suggestions of Ford DNA from the crossover's appearance.  From a distance, in silhouette, there's a hint of the Escape's profile, but aside from that the MKC comes across as pure Lincoln through-and-through.

• Also: New Revel Sound System For Lincoln

Cracking open the driver's door continues to build the 2015 MKC's credibility as a stand-alone model.  In particular, the entire dashboard and control set look and feel as though they belong in a luxury vehicle, especially the deftly-curved centre stack and the reams of leather that defined my top-tier test vehicle's trim.  The MyLincoln Touch entertainment and communications interface will frustrate some, but most will have an easy enough time navigating through the menu system (provided they can stab at the smaller-than-appreciated buttons with enough accuracy while the vehicle is moving).  An added bonus: Lincoln has loaded the MKC with available safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control with collision warning, a blind spot monitoring system, and a lane keeping system that will keep the crossover from weaving by way of gentle steering intervention.  You can even get a self-parking feature if you have decided that guiding your vehicle into a parallel spot is beneath you.

Almost As Useful

The MKC's interior is unquestionably a cut above that of the Ford Escape's in all but one important respect: practicality.  There's roughly 30 percent less storage space behind the rear row in the Lincoln as compared to the Escape, a packaging failure that's similar to the downsizing that occurred when translating the Ford Flex's platform to the Lincoln MKT.  You still get enough cargo room to be useful for a variety of purposes - particularly with the rear row folded forward - but it's an oversight that sees the MKC falling behind several of its Japanese rivals in terms of overall utility.

From a passenger perspective, things are better.  Up front the Lincoln MKC's seating arrangement offers respectable comfort and a good view of the road ahead.  In the second row, it's a bit tighter - especially for adults - but children and teenagers won't have any issues spending time back there, especially considering the availability of heaters and soft leather upholstery for both the front and rear positions.

Mechanical Masterpiece

My favourite part of the 2015 Lincoln MKC was the optional 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that was outfitted to the vehicle I drove for a week.  With 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque on tap, the new-to-Lincoln unit (which is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission) is not only a sizable upgrade over the MKC's base 240 horsepower 2.0-litre EcoBoost motor, but also something special that you won't find in a compact crossover from Ford.  That last point is key to Lincoln taking back some of the audience that has abandoned the automaker in droves, because if you're going to successfully charge a premium for a vehicle it has to offer something you can't get from a more affordable option.

Acceleration from the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is strong, checking in as quicker than either the Acura RDX or Lexus NX small SUVs that figure to be the Lincoln's closest competitors.  Don't expect athletic handling to match the muscle under the hood, because despite the presence of an adaptive suspension system the MKC prioritizes comfort and control over slalom dominance.  I think I speak for the majority of premium crossover shoppers when I say I've got no need for this type of family hauler to boast any type of track day credibility, especially if it means sacrificing day-to-day comfort.  Throw in the Lincoln's standard all-wheel drive with either engine and you've got an appealing package that will see you through all four seasons.

Hearts and Minds

The biggest challenge facing the MKC?  Convincing people to give this small people mover a chance to prove itself.  Thinly-disguised Blue Oval clones and a lack of a coherent brand identity have dogged Lincoln since at least the 90s, which means that the audience for even an excellent vehicle like this one has shrunk to a dangerously small number.  The 2015 Lincoln MKC shows that the automaker is back on track when it comes to producing models that people will actually be willing to pay full MSRP for.  I can only hope that enough crossover shoppers notice the MKC in time to keep the lights on at Lincoln.