[RayoVac]

So I picked up my new 2016 MKC tonight.

As many of you had a lot of questions, I took time to test a bunch of stuff... mainly related to Sync3. Before we get to that... a few notables.

The USB config in the center console has changed. There are only two ports and a lighter plug... no SD card slot or 1/8 jack any more. The two USB ports are however the higher power ones like in the MKX that will charge an iPad.

I searched and could not figure out where the Nav Card is. Based on the version reported... I am thinking there might not be a card and updates may come via USB etc. I have searched for info on how an update is applied to NAV but the owners manual, sync3 supplement and general google searching has not revealed anything.

The cup holders are different. Instead of those weak little 3 rubber nubs... they have to larger spring backed plastic things that pop out towards the object int the cup holder. I see this as being better than what 2015 did and will probably hold objects more securely. Also there are LEDs rings in the bottom of both cup holders... I did not remember if my 2015 had that or not.. maybe it did.

The transmission seemed smoother in shifting then I remembered my 2015.. even after I had the TSB done to address the harsh shifting. Ride might seem a bit stiffer with the 20"s as I had 19"s on my 2015... but again.. I could be imagining that.

Now to Sync3

First thing I tested was to see if I could find any user interface customization, wallpaper etc. Nope... nothing. No color scheme changes or wallpaper. Frankly I can see why no wallpaper. The four quadrant home screen is now a three tile affair with Nav being a big tile on the left and phone, audio being smaller stacked tiles on the left. Along with the buttons at the bottom of the screen and the status bar at the top, there is not really any space left that would allow any visibility to a user image/wallpaper.

The WiFi connectivity from car to my home was sketchy. I hide my SSID and there is no option to manually add a network. Only to search for networks. Once I plugged my iPhone into USB... it found my hidden SSID and after a few attempts I got it authed and connected. But after a cycle of engine power... I could not find the network again. Also the whole option to turn the car into a hotspot disappeared, but was there before I chose to connect the car to Wifi. After a few power cycles that option did not re-appear... might have to do a master reset to get it back.

I tested the question of multiple phones paired. And did the following. Paired my iPhone and made it primary. Paired my Wife's iPhone. If my phone was not present and hers was... while starting the car it would automatically connect to hers, even though it was not primary. So the multiple phone thing seems to work without having to go into the menu and select the non-primary phone. Now of course if both phones are present.. your gonna have to switch as it will always connect to primary.

I have not had a chance to put ALAC/FLAC on a USB stick yet... but will try that soon.

I was a bit disappointed with the app integration at this point. I am thinking it could be an "iPhone Thing" but it won't recognize your apps if they are not open and running on your phone. Boooooooo. Also even though its supposed to be compatible with Slacker and Aha... (I tested Pandora, Slacker, Aha) it would only show Pandora as an available app. Yes... I could play content from Slacker and Aha no problem... but just like as if it was any other BlueTooth streamed media. No special integration like I was getting with Pandora (able to make new stations, choose genre, use presets etc.).

But given this is version 1.0 (really not kidding) and we know CarPlay and Android Auto are being worked on... I have high hopes we will see great improvements as more time passes. Knowing that Sync3 just arrived on production vehicles this spring... it's seems pretty solid given the way MFT started.

I played with Siri.. hold down the voice button and she will pop up and ask you want you want. I asked her where the closest Hacienda was (a local mexican restaurant) she of course responded with letting me know what was just 1.5 miles away. Did I want her to call it or get me directions. Well now in my perfect world.. I would think if I say give me directions... that it would magically send some GPS coordinates to the NAV system and set it as my destination. But nope.. that did not happen. She just kind of stopped like she had shown me directions on the screen (which she may have but my screen was locked and I was not looking at the phone). I definitely see the CarPlay integration helping this whole mode of operation, making the synergy between the phone and the car much better, more integrated... and hopefully making my test actually follow through with some Nav guidance.

Phone stuff... well it worked like MFT no real radical changes that I noticed, but... the speed dial/favorites list seems to be gone. I could not find it, like we had in MFT. Need to play some more... maybe I just missed it.

