2017 Lincoln MKZ loses "Top Safety Pick Plus" designation because of headlights

[Myron D. Brown]

http://fordauthority.com/2016/12/2017-ford-fusion-lincoln-mkz-apparently-lose-iihs-top-safety-pick/

 

So the IIHS just downgraded the 2017 Lincoln MKZ from "Top Safety Pick Plus" to simply "Top Safety Pick," all over poor performance of the headlights. This is complete garbage.

 

http://m.iihs.org/mobile/ratings/mobileratings/lincoln/mkz-4-door-sedan/2017

 

I think the headlights are just fine. Or maybe the test vehicle just had some issues with its lights. (Do they test several different cars?) Strangely, the test only considers the basic, HID headlights, either with our without the Climate Package (which allows for automatic high beams). The IIHS didn't even consider or mention the premium LED headlights option, which are part of the Luxury Package, or standard on Black Label trims. I have the premium LED headlights and have been accused by several folks of "blinding" them with my headlights. I think my headlights are very clear, bright, and crisp. Anybody else with a 2017 MKZ and disagree with the IIHS? I think they should retest and include all options.

[Zalvern]

I've been very happy with the LED performance. I have only used the HID headlights in a loaner MKZ, and they got the job done. I do see the improvement difference between LED and HID, but it should be expected.

 

I have not had any complaints about my headlights, but that is a personal issue with some people. Eyes for everyone are different, and to me, as long the cut off point is not too high then its not a problem to look at headlights. They only become blinding because the cut off is too high (and can happen due to change in road elevation). If our LED variant wasn't rated then I would say the IIHS loses credibility in serious testing (just like Car&Driver did with their "testing"). All the options should be accounted for, as I see they did rate things like having the technology package or not (which includes the collision alert and assist, VERY nice against brake checkers or idiots in general).

 

So only the low tier headlights got rated probably because most people will buy models with them. Same goes for the Fusion which does have an LED option as well. A lot of people don't care about headlight quality, beyond that they turn on and off.

Edited December 11, 2016 by Zalvern

[Andrew L]

http://fordauthority.com/2016/12/2017-ford-fusion-lincoln-mkz-apparently-lose-iihs-top-safety-pick/

 

So the IIHS just downgraded the 2017 Lincoln MKZ from "Top Safety Pick Plus" to simply "Top Safety Pick," all over poor performance of the headlights. This is complete garbage.

 

http://m.iihs.org/mobile/ratings/mobileratings/lincoln/mkz-4-door-sedan/2017

 

I think the headlights are just fine. Or maybe the test vehicle just had some issues with its lights. (Do they test several different cars?) Strangely, the test only considers the basic, HID headlights, either with our without the Climate Package (which allows for automatic high beams). The IIHS didn't even consider or mention the premium LED headlights option, which are part of the Luxury Package, or standard on Black Label trims. I have the premium LED headlights and have been accused by several folks of "blinding" them with my headlights. I think my headlights are very clear, bright, and crisp. Anybody else with a 2017 MKZ and disagree with the IIHS? I think they should retest and include all options.

 

I had a 17 loaner with the LED blocks and I thought it was the same exact output from my LED projectors on my 13.  The only thing was I missed having them turn with the wheel.

[drolds1]

I had a 17 loaner with the LED blocks and I thought it was the same exact output from my LED projectors on my 13.  The only thing was I missed having them turn with the wheel.

Both the standard HID and LED headlamps on the 2017 are adaptive.

[PhaetonTim]

This from rating 2017 MKZ on Consumer Reports: "High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are standard. Though we haven't evaluated them on this refreshed version of the MKZ, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assigned them a Marginal rating for versions also equipped with automatic high-beam function. HID models without the automatic high beams rated a Poor with the IIHS. LEDs are available on the Reserve and standard on the high-end Black Label trim."

 

This is the single issue causing me concern, in our quest for the replacement car for my wife. Every other rating is 3/4/or 5 out of 5, by CR. It seems very disingenuous for CR to rate them 1/5 and then admit they haven't evaluated them on the '17 MKZ. It seems dishonest to me.

[Myron D. Brown]

I had a 17 loaner with the LED blocks and I thought it was the same exact output from my LED projectors on my 13.  The only thing was I missed having them turn with the wheel.

 

I have the premium LED headlights. They turn. In fact, the easiest way to check is when you first crank up your car. They automatically swivel left and right. You can see it if you're facing a wall/building when you start your car. The turn isn't going to be as dramatic as you turning your eyes or turning your head, but you can definitely see them swivel.