Lincoln MKZ First Week Impressions

[houtex]

I am the former owner of a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium Hybrid. I owned the car for almost four years and it was a great vehicle. Before that I was in a Camry Hybrid. After ten years in a Hybrid, I was ready for something new and the MKZ 3.0 was a attractive option. I also test drove the new Audi A4. A very cool car with sportier handling and some very cool features.

 

In the end, there was an MKZ on a lot with everything I wanted and the right color ( midnight sapphire blue), and that made my decision easier. And coming from a fully loaded Fusion, there was something appealing about the easy transition and familiarity of features.

 

I only have about 400 miles on the car so my impressions may change with time, but overall, I love the car.

 

Big pluses are the soft quiet ride, the panoramic roof, the heated and cooled seats and the heated steering wheel.

 

The power folding mirrors are perfect for me as my townhouse has two single garage doors which are not that easy to get into. I knocked off the shell of one of the Fusions mirrors backing out one day. With the MKZ, I just fold them before parking in garage.

 

I loved the look of the black seats in my Fusion, but did not like that I could never find anything. Wallet, cell phone, sun glasses, all hard to see. The Capuccino interior in the MKZ is a nice change.

 

Love that the tire pressure info screen tells you the pressure for each individual tire and like the fact that I have a spare. I was never comfortable with not having a spare in the Fusion Hybrid.

 

SYNC 3 is great and voice commands work much better than previous SYNC. One issue I have had a couple of times is that my phone does not connect. It has happened twice and if I hit connect button, it will fail. Most of the time it connects fine.

 

Storage is really good for a sedan and the ambient lighting is awesome when driving at night. The ambient lighting in my 2013 Fusion was very dissapointing.

 

The 3.0 engine is awesome. Very smooth and quiet. I am averaging 24 MPG for my first tank. My driving is mostly highway to and from work.

 

There are a few dislikes. It feels a little more cramped inside than my Fusion, and indeed the interior volume is less just about everywhere. The cup holders are a bit too small. Also, the seats aren't quite as comfortable as I expected. They are very supportive. I'm hoping that I just haven't found the right adjustments for me. Also my mid level Revel system is a bit dissapointing.

 

Overall, I love the vehicle and look forward to driving it every day. It glides on the freeways.

[dwonder]

I know what you mean about the seat adjustments. I've had my MKZ since the end of August and I just recently found the perfect position. In my defense I don't drive it everyday, lol. But they've always been comfortable to me tho.

 

I'm surprised you don't like the 14 Speaker Revel. I have it and I personally think its perfect and at times it can be a little too much. On most of my mp3's files that were downloaded from Amazon or iTunes I have to have the volume between 12-15. Very rarely can I play a song at the full 30. What audio system are you coming from?

[houtex]

I know what you mean about the seat adjustments. I've had my MKZ since the end of August and I just recently found the perfect position. In my defense I don't drive it everyday, lol. But they've always been comfortable to me tho.

 

I'm surprised you don't like the 14 Speaker Revel. I have it and I personally think its perfect and at times it can be a little too much. On most of my mp3's files that were downloaded from Amazon or iTunes I have to have the volume between 12-15. Very rarely can I play a song at the full 30. What audio system are you coming from?

Maybe it is the source of the music that I am listening to. Mostly I've listened to Sirius stations and they don't sound great. Pandora from my phone sounds much better. Really, those are the only two sources of music I  have listened to in my first week:)

[brucelinc]

I have the base Revel (not the Ultima) in my Continental and I am a little disappointed in it, too.   I find it lacking in bass and I think it sounds a bit "tinny" compared with the THX system in my old MKS.   The music source does make a difference.  Music that I have on a flashdrive is better than Sirius.

 

I also find the adjustments to be lacking.  For me, sound level 6 is not quite loud enough but 7 is too much.  Same with the speed compensated volume.  Level 1 is not enough but level 2 is too much.   

 

Apparently the volumes are different between the Continental and the MKZ.   I have never had the volume over 9.  Even that is almost painfully loud.  

[dwonder]

Maybe it is the source of the music that I am listening to. Mostly I've listened to Sirius stations and they don't sound great. Pandora from my phone sounds much better. Really, those are the only two sources of music I have listened to in my first week:)

Now it all makes sense, lol. I read somewhere that if u listen to Sirius, radio and Pandora type sources that it's better to have the Ultima system because it regenerates a lot of the sound quality that is lost over the radio. Just to humor me, next time you're in your car play a song over Bluetooth, preferably a quality mp3 like Amazon or iTunes and see how that sounds ;-)

[drolds1]

Do not judge any sound system using Sirius as a benchmark.  Try an FM station that broadcasts an HD signal and you'll see how bad SiriusXM sound quality in comparison.