The screen is sooooo much more responsive. Every touch and command happened right now. Much like the competition finally, instead of the old slow MFT. Unfortunately I have not tested any voice commands. Will do that tomorrow. I did try the pinch and zoom on the Nav screen.. it seemed to work just fine.

I will post more as I have time in it. I have a client engagement in the Chicagoland area tomorrow... so I will have a couple hour road trip using Nav and all the goodies. So we shall see how it goes.

Rayo

 

[RayoVac]

Ohhh I can also confirm the neither the 2016 MKC or MKX does anything in regards to rearview mirror tilt-down in reverse. I tried reverse with either mirror selection buttons illuminated, without etc. etc. They don't tilt down.

And for anyone that may have seen my "did not buy the MKX whinings"... the dealer confirmed that the Adaptive LED headlamps were indeed NOT working, doing anything remotely adaptive. And Lincoln confirmed they know there is a problem, but no fix yet or ETA on it.

 

[RayoVac]

One other notice 2016 MKX vs MKC (I know, I know this is an MKC forum.. but a few are salivating over MKXs so I thought I could share).

The easy entry/exit.. on the MKX it did not seem to move the seat and wheel as far as I was used to, expected. I remember thinking "hmmm do I have the feature on".... yup it was on, but from where I had my seat and wheel set.. they moved... just not that much. I am 5'7" and have me seat up high, my wheel down low and out as far as it will go.

The MKC however, moved the wheel and seat like what I was used to and expected from owning the 2015.

Just a weird observation....

 

[RayoVac]

A few photos at the dealership.

 

[dk4500]

Thanks for the info! It seems like you are not very impressed with the Sync 3 version, and per your test findings, I'm not either. Some general comments:


Not to bring back bad memories of your old 2015 MKC, but the cup holders do indeed each have a ring of matching color LED's. Siri and apps...disappointing - so far. No interior color scheme changes anymore...so what color did Lincoln choose? My guess is blue.


I happen to like the 4 screen quadrants of the 2015. Seen some pictures of the Sync 3 screen and I think it looks a bit drab. But if it is a great improvement, perhaps looks don't count. I know a lot folks complain about the speed of response of the Sync 2 but mine seems to be pretty quick...maybe 1-2 seconds to respond to my touch controls, so maybe I am just lucky. However, when it comes to the tactile touch on the screen, it works well about 80% of the time. The other 20% you have to try again. It's like I was just a hair off target on the first try. Sounds like the 3 is much better in that regard. Primary phone item...glad they made that change because the old version is annoying. My 2015 easy entry works about how I thought it would, so that's acceptable to me.


Enjoy your trip and I anticipate a good 2-3 page report upon your return

 

[mmoretti]

Yeah Rayo, 2-3 pages LOL. color looks great, dark in those pictures, like I prefer with more contrast (over the ruby red)with the back tail light. It could even go a little darker for my tastes. Thanks for your initial impressions., we know we can count on some more detailed comparisons in the future!

 

[mmoretti]

No surprised with the wallpaper like I said previously. I saw pics of sync 3 screens and thought there was no place for it..

 

[blankster]

My SYNC 3 recognizes both IPhones and which one is the priority. Regarding the WiFi setup, The MKC did find the home WiFi signal and promped me to enter the SSID which I did and it connected the first time. Regarding map upgrades there is no more card, maps are stored on the hard drive. I suspect map upgrades as well as SYNC 3 upgrades will be applied via WiFi when the vehicle is parked overnight and connected to your home network. You may have to authorize the update via your Lincoln/Ford web account. Voice commands are vastly improved over the Sync system in out 2011 Edge. Also noticed on a phone call today to my wife who was driving the MKC it sounded like she was talking on her phone directly. In the 2011 Edge you knew right away she was using the vehicle based system.

 

[mmoretti]

Nice. Is the microphone on the steering wheel? My son is always trying to voice command his music from the back seat (screaming LOL) but it rarely works...

 

[espressomac]

Just to add/confirm to the comments by blankster and Rayo, a summary of some of the Sync 3 information I’ve pieced together from several articles:

Sync 3 is upgradable/updatable via WiFi, not USB. The frequency of updates/upgrades seems to be unknown right now.

