For 2017, the standard Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interfaces. A power liftgate and an automatic brake hold feature are also added to the already ample standard features list.
Pros More standard features than many of its competitors Heavily insulated cabin remains quiet at all times Order the optional adjustable suspension for an especially supple ride.
Cons Less room in the backseat and cargo area compared to many competitors Slower than average acceleration from either of its available engines Some interior materials look cheap considering the price point.
The 2017 Lincoln MKC ranks 8 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. If you're looking for a luxury SUV with a comfortable, relaxed ride and an upscale, feature-laden interior, the 2017 Lincoln MKC could meet your needs. However, if you can stretch your budget a bit more you can get an SUV with better performance and more cargo and passenger space.
Pros Hushed cabin Cushioned ride Generous list of standard features
Cons Little rear-seat legroom Mediocre cargo room Noticeable turbo lag from base and upgraded engines
The 2017 MKC is a step in the right direction for Lincoln, thanks to controlled handling and interior luxury, but it lacks rear seat space and the cachet of its luxury rivals.
Pros Strong turbocharged engines Responsive steering, handling Nicely detailed cabin Real. Radio. Knobs. Leather and wood (from Scotland, no less)
Cons Tight back seat EcoBoost engines aren't always 'eco' Transmission doesn't always match engine's urgency The anonymity of Lincoln today
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.