[houtex]

Thanks. It's a huge difference playing music from my phone. Glad to hear I didn't waste a thousand dollars :)

[IraF]

I have the ultima system and the sound even with sirius is a heck of a lot better then the sound coming out of my mzk 2014 which i just traded for a 2017 mkz hybrid. I recently made a cd of Reba McEntire

"Sing it Now" and the sound with a volume of 9 sounds great in this 2017 mkz. Yes the sound from the 2014 was tinny and i calibrated when i had that car for HD Radio and then left the same settings for sirius. Still could

hear the tinny sound but it was improved somewhat and had to live with it unless i wanted to R&R sound system which i didn't do and as the saying goes "bad sound in, bad sound out"

[houtex]

A few more observations.

 

The technology in the 2017 MKZ is not much different from that in my 2013 Fusion, just a bit more refined. I like the graphics I get when sensors say I am too close to objects, like when entering my garage. It really shows you where the vulnerabilities are.

 

The adaptive cruise control is also improved by allowing you to come to a full stop. I was a big fan of ACC with the Fusion and continue to be now. You still have to be mindful when a car cuts in front of you as the ACC is still slow to recognize this. It's like it takes the camera a second to refocus and react.

 

I don't see any changes to lane change assist although I'm sure it has been tinkered with in four years.

 

I do love the digital speedometer on the right info screen. i don't know why they removed climate control from the information screen. I used this pretty frequently in the Fusion. I guess it's easy enough to set the temperature with voice commands.

 

The Lincoln Way App is totally new to me and very cool. The possibilities are endless for this app and it is a truly useful feature which I imagine will be commonplace in a few years.

 

I love the huge trunk. This weekend I had to use it to buy plants and mulch and they fit without issue. After 11 years with a hybrid, this is one of the big pluses.

 

I love the easy power on highways and the feeling that you are in full control under the AWD. Coming from a hybrid, I do cringe when driving in the city and watch the MPG when I'm stopped at a light, but the MPG on highway is not bad and that is the majority of my daily commute.

 

Still loving the MKZ.

[drolds1]

Good to hear that you're enjoying it.  I'm still waiting for mine which was ordered the first week in January.  It'll probably arrive at some point next month.

 

There's another side to the ACC activation coin.  I recently had a rented Toyota Avalon with ACC/Autonomous braking.  If someone cut in front of you, it would slam the brakes on.  It was quite disconcerting at first.  I was considering disabling it because of its aggressiveness.  I was afraid of getting rear-ended.

 

BTW, AFAIK, the MKZ has never had climate controls in the right info screen.  At least my 2014 doesn't nor has any of the other MY loaners I've had. 

[longislander]

Good to hear that you're enjoying it.  I'm still waiting for mine which was ordered the first week in January.  It'll probably arrive at some point next month.

Hey Droids, I ordered mine at Hassett on Feb. 1st. Hoping to pick it up right after April 18th (end of tax season - I'm a CPA). 

I drove past last night, they have an Ingot Silver Reserve on the showroom floor now - that Magnetic Gray one was there for a couple of months!

[drolds1]

Hey Droids, I ordered mine at Hassett on Feb. 1st. Hoping to pick it up right after April 18th (end of tax season - I'm a CPA). 

I drove past last night, they have an Ingot Silver Reserve on the showroom floor now - that Magnetic Gray one was there for a couple of months!

:2thumbs:

[colinsz]

tnx for your views Houtex.... still waiting with baited breath for mine to arrive. Should be any week now.

 

Nice to know you're loving it.

 

C.

[Zalvern]

I do love the digital speedometer on the right info screen. i don't know why they removed climate control from the information screen. I used this pretty frequently in the Fusion. I guess it's easy enough to set the temperature with voice commands.

Hm? Climate controls are on the touch screen too. Its just the small thermometer icon at the bottom of the home screen. Not very obvious at standing out, but it is there.

 

ACC indeed is great and even the pre collision is nice too against sudden brakers of any kind. Though yes, have to be weary of getting cut off by other drivers with ACC. Even the shortest tailing distance leaves enough invitation for drivers to try and cut in front of you.

[Blackbr]

I've leased four Acuras and a Mercedes.  Currently in a 2014 Fusion which has impressed me to no end.  It is the only car I have ever considered leasing consecutively (I would probably do that if I can't make the numbers work on an MKZ).

 

You mention the seats, did you get the multi-contour?  I have an SE Fusion and they are superbly comfortable on long drives.  I like the Titanium seats a little more even though they are a little more confining.

