[Gurgeh]

Hi all!

I've pretty much completed my research, and have narrowed my search down to the Lincoln MKC and the Audi Q5. I come from sedans, but my wife really wants a crossover for better visibility and a sense of safety. Oddly, in the last few months we were twice rear ended in our 2010 VW CC, both times by SUVs that had almost no damage to themselves since their bumpers were a little higher, but very significant damage to us.

It's just the two of us these days, so a tight back seat's not an issue except for one little thing. When we take road trips we put a cooler on the floor of the back seat where we store iced tea, fruit, etc., to munch on during the journey. The cooler is about a foot wide, and looking at pictures I'm not sure it will fit. I plan to finally go in for a test drive on Monday (and I'll be sure to bring my cooler along), but was just wondering...

To other issues, the MKC seems to have pretty much everything we could want. I'm a little concerned about reviews that say downshifting with the 6-speed transmission can be delayed when there's a need to pass or change lanes, but we'll see what it feels like in a few days. I sure do wish Lincoln was able to configure the 2.3L with the same HP/torque as the version for the Mustang, but one reviewer opined that it was a physical limitation given the MKC's size.

I also looked at the Volvo XC60, but that's going to be redesigned for next year and there a things about the XC90 redesign I'm not crazy about. Similarly, the Acura RDX is due for a redesign, but the Acuras to me are a little meh. The Audi Q5's also getting a little long in the tooth, but they seem to have managed to keep it pretty well updated nevertheless. But to configure it the way I would like would end up being up to 10k more than a fully-configured MKC. And honestly I'm not after a sport crossover, a sporty one is fine with me. And in the Washington DC area where I live the road are so awful a little more forgiving suspension is preferable (also why I'm not interested in the biggest wheels, as potholes on the low profile wheels I have on my CC have been brutal these last two winters, leading me to three times having to purchase new tires blown out by deep potholes).

Sorry for the long post, and while I've been lurking here some time I'm glad to have joined the forum. It's likely I'll be joining owners here soon, but dang, I sure do hope that the cooler will fit...

 

[PeterSilecchio]

Hello
Welcome, I hope the Cooler a Fits. Maybe just bring it to the Dealer and See if it Fits.
We Love our MKC...
Pete

 

[Gurgeh]

Thanks, PeterSilecchio, I'll bring it along on Monday. It's not a deal breaker, but it sure would be nice to avoid the inconvenience.

One more question. Nowhere have I been able to find out what the OEM tires are like. I'd prefer not to have to buy new tires for a new car, so I'm hoping they come with a good quality all-season performance radial. Before I realized I needed to go crossover, I was looking at the new Acura TLX sedan, but the cruddy cheap tires they come with is one reason I didn't buy it some months ago (before the two rear ends).

Thanks again!

 

[dk4500]

Hey neighbor, I don't live too far from you...I'm in Olney. Fyi, the Acura RDX has been redesigned and there are plenty available. We thought the Acura was a bit too large for our needs plus a bit more $ as they were not negotiating the new redesigned model very much. The Q 5 is an entire class size up ie; mid-size SUV vs the more compact size MKC, and much more $. Yes, the MKC backseat is on the small size, but certainly comfy for 2 people. Regarding your cooler, I'd just fold down one of the split rear seats and put it on that surface. It should fit easily and be an easy reach from the front seat. The leather seats are so nice I'd never want to put a cooler on them. If you want to stop by and see my MKC, let me know...we can't be much more than 10-15 minutes from each other. And lastly, I have the 2.3 and have had no problems with the transmission. Just took a trip to OC and that engine is capable of passing most anyone easily and smoothly. What dealership do you plan to visit? I shopped this car for over 12 months and have some thoughts about the dealerships in the DC area. Won't bore the rest of the folks on this forum with the details.

 

[midnite cruiser]

Funny that I loaded up just yesterday for a long trip (on the road now), and had to figure out the cooler too. With the seat folded down it was ok,for fit, but a bit high up. I am long legged, so the floor was NG. Opted to put a towel on the center of the back seat, secured on the rise by putting it through the armrest pull down loop.(Wife talked me into the White Sands seats)
I don't think you will find the trans too sluggish. But get a good hard test drive. The CCD adjustable suspension is wonderful.
Lovin ours.

 

[blankster]

Funny that I loaded up just yesterday for a long trip (on the road now), and had to figure out the cooler too. With the seat folded down it was ok,for fit, but a bit high up. I am long legged, so the floor was NG. Opted to put a towel on the center of the back seat, secured on the rise by putting it through the armrest pull down loop.(Wife talked me into the White Sands seats)
I don't think you will find the trans too sluggish. But get a good hard test drive. The CCD adjustable suspension is wonderful.
Lovin ours.

I recently took a long test drive in a 2016 MKC 2.3 AWD and found no issues with the transmission. Regarding the 2.3 HP Vs the Mustang - I suspect it has more to do with the torque limits of the transmission in the MKC Vs the Mustang. Of note I believe there may be some transmission revisions for the 2016 since the towing capacity was increased for 2016. Perhaps a larger cooler was added. I know the transmission is modified Vs the version in the Escape.

