2017 Lincoln MKC vs Ford Edge

As far as looks are concerned, the Lincoln MKC has bigger fish to fry than the Ford Edge. The Lincoln competes with the luxury likes of the Audi Q5, Cadillac XT5, and the Acura RDX--and the MKC stands up well against the whole crew. While you won't find anything particularly revolutionary about the profile of the Lincoln MKC, the front end is instantly recognizable. The MKC advertises that it's a Lincoln--and makes quite the impression.

In its more basic forms, the Ford Edge is sporty and contemporary, but nothing especially extraordinary. The overall design is pleasant enough, and the Edge doesn't stray away from the styling expectations of a modern SUV. In its Edge Sport form and with the right color, though, the Edge takes on an impressive and special look.

A lot of buyers might expect to find a V-6 under the hood of at least top trim versions of the MKC, but they won't get that wish. That said, even though there is no V-6 option, the Lincoln MKC doesn't lack in power. Most models come with a 2.0-liter turbo that gives you 240 horsepower. If you're looking for more, the 2.3-liter a twin-scroll turbo-four is the outstanding choice with 285 horsepower. All models have a six-speed automatic transmission, with an all-wheel drive option.

The Edge has an array of options, all the engines you could wish for in a model like this. Since the Edge is bigger than the MKC, it's more powerful too. The twin-scroll EcoBoost is the 2.7-liter unit also found in the F-150, and it produces as much as 315 horsepower. With more choices and more power, the Ford Edge takes this section.

Because Lincolns are actually the luxury cousins of the Ford family, the MKC has a big job on its hands. How does a mass market brand woo buyers away from the standard luxury contenders? The first way is through an interior that looks, feels, and impresses like a luxury brand. You'll notice all of that, plus some impressive touches for a compact vehicle--think Bridge of Weir leather and tri-level heated and cooled seats for ultimate comfort.

Critics might question whether or not the Ford Edge knows what it wants to be. Is it luxury? Is it accessible to even the most budget-friendly buyer? Upper trim levels are very nice and well-equipped, but you have to pay a hefty sum to get them. But even in the top trim levels, the seats are not as comfortable as they might be, although this generation is an improvement.

The features and equipment in the MKC are not quite on a par with the very best luxury models in its segment, but it's very well-equipped for the price. Standard features include: power adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, remote start, active noise cancellation, MyKey, a nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio, HID headlamps, reverse sensors and 18-inch alloy wheels.

In its base SE form, the Edge comes standard with a full set of power features, climate control, cruise control, a rearview camera, a tilt/telescope steering, and an AM/FM/CD audio with Bluetooth audio streaming. To get the more exotic features means paying way more than the $30,000 asking price for the SE, though.