 

Regarding the Revel, it's true there is no worse sounding source material than satellite radio.

 

In a few weeks I plan to visit a dealer and test a few cars, with and without the V6, the Revel stereo (I'm bringing a CD and a USB drive), and the multi-contour seats to figure out which options I really have to have.  After that I'm hoping to order my own MKZ.

[colinsz]

Good to hear that you're enjoying it.  I'm still waiting for mine which was ordered the first week in January.  It'll probably arrive at some point next month.

 

There's another side to the ACC activation coin.  I recently had a rented Toyota Avalon with ACC/Autonomous braking.  If someone cut in front of you, it would slam the brakes on.  It was quite disconcerting at first.  I was considering disabling it because of its aggressiveness.  I was afraid of getting rear-ended.

 

BTW, AFAIK, the MKZ has never had climate controls in the right info screen.  At least my 2014 doesn't nor has any of the other MY loaners I've had. 

I've been reading the owner's manual online in prep for my car's arrival and I believe the right screen does have climate controls available -- It does say tho that on some models it may vary. So it sounds like some models may not have that feature.

 

Here's a link to the new MKZ owner's manual for anyone who may need one for example b4 their car arrives.

 

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Index?bookcode=O34133&marketCode=US&languageCode=EN&VIN=&div=l

 

C.

 

Edit: I've just noticed that Zalvern beat me to it on whether the touch screen has climate controls. sry.

 

Another handy link is this one to all warranty info as well as the owner's manual that can be downloaded:

 

https://owner.lincoln.com/tools/account/how-tos/owner-manuals-search-results.html?make=Lincoln&model=MKZ&year=2017

Edited March 1, 2017 by colinsz

[houtex]

Hm? Climate controls are on the touch screen too. Its just the small thermometer icon at the bottom of the home screen. Not very obvious at standing out, but it is there.

ACC indeed is great and even the pre collision is nice too against sudden brakers of any kind. Though yes, have to be weary of getting cut off by other drivers with ACC. Even the shortest tailing distance leaves enough invitation for drivers to try and cut in front of you.

cc

 

Climate is on the 8" lcd screen in the center of the car, but not on one of the Information screens. My 2013 Fusion Hybrid had a climate option on one of the Information Screens.

[houtex]

I've been reading the owner's manual online in prep for my car's arrival and I believe the right screen does have climate controls available -- It does say tho that on some models it may vary. So it sounds like some models may not have that feature.

 

Here's a link to the new MKZ owner's manual for anyone who may need one for example b4 their car arrives.

 

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Index?bookcode=O34133&marketCode=US&languageCode=EN&VIN=&div=l

 

C.

 

 

Edit: I've just noticed that Zalvern beat me to it on whether the touch screen has climate controls. sry.

 

Another handy link is this one to all warranty info as well as the owner's manual that can be downloaded:

 

https://owner.lincoln.com/tools/account/how-tos/owner-manuals-search-results.html?make=Lincoln&model=MKZ&year=2017

I have a Reserve 3.0 AWD and ther is no climate option on the right information screen. The manual shows all the options on the left info screen, but I don't see the options on the right info screen detailed anywhere.

In my case, the right info screen contains: Entertainment, Navigation, Phone, Speedometer.

 

That's not to say that they won't add a climate option with a software upgrade in the future.

[houtex]

I've leased four Acuras and a Mercedes.  Currently in a 2014 Fusion which has impressed me to no end.  It is the only car I have ever considered leasing consecutively (I would probably do that if I can't make the numbers work on an MKZ).

 

You mention the seats, did you get the multi-contour?  I have an SE Fusion and they are superbly comfortable on long drives.  I like the Titanium seats a little more even though they are a little more confining.

 

Regarding the Revel, it's true there is no worse sounding source material than satellite radio.

 

In a few weeks I plan to visit a dealer and test a few cars, with and without the V6, the Revel stereo (I'm bringing a CD and a USB drive), and the multi-contour seats to figure out which options I really have to have.  After that I'm hoping to order my own MKZ.

I thought the seats in my Fusion Titanium were very comfortable. I do have the multi contour seats. The seats are firm and supportive, but I find all the multi contour adjustments pretty useless. I basically have to have them all off because otherwise I feel too constrained, and I am not a big person. It's like the seats are a bit too narrow, maybe. Don't get me wrong, they are not uncomfortable, but when you pay 50 grand for a car, you expect everything to be top notch.

[colinsz]

I have a Reserve 3.0 AWD and ther is no climate option on the right information screen. The manual shows all the options on the left info screen, but I don't see the options on the right info screen detailed anywhere.

