Lincoln’s MKC Successor Spied Testing for the First Time

The replacement for the Lincoln MKC could arrive sooner than originally expected.

Spy photographers have caught a heavily camouflaged prototype testing for the first time, revealing a crossover that looks to borrow styling cues from the Lincoln Aviator Concept. It’s currently unclear what the MKC’s replacement will be called, since the American automaker is moving to new model names for its lineup.

According to our spy photographers’ sources within Ford, the replacement of the MKC was originally scheduled to arrive in 2021, but it has been pushed up to possibly 2020 with Ford’s recent announcement that it is getting rid of its sedan models. Strangely enough, the refreshed 2019 Lincoln MKC hasn’t even arrived dealerships yet, so an all-new model could come just a year after a refreshed MKC goes on sale.

Although it’s tough to make out details on this particular prototype, it does give us an idea of the overall size and design Lincoln is working on. It appears the clamshell tailgate will remain on the MKC’s successor.

It’s too early to say what powertrain Lincoln will use, but looking at the Ford Escape, expect to see a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine along with electrified options to boost the lineup.

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