What is the Lincoln MKC called now?
The Lincoln MKC is now called the Lincoln Corsair.
As part of a broader brand refresh, Lincoln retired the MKC name and repositioned it under the Corsair banner for the 2020 model year and beyond. The Corsair is the same compact luxury crossover from Lincoln, but with updated styling, technology, and branding to align with the rest of the lineup.
Background: from MKC to Corsair
To simplify branding and improve model recognition, Lincoln moved away from the MKC designation and adopted the Corsair name for the compact crossover. The change signals the automaker's shift toward more descriptive, model-name branding rather than alphanumeric prefixes.
Key milestones in the transition:
- 2019: Lincoln confirmed that the MKC would be renamed Corsair as part of a broader naming refresh.
- 2020 model year: The Corsair replaced the MKC in Lincoln's showroom, sharing its compact-luxury crossover footprint with updated styling and features.
- Post-launch: Lincoln continued refining the Corsair with styling tweaks, technology upgrades, and safety enhancements to stay current with the brand's lineup.
The change was primarily a branding decision designed to improve market clarity while preserving the vehicle's size and role in the lineup.
Current Corsair lineup and features
Today's Corsair continues the MKC's role as Lincoln's compact luxury crossover, now branded with a refreshed look and modern tech. The model emphasizes interior craftsmanship, driver-assist technology, and connectivity consistent with Lincoln's contemporary products.
- Turbocharged engine options paired with available all-wheel drive for performance and efficiency.
- Modern infotainment with a large touchscreen, smartphone integration, and regular software updates.
- Standard and available safety and driver-assist features through Lincoln's Co-Pilot 360/360 Plus suites.
These elements highlight the Corsair's position as the successor to the MKC: a refined, tech-forward, compact luxury crossover.
Practical notes for buyers and shoppers
For those evaluating the lineage, remember that 2020 and newer Corsair models carry the Corsair badge instead of MKC. If you're shopping used, models labeled Corsair reflect the post-renaming generation, while any pre-2020 listings will be MKC badges and styling.
In practice, checking the model year and visual branding is the simplest way to distinguish between MKC-era and Corsair-era vehicles.
Summary
The Lincoln MKC has been retired and replaced by the Lincoln Corsair. Since its introduction, Corsair has served as Lincoln's refreshed, model-name counterpart in the compact-luxury crossover segment, combining Lincoln's signature luxury with updated styling, technology, and safety features.
