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General Motor Trend did a comparison, and the Ford...


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To bad Lincoln didn't provide them a version with Sync3 after the running change, wouldn't have changed the outcome but would have a mention that it was changed.

The author should have mentioned SYNC3 comes in new models. While obviously the tested model didn't have it, it's common knowledge (or should be for a reviewer - or really anyone that can spend 5 seconds on Google), but I suppose they had to get their Lincoln shots in somewhere.

 

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I also wonder how a Black Label model would have fared, especially in the supposedly lackluster materials category.

 

Is anyone surprised the vehicle with the smallest engine was the most fuel efficient? I didn't realize the GLC was that big, I always viewed the ML/now GLE as their MKX competitor.

Edited by rmc523
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That is pretty much what I have gathered that sums up the MKX, "Its just not quite there", but it's a much better package overall. It's just, competition is improving as well, so gotta shoot to the top and hit it out of the ballpark. The good news is, it wasn't 3rd place but there's good points being made. About 115HP less in power, but that GLC nips at the MKX heals. "Eco" part of Ecoboost, should be a diet as well, to make sure that boost is getting the most of it... 4640lbs? Some F150 weigh less than that? Real porker...

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You mean they didn't complain about the horrible 6 speed auto in the MKX? ;)

 

I see what they mean with the MKX seats - it does feel like you're sitting on it rather than in it. However, they are still supremely comfortable and were the main reason we decided to upgrade over the Edge since we plan to take a lot of road trips the next few years.

 

Re: noise. Our heated/cooled seats don't make any noise and there is zero wind noise. I've seen others complain about wind noise though so it must be a misaligned weatherstrip.

 

On the weight difference - the GLC might have the same wheelbase but it's 7 inches shorter in length, 2 inches narrower and 2 inches shorter in height than the MKX. MkX also has double the cargo volume with the seats up (18/19 vs. 37) and 13 more cu ft with the seats down. That's most of your weight difference.

 

I can see the other nitpicks with the feel of the buttons and the area at the base of the windshield and the power point position.

 

They didn't mention approach lighting, hand free liftgate or adaptive headlamps so I'm not sure if the others have that but they're great features on the MKX.

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Is anyone surprised the vehicle with the smallest engine was the most fuel efficient? I didn't realize the GLC was that big, I always viewed the ML/now GLE as their MKX competitor.

 

It really isn't...its nearly 7 inches shorter then the MKX and almost 10 inches shorter then the RX. Its the smallest of the three....no surprise that its the lightest.

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Re: noise. Our heated/cooled seats don't make any noise and there is zero wind noise. I've seen others complain about wind noise though so it must be a misaligned weatherstrip.

 

 

 

The cooled seats on SHO aren't that loud...you can hear them run, but if you have the radio on, you can't hear them over it.

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The cooled seats on SHO aren't that loud...you can hear them run, but if you have the radio on, you can't hear them over it.

 

I've heard them on other vehicles. The ones on our 2003 Aviator were pretty loud. But the MKX is not. I wonder if active noise cancellation comes into play?

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I've heard them on other vehicles. The ones on our 2003 Aviator were pretty loud. But the MKX is not. I wonder if active noise cancellation comes into play?

are the cooled seats air conditioned or ventilated? Both our vehicles are ventilated, so I wasn't sure if anyone actually A/Ced them. Seems like it would be complex and expensive.

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are the cooled seats air conditioned or ventilated? Both our vehicles are ventilated, so I wasn't sure if anyone actually A/Ced them. Seems like it would be complex and expensive.

 

Ford has had cooled (not ventilated) seats since 2003 if not sooner. It uses a peltier device and a fan in each seat. I don't think Ford has ever offered ventilated but not cooled and heated seats.

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I also wonder how a Black Label model would have fared, especially in the supposedly lackluster materials category.

 

Is anyone surprised the vehicle with the smallest engine was the most fuel efficient? I didn't realize the GLC was that big, I always viewed the ML/now GLE as their MKX competitor.

 

I was scratching my head about this one too. They used a fully loaded compact SUV in a comparison test with midsize SUV (I'm sure so the MSRP are comparable).

 

Maybe they will line up a fully loaded $60k Mercedes C-Class next time for a comparison test with a Continental? :headscratch:

Edited by bzcat
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I was scratching my head about this one too. They used a fully loaded compact SUV in a comparison test with midsize SUV (I'm sure so the MSRP are comparable).

 

Maybe they will line up a fully loaded $60k Mercedes C-Class next time for a comparison test with a Continental? :headscratch:

Doubt it. It's not easy enough to dump on the non-German car that way.

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Motor Trend is for casual car fans who just read 0-60 times and look at pictures. They have never turned a wrench or know more details of mechanics. Just "gee whiz' stuff.

 

I doubt many customers of MKX, GLC, and RX even read 0-60 times, let alone turn a wrench or investigate more details of mechanics for their vehicles.

 

The "crossover" concept in general is antithetical to what bona fide driving enthusiasts hold in high regard, and all three models in this particular comparison test are probably scorned and ridiculed in enthusiast circles.