Sync 3 does feature Sync Applink which lets you control certain compatible apps on your smartphone via voice commands and steering wheel buttons. Those apps do have to be running on your smartphone, at least for now.

Sync 3 will run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Basically Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will take over your car’s screen and offer you an interface that more closely resembles your smartphone interphase. It will be a lot more like having, say, your iPhone screen on your Lincoln screen—not exactly mind you, but close. Not all apps will be displayed. I guess that they don't want you reading Facebook while you drive.

What does this all mean regarding things like navigation, for example? Well, Sync 3 will basically let you choose from any number of navigation systems, whether it’s Ford/Lincoln’s nav system, or an AppLink compatible app like Scout, or any iOS or Android nav app that is compatible with CarPlay or Android Auto. So if you don’t like a particular nav system, you will be able to run others, with or without a paired smartphone. Which is the way I think it should be.

Keep in mind that this is a process that continues to evolve, and we’re at the very beginning of this Sync 3 evolution.

And like mmoretti, I too await the 2-3 page report.

 

[blankster]

"Sync 3 will run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Basically Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will take over your car’s screen and offer you an interface that more closely resembles your smartphone interphase. It will be a lot more like having, say, your iPhone screen on your Lincoln screen—not exactly mind you, but close."

I can confirm the above.

I could see potential powertrain updates also distributed via WiFi. I heard a news article last night where the auto manufacturers are working towards that goal as we speak.

 

[espressomac]

A few photos at the dealership.

BTW RayoVac sweet looking ride!

 

[RayoVac]

So a couple of comments and observations after a near 5 hours of car time today (to Chicago and back).

We still have the ambient interior lighting color options in 2016, maybe I mislead. I was talking about no options to change the color scheme of the Sync3 display. It does change completely from day to night... day has these gold-ish, orangy colors, night is pretty much all black and white... which I like as it makes the screen much darker and easier on the eyes. I turn my dash lights all the way down at night and even turn the Sync brightness as low as it will go (in MFT this was call Offset, now its just a brightness setting).

As far as updates. I knew the Sync3 system itself would get updates via Wifi. They have stated that USB will be an option as well if the car does not have convenient network accessibility. I have read that any Nav updates will most likely be a charge to download item. Which does not surprise me as why would they miss out on the Map update revenue stream? Also note, Sync3 is using TeleNav data where I am pretty sure MFT and older Sync were using NavTeq.

My comment about the Wifi... The SSID on my wireless network is hidden. Sync3 did not find it.. no big deal, I can broadcast a special SSID from my Aruba gear to handle it... my comment was that after NOT finding a network.. it did NOT give me an option to add my own, manually etc. Have others seen the option to add a network manually?

Maybe I am just imagining it... but my 2016 MKC seems more "lively" then my 2015 was. Words like spirited and responsive come to mind. If I am not just imagining it... I would guess they tuned the transmission shift points and throttle response (removing the lag etc.) better than they had it in 2015. It just seemed even lighter and driveable, especially after just coming out of the MKX which felt much bigger (but don't get me wrong, the MKX is a BEAST with the 2.7).

I have a couple little nagging things... a slight rattle from the left front speaker grill... and a very slight whistle of air I hear in the driver's door seal area.

I did get my WeatherTech DigiFits for the whole vehicle. Even though it came with the Lincoln MKC all weather mats (not cargo area mat)... I like the WeatherTechs much better, a lot better coverage especially given our salt laden winters. I also got the WeatherTech rear cargo mat. I am digging them. I do want to get a rear bumper applique thing to protect it... the MKX I ordered had the factory one and I liked it. Does anyone know if the MKC has a factory OEM one? I am also still planning a trip to the parts department to inquire on the Black Label, black grill wing inserts. I have no clue what they might cost, but I think they look bad ass and really want them.

Everything else about the 2016 was very familiar to me. I do like the HVAC integration with Sync3, the Pop-Ups that happen during fan/temp/volume adjustments. For most of my trip I listened to Sirius... and guess what.. where I would normally drop out every couple of minutes for near 30 seconds in the 2015, the 2016 never skipped a beat... same route I take to Chicago. So the 2016 def has the Sat fix or they just engineered it better now.

