My Lincoln Date Night Experience with the 2016 MKX

[rmc523]

As I mentioned in a previous post (that you may or may not have seen), this weekend, I was again able to use Lincoln's Date Night program. I had previously done Date Night two years ago with the then-new 2015 MKC, and that write-up can be found here: http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/56975-my-lincoln-date-night-experience-with-the-2015-mkc/

This time, I was able to experience a 2017 MKX. So, to recap about the program for those of you that may not know quite how the program works, typically you sign up online and give them some basic info (name, address, current vehicle, etc), and the Date Night Headquarters determines your closest dealer and sets up a time for you to pick up the vehicle for 24 hours (or less if you prefer), and you receive a $100 gift card as part of the promotion. When I had the MKC, I followed that process, with the program allowing you to have the vehicle for up to 48 hours, but it has been since been lowered to 24 hours (I would imagine they found many took it just for a day or had inventory issues with units out that long or something). I will detail this weekend’s experience in the next section.

 

Date Night Setup

 

I had tried a few times over the last month or two to sign up for Date Night via the Lincoln/Date Night website, but for some reason, it kept telling me it was not available for me at this time (and I did not attempt to chat with the concierge that likely would have set it up for me). Last Saturday, I was 45 minutes away from home and had a few hours to kill before meeting some friends in same area that evening, and decided to drive by the local stand-alone Lincoln dealer to see what they had on the lot. After a few minutes of browsing the lot of vehicles, a salesman approached me and we struck up a conversation. He was close to my age, and actually was knowledgeable about the products (unlike many I’ve experienced that only seem to have a basic knowledge), so it made for an easy conversation. We eventually made our way inside the dealership, where they offered me a bottle of water before continuing to talk about what I was interested in. I told him I was interested in checking out the MKX, and then noticed they had a Black Label MKC and 2017 MKZ, meaning they were also a Black Label dealer. We chatted about the vehicles and themes for a while, and then got back to the MKX. I mentioned that I had tried to sign up for Date Night online but it would not let me. He said that they could sign me up there at the dealer, and we spoke with the manager who was able to take down my information and get me set up for the following weekend (this weekend).

I returned this weekend to pick up the vehicle, and all you have to do is provide a copy of your license, insurance, and sign a waiver, and off you go. Unfortunately, the salesman I would have received the car from had a family emergency and was not able to greet me when I picked the car up (more on this later), but the others there were able to help me when I arrived.

Overall, this Date Night setup was easy from the standpoint of I was just able to ask the dealer about it and they signed me up. I am still not sure why I was not able to sign up online (the dealer was unsure as well), and the pickup process was easy.

 

Now, moving on to the vehicle itself.....

 

First Impressions

 

One note before I begin - I will include some pictures here within my comments, but will also include a link to a Photobucket album that features all the pictures I took, as I don't want to post too many here.

When I drove the MKC, I had received a vehicle that had almost every option but the bigger 2.3L engine and optional wheels. This time, they gave me what was a service loaner that had literally no options aside from the white platinum paint, and the lovely “Courtesy of x dealer” and their phone number plastered on the rear window. As I mentioned above, the sales guy I was working with wasn’t able to be there at pickup due to an emergency. He had offered to delay my vehicle pickup until the next morning, but I declined since I was already on the way. I believe had he been there, I would have had a choice between some models, so I regret not delaying it until the next morning. I will admit, I was disappointed with the unit they gave me, as I was hoping for a model with at least a few options to experience, but I tried to be objective with my observations, keeping in mind that it was an absolute base model. I do think Lincoln should work to make sure dealers give at least mid-equipped models for Date Night test drives. While I know it is a base model, others may have no idea and think other features are not available.

My first impression of the vehicle is that it's a great looking crossover. I loved the concept and think it is the best (and last) iteration of the split wing yet. They finally got it right just before ushering it out in favor of the Continental’s look. Even the base models look good, though bigger wheels make it look even better. Visually the only other noticeable difference between this and other trims are the lack of the lower accent lights (it has the ones in the headlights, but not in the traditional fog lamp area), and the optional LED headlights. I appreciate the lack of an antenna, which is put under a small bump on the rear spoiler.

 

 

 

The daytime running lights look nice - there's LED piping within the headlight cluster that are always on. As I mentioned above, this model didn’t have the lower DRLs in the traditional fog light place).

