The 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid breathe new life into the hybrid segment, with a practical wagon shape and excellent interior you’d never know was a hybrid.
Pros Utility vehicle styling Good noise suppression Handsome, intuitive interior 40-mpg-plus fuel economy Plug-in version priced well
Cons AWD unavailable Sluggish acceleration at speed No crash-test data yet Plug-in range now only average
The 2018 Kia Niro ranked #5 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Kia Niro has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 14 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Magnificent fuel economy Spacious, comfortable seats Generous cargo capacity Upscale cabin
Cons Less athletic than rivals Not available with AWD High base price
The most significant change for the 2018 Niro is the addition of lane keeping assist, replacing the previous lane departure warning system. It's included in the Advanced Technology package available on LX and EX trims, and it's standard on the top Touring trim.
PROS Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
CONS Feature-laden Touring trim sacrifices fuel efficiency Less cargo space than most rivals Feels lazy when driving in the default Eco mode All-wheel drive isn't offered despite crossover styling
The 2019 Lincoln MKC has a new grille that matches the one seen on brand's latest vehicles such as the Continental and Navigator. It's an improvement and gives the MKC a classier look. But the rest of the 2019 MKC is unchanged, which means it has some issues that prevent it from being a top contender in the premium crossover SUV segment.
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 available engine Some common driver safety aids only available on the top trim levels Smaller back seat and cargo area compared to many competitors
The 2019 Lincoln MKC ranked #11 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Lincoln MKC has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Buttery ride User-friendly infotainment system Low base price
Cons Subpar cargo space Uninspiring handling Undersized rear seats
The 2019 Lincoln MKC luxury crossover this year pairs refined powertrains with better looks, but it still lags the space or efficiency found in other rivals.
Pros Quality interior Refined road manners New higher-end look Easy to use Sync 3 Fun, but overpowered optional 2.3-liter turbo-4
Cons Fuel efficiency leaves us wanting Could use more standard advanced safety tech Small rear seat