 

[dk4500]

Blankster - since you took a test drive of the 16 MKC, have you also driven the 15's? The reason I ask is were you able to thoroughly test out the two different Sync systems? The 15 has the Sync 2 and the 16 has the brand new Sync 3. I am wondering what the pro's and con's , likes and dislikes are of each system. My Sync 2 does not work consistently and the dealer has been no help. It's not an awful thing, it's just got some glitches. Since I may be buying another car in the near future I was wondering if the Sync 3 is better and what new features it may have that the 15 doesn't have. One minor difference I heard about is that my Sync 2 enables me to download photo's that are then displayed on the home screen. It looks great and is a real eye opener to people getting in the car to see a photo of my family on the 8" center stack screen...I really like that feature! However, I understand they took that feature away in the Sync 3. Anyone with good knowledge of the differences between the two Sync's, please let me know.
Many thanks!

 

[blankster]

Blankster - since you took a test drive of the 16 MKC, have you also driven the 15's? The reason I ask is were you able to thoroughly test out the two different Sync systems? The 15 has the Sync 2 and the 16 has the brand new Sync 3. I am wondering what the pro's and con's , likes and dislikes are of each system. My Sync 2 does not work consistently and the dealer has been no help. It's not an awful thing, it's just got some glitches. Since I may be buying another car in the near future I was wondering if the Sync 3 is better and what new features it may have that the 15 doesn't have. One minor difference I heard about is that my Sync 2 enables me to download photo's that are then displayed on the home screen. It looks great and is a real eye opener to people getting in the car to see a photo of my family on the 8" center stack screen...I really like that feature! However, I understand they took that feature away in the Sync 3. Anyone with good knowledge of the differences between the two Sync's, please let me know.
Many thanks!

I have Sync 2 in my 2011 Edge. The Sync 3 in the 2016 is lightning fast and more Intuitive. I noticed that the voice commands seem better. Did I really get into the details of Sync 3 no. Did I wait for the 2016 MKC specifically for Sync 3 - Yes.

 

[Bruce]

Hey DK4500,
Something you may want to consider is getting a new "A6" SD Navigation card ($45-??? on eBay). Although the A6 supposedly isn't that great of an upgrade, with nothing majorly new, it may solve your issues - understanding that it is a "navigation" only upgrade, not a "system" upgrade. I ordered one just for grins at $30. I'll let everyone know if it's a worthy upgrade. BTW, Ford/Lincoln sells the very same thing for $149.99 on their websites.

 

[Gurgeh]

DK4500, I sent you a private message on the site, asking your views on the Washington-area dealers. Thanks!

 

[dk4500]

Blankster, thanks for the info. It sounds as if you don't have your 16 MKC yet, but when you do and have used the Sync 3 for awhile, please let me know your thoughts in more detail about it...pro's and cons, etc. Thanks!

 

[Moragamkc]

Hi G. Recommend you try to compare/test drive the MKC with and without the damping suspension option. Being still fairly short wheelbase and low profiled in tire, along with a slightly stiff/sporty tuned (not sports car) suspension, I find our 2.0 FWD a bit bouncy. Once loaded a bit with people or cargo it's better. Passed a new MKX today and it doesn't look too much bigger, so you might look at it as well. I think the MKC wears the styling better. Good luck.

 

[blankster]

Hi G. Recommend you try to compare/test drive the MKC with and without the damping suspension option. Being still fairly short wheelbase and low profiled in tire, along with a slightly stiff/sporty tuned (not sports car) suspension, I find our 2.0 FWD a bit bouncy. Once loaded a bit with people or cargo it's better. Passed a new MKX today and it doesn't look too much bigger, so you might look at it as well. I think the MKC wears the styling better. Good luck.

The one I drove had it and I liked it. Driving around town in the soft setting was nice for this 60 year old soon to be an empty nester. The spring rates and sway bars are a bit beefier on the adjustable suspension than the stock version. I think I read somewhere the springs are 15% stiffer.

 

[Gurgeh]

I chatted online with a couple dealers and plan to in and test-drive on Monday (trying to avoid the weekend crowds). If I like the vehicle and get a good deal I might just special order to get the exact colors and configuration I want. I'm in no super rush to get out of the old veedub.

Plan to try out both with dampers and without, but I'm sure I would go for the configuration with the dampers if I get N MKC. I'll also look at the MKX, but for those prices I'd probably prefer a new Q5.

One thing I just noticed in my OP on alternative crossovers I considered. This was the only domestic, and in fact if I get it it'll be the first I've owned (VW and Infiniti mostly with one truly horrible Hyundai). I wouldn't consider GM or Fiat (err, Chrysler) because I feel like I've already bought my share of them through my taxes thanks to the massive bailout funds the got. ...not that there was one that interested me, to be honest.