Moving to the rear of the vehicle, I'm definitely a fan of the full-width taillight bar; it has a different implementation than the MKC because it doesn’t have the same clamshell liftgate.

 

 

 

 

MKX also has the Lincoln “welcome mat” that projects out of the folded mirrors, and the vehicle’s exterior lighting all lights up as you approach the vehicle with the key.

 

 

Lincoln has increasingly done a great job differentiating their vehicle from their Ford counterpart, and the MKX is no exception….the MKX looks absolutely nothing like the more upright Edge. It's much more sleek, elegant, and expensive looking.

Moving to the interior...as previously mentioned, this particular model had no options, but visually looks the same as other trims would aside from wood trim in place of the aluminum trim, paired with a black interior color. The 8” screen is standard, with navigation being optional. It had SYNC 3, which I will discuss later in my review. Interior materials appeared to be of a high quality. There were soft touch pieces all over (aside from lower parts of the cabin you wouldn't touch anyway). This particular model featured real brushed aluminum trim with metallic accents, which added a premium feel to the cabin. It did also feature gray plastic trim around the center stack, which in my opinion looks cheap, especially next to the aforementioned aluminum trim. The 10-way power front seats were comfortable, but I felt the seat bottom was too short for me (I’m 6’0”), leaving my legs hanging off the edge a little farther than I’d prefer. In the past, I’ve sat in a model with the available 22-way power seats, which had a longer seat bottom, solving that problem. They had heating function standard, which could be nice on cool days/nights.

 

 

I like the push button shifter. Eliminating the traditional shifter opens up more storage room on the center console area up top, and also allows for two separate pass through storage areas underneath. As you all know, they went back to traditional buttons for the controls. They are the same buttons as the MKC’s, and are much more practical than a potential menu switch or two within the screen.

 

 

I obviously didn’t get any seat time in the back seat aside from sitting there momentarily, but there was ample rear legroom, even with the driver’s seat positioned where I would have it. Cargo space behind the second row was spacious, and even more so with the second row folded down. The second row auto release buttons in the cargo area were handy so you can fold the second row down without having to go to the rear doors. The second row did not fold flat, and was instead at a slight incline. Images of this are in the gallery at the link at the end.

 

 

Driving Impressions

 

 

This particular MKX had the standard FWD 3.7L V6. While it’s no drag racer, it accelerated well, and I didn't necessarily find myself needing more power, but jumping up to the 2.7T motor would make the drive more fun, but as a standard motor, it works well – I was able to make the tires squeal upon startoff. I have the 3.5L in my Flex, and they have done a good job refining the 3.7 and keeping the powertrain quiet and composed compared to what I have. The vehicle handled well, though I was not able to take it on much in the way of curvy roads. The ride both around town and on the highway was quiet and composed. You can barely hear the engine at idle, and road noise when cruising along was minimal. It may have been this particular model, but I felt there was some louder than expected wind noise at 80mph on the highway. Turning up the volume helped eliminate the noise, and I also assume the active sound deadening (and furthermore the better Revel sound system) available on other trims would help in this regard.

 

On the mileage front, this model had FWD, so it's rated at 17/26. I put around 100 miles on the MKX in my day with it, and averaged in the mid 19's (I don't remember the exact figure, and don't have a picture of when I turned it in) with mixed city and highway driving. It also includes the typical “test drive” stepping on it from stoplights, and sitting in the car playing with the features and such. Overall, I do believe that the mileage ratings are achievable in this car with just driving normally.

 

Overall driving impressions of the vehicle are that even in base form, it’s a capable and composed vehicle that has decent power with the standard 3.7L V6, with attainable mileage figures.

 

Electronics/Features

 

I decided to go ahead and give electronics their own section. While it did not have anything in the way of features, I will take the opportunity to discuss SYNC3 separately from the interior section. I wish I had taken pictures of the various menus, but I will do my best to explain without them (the picture of the center stack above shows the screen if it helps). Compared to the outgoing My Lincoln Touch, SYNC3 is worlds better. Response for everything was instant. Menus were clearly laid out and easy to navigate. It features 5 “tabs” that remain at the bottom of the screen – Audio, Climate, Phone, Apps, and Settings, with a Home button at the top of the screen. Clicking one of these tabs will take you to the menu with related controls. Would-be navigation is accessed on the home screen. I’m not sure if there would be an additional tab on the bottom for navigation if it were equipped. Scrolling like a tablet or smartphone is a nice feature as well. Overall, SYNC3 is a much simpler interface to use compared to MLT, and response is excellent, with no delay at all, which was something that plagued MLT, even when it did work well.