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My MKX does suffer from modest creaks and rattles which have mostly been there since the get go, it's the first Lincoln I've owned with this issue. It's a lease so I'm less concerned about it but I would probably be miffed if I owned it. I definitely have no wind noise issues, and I cruise at 85 on the highway. My last MKX certainly had lots of wind noise around the antenna mast above the windshield but did a better job with suspension and tire isolation. Both the MKZ and MKX have really unsightly cowls at the bottom of the windshield, I'm not sure why this is but they probably should understand that this is the part of the interior that everybody looks at the most. The previous MKX slopped away with no such unsightly cheap trim. I don't get the complaints about the knobs, but Lincoln has some new switchgear on the way for MKZ and Continental. I don't like the stalks either, especially the mechanical signals indicators which are really old school and a regression from the previous hardware on the MKX which I really loved (smart enough to know to ignore the current wheel position when engaged, didn't click and clunk back into position, had the right amount of resistance and travel for signal to pass). I'm assuming the new stalks are more than just cosmetics and come with some hardware improvements, but I imagine MKX is years away from receiving this update.

 

As for fit & finish, it's probably going to remain a challenge since Lincoln is using Ford lines which don't have the sophisticated machines and quality controls of luxury specific plants. I'm hoping this changes with Continental but we'll see.

Edited by BORG
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That is pretty much what I have gathered that sums up the MKX, "Its just not quite there", but it's a much better package overall. It's just, competition is improving as well, so gotta shoot to the top and hit it out of the ballpark. The good news is, it wasn't 3rd place but there's good points being made. About 115HP less in power, but that GLC nips at the MKX heals. "Eco" part of Ecoboost, should be a diet as well, to make sure that boost is getting the most of it... 4640lbs? Some F150 weigh less than that? Real porker...

 

As has been mentioned, the GLC is also significantly smaller than the other two.

 

You mean they didn't complain about the horrible 6 speed auto in the MKX? ;)

 

I see what they mean with the MKX seats - it does feel like you're sitting on it rather than in it. However, they are still supremely comfortable and were the main reason we decided to upgrade over the Edge since we plan to take a lot of road trips the next few years.

 

Re: noise. Our heated/cooled seats don't make any noise and there is zero wind noise. I've seen others complain about wind noise though so it must be a misaligned weatherstrip.

 

On the weight difference - the GLC might have the same wheelbase but it's 7 inches shorter in length, 2 inches narrower and 2 inches shorter in height than the MKX. MkX also has double the cargo volume with the seats up (18/19 vs. 37) and 13 more cu ft with the seats down. That's most of your weight difference.

 

I can see the other nitpicks with the feel of the buttons and the area at the base of the windshield and the power point position.

 

They didn't mention approach lighting, hand free liftgate or adaptive headlamps so I'm not sure if the others have that but they're great features on the MKX.

 

When I test drove the new MKX with the standard seats, I found the seat bottom to be far too short. It stopped nearly mid thigh on me. I was able to briefly sit in a model with the 22-way seats and they seemed to be far better than the standard ones in this regard. I thought that was a strange issue for it to have. (I'm 6'0" if you're wondering).

 

They have to find ways to criticize the MKX somehow - items that would be praised on other vehicles are ignored on Lincolns.

 

 

It really isn't...its nearly 7 inches shorter then the MKX and almost 10 inches shorter then the RX. Its the smallest of the three....no surprise that its the lightest.

 

When I first read the review/test, I was on my phone and the spec charts didn't quite align properly, so I couldn't see the dimensions to realize how far off the GLC's sizing was.

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I got the 22-way seats because the standard seats were WAY too short, much shorter than the ones from my last MKX. With the thigh support extended to maximum, it basically comes just slightly farther than the older seats. I have long legs so this is a critical issue for me. I have no complaints about the 22-Way seats, absolutely love them...until I experience something better I'm sure.

Edited by BORG
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I got the 22-way seats because the standard seats were WAY too short, much shorter than the ones from my last MKX. With the thigh support extended to maximum, it basically comes just slightly farther than the older seats. I have long legs so this is a critical issue for me. I have no complaints about the 22-Way seats, absolutely love them...until I experience something better I'm sure.

Glad to hear im not the only one to have that issue. Yeah as you said, the 22-ways solved that, but im surprised they let those through.

 

I'm definitely intrigued by the Conti's 30-way seats.

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For the most part the new MKX and Edge feel smaller from the driver seat (lower, narrower, reduced legroom and seat travel), but there is a ton more legroom and cargo room in the back. I'm not sure I would buy another at this point since I just can't get a comfortable position that doesn't involve ducking or reaching for the steering wheel with my arms straight out, if only the wheel would come out farther, just an inch would make a huge difference. I need a Navigator, haha.

Edited by BORG
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Ford has had cooled (not ventilated) seats since 2003 if not sooner. It uses a peltier device and a fan in each seat. I don't think Ford has ever offered ventilated but not cooled and heated seats.

Thanks for the info, Akirby. I had to look up "peltier device" to understand the process. Mrs. Ogre's 2016 Explorer seats felt cooler than cabin temp but not A/C cold, so I was curious how it all worked.

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I have no issues getting comfortable in my Edge, and I'm 6'-4".

 

Are the MKX brakes overly grabby? That's one of the annoyances I have with my Edge.

 

I have unusually long legs which is always the problem. The brakes aren't grabby, my Dad also has a 2015 Edge and they aren't grabby.

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I have unusually long legs which is always the problem. The brakes aren't grabby, my Dad also has a 2015 Edge and they aren't grabby.

Yeah, I'm the opposite - my height is in my torso.

 

I'll have them look at my brakes next time I'm in. Both the autoblog and cars.com reviews mention it, maybe it was an issue with early builds.

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