AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: LINCOLN MKC CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Lincoln MKC Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the sixth in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

Lincoln wants to be considered a relevant, thriving luxury car maker. But let’s be honest, every single vehicle in their lineup is a tarted-up Ford. The MKZ is based on the Fusion. The MKX draws from the Edge. The MKS is based on the Taurus. The MKT is pretty similar to the Flex. And of course, the Navigator is just a chromed-up Expedition. At the NAIAS, Lincoln came up with an all-new concept—the MKC SUV. And this one is based on (you may already be ahead of us here) the Ford Escape. But this Escape is slated to compete against the likes of the Acura RDX and Cadillac SRX. Don’t get us wrong; Lincolns are nicer than Fords. Despite their obvious similarities, they can do an awful lot with chrome trim, leather, and wood accents to justify Lincoln’s premium price point. And this MKC definitely has a more upscale appearance than the Escape. This situation isn’t all bad, though. Ford is putting out some awfully nice stuff these days, so these Lincolns are anything but bargain basement. If you can look at Lincoln without that Ford association, you’ll realize they’re every bit as good as the purport to be.