Keyless entry and push-button start are both standard, as well as remote starting. It was great to not have to pull a key out for anything.

A rearview camera is also standard, which helped with backing out. This is not the around-view one though.

Auto Hold was a nice feature. If you click this button, after you come to a complete stop, it will hold the brake for you, allowing you to remain stopped even if you remove your foot from the pedal, while still being in drive. It took a little getting used to not having the vehicle creep forward, but it would be a nice feature in stop-and-go rush hour traffic.

 

Pricing

 

Being a service loaner, it did not have a window sticker anywhere, but as I have mentioned, the only option I could figure it had was the $695 white platinum paint, meaning the total (according to the online configurator) would come to $37,630. It is a nice vehicle, but I would naturally much prefer one with options; as someone who spends a lot of time in my car (60-mile commute every day in rush hour traffic), I appreciate the additional/optional features and gizmos. I plan on test driving an Edge to see how the two compare, as I have not experienced a redesign Edge yet. I almost wonder if I would prefer an Edge with some more options checked compared to a base model MKX, but I realize that the MKX has additional perks compared to the edge (service pickups/loaners, overall experience, etc.). I want to also clarify that I do not mean that as a knock to the MKX itself – it’s a very nice vehicle – but the options are important to me, and I would say the same of any base/option-less luxury brand vehicle compared to a more feature-equipped Ford.

 

Overall/Wrap-up

 

Overall, as I said in the beginning, I was disappointed in the vehicle they gave me to use, but tried to look at it objectively for what it was – a base model without options. So in that sense, it was a nice vehicle it drove well, and had decent power even in base form, and looks fantastic. Fit and finish/quality looked great as far as I could see. SYNC3 is a vastly improved experience over the old MLT system. I hope to soon test drive an Edge to have a better assessment of the value of a base model MKX compared to an Edge with options, but it was a nice vehicle overall. It carries the torch begun by the MKC by being the second fully differentiated product from Lincoln, and it’s great to see continued improvement of products and differentiation that will only continue in the future. As we have already seen, it is selling well for Lincoln, and hopefully sales continue to improve, so hopefully more recognition and word of mouth – as well as the Continental showroom traffic – help increase sales. The Date Night program continues to seem to be a great way to get some people to experience Lincoln's new products, and it was again nice to experience one of the brand’s vehicles on something other than a 5 minute test drive.

-

As a fun side note, the dealer said they’ve had a ton of interest in the new Continental, and expect to receive their first units in 10 days! The manager said she already had 7 pre-orders at their dealer. If I am able to, I’ll try to do Date Night with the Continental once they get more inventory.

 

Here is a link to a gallery of the pictures I took of my experience with the 2016 MKX

http://s585.photobucket.com/user/rmc523/library/Lincoln%20MKX%20Date%20Night?sort=3&page=1

 

[Hugh]

Thanks for taking the time to compose this thorough review RMC. I really enjoyed it and glad you made the most of what you had.

[fordmantpw]

Thanks for the write-up RMC! Excellent review!

[silvrsvt]

Not a huge fan of the leather cover on the dash that Lincoln has been using as of late.

[akirby]

Not a huge fan of the leather cover on the dash that Lincoln has been using as of late.

 

I think that's only on the black label models.

[akirby]

That's a good description of the 3.7L - perfectly adequate but not fun to drive. It fits my wife perfectly though - she never accelerates very hard (even when she really needs to).

 

Too bad you couldn't test out the Revel audio - it's really good.

 

The most amazing thing to me is still how quiet it is on the road.

 

The seat is borderline too small for me, too. It's fine once I get settled but another inch of width would be perfect.

[PREMiERdrum]

perfectly adequate but not fun to drive. It fits my wife perfectly

 

 

...and how would Mrs. Kirby feel about being described this way?

 

 

Nice writeup, Remmy! I can't believe that they gave you a service loaner... Not only is that not at all in the spirit of this program, I'd be surprised if it was proper protocol at all.