I used the NAV and did like the address entry now... just type the thing like you would any address... ya know from they keyboard I simply typed 190 south lasalle st chicago il... no commas, no periods just like that. It found both my work, home and the client I was visiting hint, hint (Tony the Tiger)... all using that same mode of entry. I really liked it.

Now the NAV itself was similar to MFT... but the display seems better, the way the roads are shown, the transitions, ramps, lanes etc...... better. The one thing I do not like as well, on MFT with an active route, down at the bottom middle of the screen it would show you Distance and Time left. If you clicked that display it would pop-up the estimated arrival time and travel time so far etc. With Sync3 and NAV, in the upper right there is a small box that shows ONE data point. You can click it and it will cycle through Miles Left, Time Left and Estimated Arrival. I would have prefered it the way they had it in MFT. Also that little box that shows this data, is a black background while all the stuff on the screen around it has color.

I don't really care for the home screen.. the three box deal. I hope they add some customization down the road. I pretty much left the screen on NAV or on my Music source.

The dealership did a pretty crappy job on my windows when they prepped my car for delivery. Smears everywhere. So tonight after I got home, I cleaned them all, inside and out. Wow, you don't realize how thick the double pane laminated glass is in the driver and passenger doors. I am sure it helps keep things quiet.

Overall after a day with it.... I will say I do like Sync3 better then MFT... it did not take long to grow on me. Sure there are some odd quirks, and font, graphic issues that I think could be better. But for literally version 1, I think we are light years ahead of what we had with the first version of MFT. Heck MFT would hang all the time in those early days, before they worked the bugs out. I quite often would have to pull over, shut the car off to reboot MFT and get things working again. I do think the Blackberry QNIX platform was the right decision. Anxious to see the CarPlay integration come... I think it could be a real game changer.

Ohhh last thing... I used the Siri long press on the voice button a number of times. Once to find a ChikFila nearby (yeah nothing sent to NAV though) and a couple of phone calls I told Siri to make vs. telling Sync to do it. Sync was having a problem with the way I pronounce one of my contacts... and kept wanting to call a restaurant.. that I suppose could sound similar LOL. Siri of course figured out who I wanted to call easily.

That is all I have for now. I did not get a chance to load up a USB stick to test the FLAC/ALAC stuff... but will try and do that tomorrow. If there are any other Sync3 questions, testing you want... shout out and I will do what I can to try it for you.

 

[RayoVac]

Some More Pictures...

WeatherTechs (sorry already dirty)

 

[RayoVac]

View of the new USB Ports and the slight change to the Cup Holders. And I can confirm the new cup holder design works well. Latched onto normal 16oz plastic bottles (coke and water) with no movement.. and a large size Chik-Fila styrofoam cup... very solid (even in sport mode on my twisty back roads)

Had to put "the" sticker on and my receiver plug:

The Wife's 2013 Titanium Escape

Misc.

 

[mmoretti]

Color looks nice.

Ha Ha, your windows..the sign of a good detail goes back to the windows!!! Mine too always come back dirty. No one wants to do windows the right way, its an often overlooked detail task for sure...

Yup, I am not thrilled with the shifting of my 2015 MKC, its been back to dealer twice for it but they say its normal..maybe for the MKC but I don't think for others...my opinion...it bucks and lags and actually moves me in my seat sometimes switching between gears, definitely not smooth at all.

Ive had multiple loaners in the past 8 months of ownership. Some shifting feels better than others but overall most of the loaners Ive had seem to behave this way too however, Ive just noticed too a pretty big difference in my gas mileage. Ive always thought the barely 19 I got was because of a combo of where and how I drive even though it still kind of didn't make sense to get the lowest end of a reading. Ive just started paying attention to the last two loaners and what their average for a tank says after the same exact driving and they easily get 22-23 which is more of what I expected. After they applied a "fix" for the shifting I had a tank come in at 18! This first tank back so far after the loaner and half through I'm still averaging 19.3. Pretty disappointing.

I hear others on the forum talk about gas mileage (and yes I know it varies between highway and style of driving) and its significantly higher and close to the averages the MKC touts..

