The Lincoln Motor Company's 2015 MKC luxury crossover has quickly become the top seller for a company that hit the reset button in late 2012 after shedding the Mercury nameplate. The vehicle was first a sales winner in China, and became the brand's top model in the U.S. in 2014.

The MKC, as the first new vehicle following the changeover, has perhaps become most associated with the stream-of-conscious ads featuring actor Matthew McConaughey cruising at night while marinating in internal philosophical musings.

But, the vehicle earns its marketing bona fides with a solid offering that dresses up its Ford Escape-based underpinnings similar to when its famous endorser changes from blue jeans into a tuxedo for Oscar night.

Lincoln offers the MKC in several configurations. We tested the model powered by the 2.0-liter inline-four EcoBoost engine that can also be found as one of three Mustang engines. The MKC delivers its 240 hp via a 6-speed automatic transmission to, in our model, a front-wheel drivetrain. All-wheel drive is optional.

The ride was helped by an optional damped suspension that gave the MKC a steadiness, especially when cornering. If you enjoy driving, you may crave a more precise response from the power steering, which doesn't require a ton of steering inputs to make corrections.

The vehicle uses a series of push buttons integrated into the dashboard to the left of the infotainment screen for engine starting/shut-off and shifting into drive, reverse, and park. A driver may need some time to feel fully comfortable with this system.

The handsome exterior styling gives the vehicle an assured look, when you approach from the frontal view of the winged grille or rear view with wrap-around tail lights. At night, a Bluetooth proximity sensor recognizes the key fob and activates front and rear lighting, as well as projecting a Lincoln logo on the ground next to the front doors.

The MKC's interior features leather seating, Ford's Sync with MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, and power-assisted seating. The MKC starts at $33,100, while our model would retail for $38,975.

The MKC has been rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to achieve 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg in combined driving cycles.