[rmc523]

Not a huge fan of the leather cover on the dash that Lincoln has been using as of late.

This one I believe was just the typical "squishy plastic" stuff (though I admit I didn't inspect it thoroughly)....and it had a tons of the typical dealer glossy cleaner stuff that made it overly shiny.

The "leather" in this vehicle was the standard soft touch stuff (or whatever Lincoln calls it). You could tell it wasn't at the level of the higher trims. And the armrest was an even lower quality material, which I was surprised by.

[rmc523]

That's a good description of the 3.7L - perfectly adequate but not fun to drive. It fits my wife perfectly though - she never accelerates very hard (even when she really needs to).

 

Too bad you couldn't test out the Revel audio - it's really good.

 

The most amazing thing to me is still how quiet it is on the road.

 

The seat is borderline too small for me, too. It's fine once I get settled but another inch of width would be perfect.

Yes i was really looking forward to testing out the Revel system. I kinda wanted to test drive a model on the lot to experience some of the missing features and the sound system, but they were closing, and I would've felt guilty for it.

 

As I said in the review, I think if they're going to do this program, they should ensure that at least a mid-level trim/optioned vehicle is provided to show potential customers at least some of what is offered.

[rmc523]

 

...and how would Mrs. Kirby feel about being described this way?

 

 

Nice writeup, Remmy! I can't believe that they gave you a service loaner... Not only is that not at all in the spirit of this program, I'd be surprised if it was proper protocol at all.

(Forgive my triple post here, I'm using the mobile site, and there's still no way to multi-quote that I know of)

 

Yeah I tried to do the best with what I have. I admit using my MKC review as a starting point.....I was not as enthusiastic writing this review as I was with the MKC given the vehicle I was provided.

 

I agree, I hope it's not protocol. I think the circumstances led to me getting that one....in the absence of me being there with the sales guy to pick one out of the lot or even of their "usual" Date Night models, that happened to be a vehicle they had there ready to go and gave it to me.

When I returned the vehicle he had said that they often will try to find vehicles on the lot that most closely resemble the customer's desired option content to use for Date Night, so I have to take some of the blame for not delaying my pickup until the next morning when he would have been there to choose a more optioned model. I, however, wouldn't have expected to receive an option-less loaner, so I didn't think delaying it would have made a difference (and I had already made plans in the area for when I was to return it, otherwise I would've had to drive back a third time to return it Sunday). I also probably could and should have said something at pickup time about wanting a more optioned vehicle, but I'm not one to "rock the boat" so to speak.

[akirby]

Sounds like this was outside the normal date night protocol.

[rmc523]

Sounds like this was outside the normal date night protocol.

I'm not sure if me signing up at the dealer level affected that, but as far as I know, they put me in the system because I was given the Date Night gift card.

 

I don't recall being given a post-drive survey last time, but if I were, I think I'd feel obligated to mention I was given a service loaner, if anything to ensure that future participants weren't given it.

Edited August 29, 2016 by rmc523

[akirby]

I was just talking about the vehicle choice. I'm sure date night guidelines require a loaded model or at least a higher trim level.

[BORG]

I always get the sense that Date Night is something dealerships are forced to do but fight against it by making it difficult. It's certainly something my dealership has never offered to me and downplay when I bring it up (oh we don't have any of these cars, those are just for new customers, etc.). My guess is that it doesn't turn many into customers but is an idea that corporate likes. It's like the loaner program, you're suppose to get a Lincoln when your vehicle is in for service, but more often than not they don't have any so you get a cheap rental. That's why I generally don't pay attention to Lincoln's dealership experience promises since they are not strict about enforcing them. My newest 2016 MKX has been the most trouble free Lincoln yet, only problems I have are not worth fixing because it's a lease (lose A-Pillar headliner and a broken cargo area cover which I don't like anyway).

 

In any case, I will say that an MKX with the 2.7EB, AWD, ANC and CCD is a totally different car. The Ford Edge is a very quiet comfortable car as well, very similar to the MKX and in some cases quieter because of the smaller 2.0L EB which is eerily silent around down. The ride is a bit firmer but I actually prefer how connected it feels compares to the overly isolated MKX which does have a mushier less planted feel to it which makes the car feel a little more heavy (although not as heavy as the last MKX). When I drive my Dad's ultra-cheap Ford Edge SE (literally half the price of my car), I actually find it more fun to drive.

