The 2018 Lincoln MKC is a luxury compact crossover that’s a relative value compared to others. It’s an SUV with all the amenities, but without the cachet.
Pros Quality interior materials Entertaining and powerful 2.3-liter turbo-4 Competent road manners Better infotainment with Sync3
Cons Cramped rear seat Lacking advanced safety systems Gimmicky pushbutton shifter Not especially fuel-efficient
With a long list of features and one of the lowest base prices in its class, the 2018 Lincoln MKC is a great value. However, many class rivals are more well-rounded than this midpack SUV.
Pros Smooth ride Lots of standard features User-friendly infotainment system Low base price
Cons Mediocre handling ability Cramped rear seats Below-average cargo space
For 2018, the MKC receives Lincoln Connect, Lincoln's 4G Wi-Fi hotspot system, added standard to all trims. Premiere models receive four-way power lumbar control on the driver seat, while both front seats benefit from the power lumbar on Select trims and higher.
PROS More standard features than many of its competitors Comfortable and quiet ride on the highway
CONS Some interior materials look cheap considering the price point Slower-than-average acceleration from either of its available engines Some common driver safety aids only available on the top trim levels Less room in the back seat and cargo area compared to many competitors
The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks in the top quarter among luxury midsize SUVs because it offers an attractive and spacious interior, good power, and impressive standard features, but some competitors can say the same thing.
Pros Generous list of standard features Comfortable and spacious rear seats Lower base price than many competitors
Cons Difficult-to-use infotainment system Limited cargo space
As a style-conscious statement of indulgence, the Lexus RX shines like never before. Its looks are polarizing and it's not all that fun to drive even in F Sport form, but the RX continues to excel in many ways. Almost ubiquitous with the term "luxury crossover," the Lexus RX was redesigned last year with a far more lavish look and feel inside and out. It's a daring breath of fresh air for the model that essentially pioneered this premium, upscale segment. We like the current Lexus RX, even though it's not quite as polished to drive as some rivals. With its solid feel and eye-catching looks, the RX rates a 7.3 out of 10 on our scale.
Pros Eye-catching design Refined interior Solid power Available hybrid Standard safety tech
Cons Polarizing looks Expensive with options F-Sport rides very firmly No third row
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is a hybrid, but with optional all-wheel drive, we managed 22 mpg; its combined EPA rating is 30. The cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout; the F Sport gets comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades. The Lexus RX, which has reigned as the best-selling Lexus model and the top seller among all luxury crossovers and SUVs for nearly two decades, went under the knife for some major work in 2016. It kept the passenger-car mechanicals, raised seating position, posh interior, and cargo-friendly five-passenger SUV body style but cranked the styling volume up to new heights with an outsize snout, a floating roof, and a riotous surface treatment. Voting with their wallets, the car-buying public seems to prefer this new RX, as sales have increased versus the more sedate-looking previous version.