For you 2016 owners, like to do a comparison for us on gas mileages ? Rayo I know you are up to the challenge

 

[blankster]

I suspect some of the early 2015 model shifting issues might be attributed to the powertrain programming to keep the torque of the 2.3 from grenading the transmission. I think the 2.3 is at the upper end of what the transmission can take. I read somewhere the 2.3 gets a different torque converter over the 2.0 due to the higher torque. Also could be why the towing for the 2.3 was less than the 2.0 MY 2015. It would be interesting to see if there are any transmission part upgrades (running changed for MY 2015) or upgrades for 2016. I suspect there are some changes (software/hardware) since my 2016 shifts silky smooth. Also it would be interesting to see what changed since the 2.3 can now tow 3000 lbs. Perhaps some internals within the 2016 transmission have been strengthened allowing smoother shifting.

Here is a portion of the article on a early review of the MKC:

Both engines are mated to the 6F35 6-speed automatic transaxle. The 6F35 transaxle is likely the reason for the power reduction from the tune used in the Mustang. Although Ford does not specifically list torque capabilities like General Motors, the Ford 6F35 is substantially similar to the GM 6T50 transaxle, topping out at 260 lb-ft. (GM and Ford designed their 6-speed transaxles together.) Since the engine cradle design in the MKC is largely unchanged from the Escape, the higher torque capacity 6F50 and 6F55 transaxles likely didn’t fit. In order to accommodate the 2.3L engine, Ford replaced the 6F35’s standard torque converter with a higher torque unit but no transmission internals were changed. This allowed the entire package to have approximately the same dimensions as the 2.0L drivetrain. I suspect this also explains why the maximum tow rating drops 1,000lbs when equipped with the 2.3L engine.

 

[dk4500]

We've gotten off on a tangent here, but I won't be the one to stop it
Re: Rayo's question about a rear bumper protector - I have searched everywhere for an OEM version and Lincoln simply does not make it...yet. Now if everyone on this site complains to Lincoln corporate, perhaps they will make one. If anyone finds one, please let us know. There was another post about this a few months ago with some other ideas...mainly using a 3M clear plastic protector that most body shops can install.


Re: Moretti's MPG, the electronic MPG readout on my car is always off by about 1-2 MPG then the REAL MPG is via me manually doing the math. Also, the miles until empty readout on my MKC cannot be trusted as I know I am averaging 21-22 mpg (2.3 AWD driving 80% city, 20% highway) and recently the readout was down to 20 miles remaining until empty. That's approx. 1 gallon remaining, right? So I pulled into a gas station and filled up and it only took 12.6 gallons. The manual says the tank is 15.5 gallons. I have not been able to fill up with anywhere near 15 gallons because the car keeps giving me warnings that I am about to run out of gas and miles to empty readout backs those warnings up. I could just ignore the warnings and keep on driving, but knowing the quirks inherent in the MKC, it would be my luck that I would quickly run out of gas. I have tried to get the blue curved gas readout as low as possible but have never been able to pump more then 13 gallons. I guess it has been electronically set up to do this on purpose to make sure you don't run out of gas. Unfortunately, it also makes the driving range about 50 miles less then it already is, and because the tanks so small, the range is just not that great for a SUV. Anyone else have a similar situation with their MKC?

 

[mmoretti]

To reign in the tangent a bit I was commenting on the comparison of shifting between the 2015 and 2016 that Rayo mentioned in his review/comparison. Although I wasn't explicit about it, I was wondering if my decreased gas mileage had anything to do with the poor shifting.. Thus my inquiry in comparisons on gas mileage differences between the 2015 and 2016 if that clarifies.

Also, Rayo can you elaborate a little more on the Siri button? Is this now integrated on sync and/ or steering wheel? Instead of reaching for your phone to press the Siri function to dictate and send a text can you hit a bigger button on sync to activate Siri or better yet is there a steering wheel button to activate Siri?

 

[PeterSilecchio]

My Wife's 2015 MKC in Tuxido Black with Black Interior

A few photos at the dealership.
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Hello
My Wife's 2015 MKC. She Lovers Her MKC. Came off. Cadillac SRX Base Lease. Come with No Options. Cadillac Needs to Add More Options in there Base Cars. Not even a Back Up Camera or Sensor.. No leather Seats.
Pete