 

I noticed a mention of wind noise which is odd since my my MKX has almost no perceptible wind noise, it's really the most amazing thing about the car. It's extraordinarily quiet at any speed. That wasn't the case with my last MKXs which had tons of wind noise at highway speeds.

 

And yes, the standard seats are ridiculously small, this is a problem with many Ford vehicles lately unfortunately. The 22-way seats are not even as long as the previous MKX seats which were great.

Edited August 29, 2016 by BORG

[akirby]

There was a TSB and a running production change with the windshield and/or trim to address the wind noise problem.

[rmc523]

The sales guy said they've had quite a few people purchase one after doing the program, but I realize every dealer's experience is different. Ultimately, I regret not waiting until the next morning to go pick it up, as I could have at least inquired with my salesperson into whether there was a more optioned-out vehicle I could take. Oh well, now I know.

 

Akirby, perhaps this one hadn't had that TSB done. It was only around 80 though that the noise happened. Below that, wind noise was quiet.

 

---

 

I will add that he did mention the possibility of doing it (Date Night) again, as I told him I am starting to look at options to replace the Flex, but with no definite timetable. I'd love to, but I don't want them to feel like I'm taking advantage of the program (I'd even do it without getting the $100 gift card - just to experience the car).

Edited August 29, 2016 by rmc523

[akirby]

Even without the date night promotion they should be willing to let you take one for an extended test drive, maybe even overnight.

[sullynd]

I was surprised yesterday that my local Enterprise had two new MkX and a new MkC on the lot. I still have the Escape loaner (week two with Dealer trying to find the rattle [i've lost count of how many times this is] and I'm finding myself liking the Escape more than I thought I would). Our Flex needs to go in for brake work and I'm tempted to rent the MkC.

[rmc523]

I think you'll enjoy it if you do get the MKC. It's a nice little vehicle. The interior (and exterior) is far better looking than the Escape. I've hated the current-gen Escapes interior, especially the growth at the top of the dash just for the stupid CD slot that nobody uses anymore.

[BORG]

The Escape is a nice car, very fun to drive. I think the MKC feels allot more cramped compared to the Escape however because it has a higher belt line and dashboard compared to the cab-forward openness of the Escape which makes it feel like a much larger vehicle. The interior is nice, driving experience is otherwise identical to an Escape.

Edited August 30, 2016 by BORG

[Harley Lover]

Too bad you couldn't test out the Revel audio - it's really good.

 

The most amazing thing to me is still how quiet it is on the road.

 

I would be interested in hearing more about these 2 items - I've been interested in the Revel system for a while.

[akirby]

I'm not an audiophile so I can't really describe the Revel audio in technical terms, but it's definitely the best sounding factory radio we've ever had. It's way better than the Sony systems in the Fords. And we only have the 12 speaker version. The 19 speaker version (20 in some vehicles) is even better. We test drove one with the 19 speaker system but didn't really crank it up. Take a thumb drive or CD with your favorite songs down to the dealership and try it out. I prefer the "Onstage" DSP setting.

 

As for the quietness, it's a combination of thicker glass, more insulation including the wheel wells and noise cancellation. You just don't hear any outside noises while driving including the cars going by in the opposite direction. The only noise we get is road noise but only on a few bad roads - it's nonexistent 90% of the time.

[MKX1960]

The sales guy said they've had quite a few people purchase one after doing the program, but I realize every dealer's experience is different. Ultimately, I regret not waiting until the next morning to go pick it up, as I could have at least inquired with my salesperson into whether there was a more optioned-out vehicle I could take. Oh well, now I know.

 

Akirby, perhaps this one hadn't had that TSB done. It was only around 80 though that the noise happened. Below that, wind noise was quiet.

 

---

 

I will add that he did mention the possibility of doing it (Date Night) again, as I told him I am starting to look at options to replace the Flex, but with no definite timetable. I'd love to, but I don't want them to feel like I'm taking advantage of the program (I'd even do it without getting the $100 gift card - just to experience the car).

I think it was a mistake on the dealers part to give a low optioned car out. Many will find they don't need to spend another $10-12K and still be satisfied.