In my case, the right info screen contains: Entertainment, Navigation, Phone, Speedometer.

 

That's not to say that they won't add a climate option with a software upgrade in the future.

Yep..........I was taking "the right info screen" as the big screen in the center stack. I see now what you guys are talking about: the left and right info screen in amongst the tach and speedo.

c.

[Zalvern]

cc

 

Climate is on the 8" lcd screen in the center of the car, but not on one of the Information screens. My 2013 Fusion Hybrid had a climate option on one of the Information Screens.

 

Gotcha, you were talking about the Instrument Panel's information screen (Steering wheel controls), not the Sync 3 Screen. That is why I was confused.

 

Yes I have noticed oddly two "downgrades" in regards to the instrument panel: Lack of Fuel Consumption, Fuel Economy graph, and Climate Control via Steering Wheel. The Panel however is much more pleasing than the Fusion's though.

 

Not a big deal for Climate for me since I'm fine with the Voice Commands and Buttons. Coming from a 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium myself, which I didn't care for the touch sensitive buttons.

 

I would like to fill something in that black void line under the tachometer (X.XX Gallons of Fuel consumed would be nice). On the Speedometer side, it gives you Miles till Empty estimate.

Edited March 2, 2017 by Zalvern

[drolds1]

Gotcha, you were talking about the Instrument Panel's information screen (Steering wheel controls), not the Sync 3 Screen. That is why I was confused.

 

Yes I have noticed oddly two "downgrades" in regards to the instrument panel: Lack of Fuel Consumption, Fuel Economy graph, and Climate Control via Steering Wheel. The Panel however is much more pleasing than the Fusion's though.

 

Not a big deal for Climate for me since I'm fine with the Voice Commands and Buttons. Coming from a 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium myself, which I didn't care for the touch sensitive buttons.

 

I would like to fill something in that black void line under the tachometer (X.XX Gallons of Fuel consumed would be nice). On the Speedometer side, it gives you Miles till Empty estimate.

IDK if it's what you mean, but there is a fuel economy graph in the left toggle screen.  It's right below the trip ODOs. If you scroll down to FUEL ECONOMY and then right, there's a moving bar graph for instantaneous mpg as well as a running average.

[houtex]

Well I had my first real issue today. The front passenger window is misbehaving on the auto setting. If I try to roll it all the way up by pressing the power window and letting go, it rolls up and then comes back down about two thirds of the way. Very weird. Luckily, I can roll it up by not pressing the button all the way and holding it until the window is up.

[merlot]

Also, the seats aren't quite as comfortable as I expected. They are very supportive. I'm hoping that I just haven't found the right adjustments for me. Also my mid level Revel system is a bit dissapointing.

 

Overall, I love the vehicle and look forward to driving it every day. It glides on the freeways.

 

 

I know what you mean about the seat adjustments. I've had my MKZ since the end of August and I just recently found the perfect position. In my defense I don't drive it everyday, lol. But they've always been comfortable to me tho.

A little late to the party, but I have issues with the seats as well.  Coming from a 2012 Volvo S60, which had the most comfortable seats I had the pleasure to sit in, these a bit of a let down.  Initially, on the extended test drive, they felt great (I wish I saved that position), but I have noticed they put pressure on the outside middle of my back (lower lats).  After a bit of investigation, I think the seats are a bit narrow for me.  I compared them to my 2013 VW CC, which are very comfy and quite supportive, and noticed they are about an inch and a half narrower between the bolsters.   I fit perfectly between the CC's bolsters, with less than half an inch lateral movement.  So my back is resting on top of the bolsters in the MKZ.  

 

Since this is my wifes daily driver, I only drive it on weekends, random errands, and family drives. Every time I drive, I slightly change the seat position and save it to memory.  I've been continually tweaking and have found a spot which seems to have improved the situation.  The true test will be our 9+ hour drive to Maine this summer.  I'll be driving the whole way.

 

Despite the seats, I love this car!  Ours is Velvet Black with Terracotta/Ebony interior.  The panoramic roof is fantastic!

[newlinux]

Well I had my first real issue today. The front passenger window is misbehaving on the auto setting. If I try to roll it all the way up by pressing the power window and letting go, it rolls up and then comes back down about two thirds of the way. Very weird. Luckily, I can roll it up by not pressing the button all the way and holding it until the window is up.

I had this problem on my front drivers side window. I think it is somewhat common with some ford vehicles. You can try resetting the window (this worked for me). With the window starting all the way up, hold the window switch to move the window down. Keep holding it for a few  seconds after it is all the way open. Then close the window by holding the window switch up and hold for a few seconds after it is all the way closed. See if that fixes it.