Criticisms of the Lincoln MKC

18085 Views 20 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Hunter090, May 19, 2015

Hunter090

Discussion Starter · Dec 16, 2014

2

I've just been doing some surveying of various online auto reviews and thought I'd bring together some of the criticisms that I have found. Feel free to add to the list or to disagree with these points if you've had a different experience with the vehicle.

Consumer Reports had a few criticisms of the Lincoln MKC. The first was that the MKC's storage space (53.1 cu.ft.) really isn't enough. They also claim that the MKC is boring to drive when compared to its competitors. The optional 285 hp 2.3L EcoBoost engine may seem like a solution to that problem, but CR says that the price of that option is not worth it.

Other publications were a bit nicer to the MKC, but they still had a few bad things to point out. One was the capacitive touch switches in the interior of the MKC. While these look great, a level of simplicity and practicality is lost.

Fuel economy (19-20 city / 26-29 hwy) was deemed "average" which isn't a bad thing, but it certainly isn't a good thing either.

The one final criticism that I found while reading was of the navigation system. The system apparently has no online destination search and also renders maps on the screen very slowly.

DO you think that these criticisms are fair? Do you have any other criticisms we should add to the list?

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Ryan Kather

· #2 · Dec 16, 2014

Just wanted to point out that a lot of this type of information is already noted at US News. In another post I mentioned this. US News provides an aggregated rating for cars based on analysis of other reviews. Similar to metacritic or rottentomaotes. They average reviews and note common praises or critiques and provide scoring for a car. Their take is here; Lincoln MKC

Other than that this post confuses me a little... you mention;

...the capacitive touch switches in the interior of the MKC. While these look great, a level of simplicity and practicality is lost.

What capacitive touch swiches? The MKC doesn't have any capacitive touch switches other than the capacitive touch screen of the infotainment system. The MKC was notable in that it eliminated the capacitive switches from earlier Lincoln's and went back to buttons and knobs, to improve simplicity and practicality, as you pointed out. Are you sure this criticism was from an MKC review? Are there switches I'm not using?

Outside of that, I'll list my other disagreements and then my other critiques.

Disagreements:

Handling: I don't agree with consumer reports about the handling, and I think they are a significant anomaly when compared with the other industry reviews in that regard. They mention the 2.3 as a solution, but really that doesn't affect handling it affects acceleration and I guess turbo lag reducing throttle inputs. Nearly all other reviews said handling was better than they expected and a welcome change for Lincoln on this car. The 2.3 in particular has impressed notable publications like Car and Driver and Motor Trend. I can only comment on the AWD model with CCD, and I haven't driven the FWD only model that doesn't have the CCD suspension.

Navigation Responsiveness: I also don't know about slowly rendered maps, I haven't noticed issues in my use, but I also haven't been overwhelmed by how responsive it is. I honestly don't use the navigation much anyway, so maybe someone else can comment.

Critiques:

Navigation Online Updates: I do agree that a lack of online maps data is annoying (the SD card update method feels antiquated). I honestly just use Google Maps on my phone more often anyway, and I hope Android Auto and Apple Car Play eventually kick these car based navigation methods to the curb.

Fuel Economy: I agree it is average, but I think that's about what you can expect given the performance. It would be nice to see a hybrid option down the road maybe.

Cargo Capacity: I think the one everyone can agree on is that the rear seat could use a few more inches. Other than that yes, it is small for the class. Other offerings have more trunk capacity. Some have less. This is a metric that really depends on your use case. Is it too small? That depends on what you'll be using it for. It's not as small as a Mercedes GLA, which would be too small for me. It's not as big as some others. I would recommend test driving and seeing if it meets your needs. It will be too small for some buyers for sure, it will probably not be too big for many.

Lighting: The lighting is overall well done, but I have two minor gripes. I wish they would have used all LED and not skimped on the license plate light and the turn signal indicators. I also would like to see more lighting in the trunk, perhaps in the lift gate. The signal side LED is fairly inadequate at night and when you have items in the trunk blocking its light.

Climate Switches: I think the colors are a bit garish. I think they could have gone a bit more upscale on these.

Cameras: Some of the competition have surround cameras in this segment. It would have been nice to see that in this car too.

Roof Rack: Do you have the panoramic roof? Do you want a roof rack? Good luck! If anyone has found an option please let me know.

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sg021

· #3 · Dec 16, 2014

Ryan Kather said:
What capacitive touch swiches? The MKC doesn't have any capacitive touch switches other than the capacitive touch screen of the infotainment system. The MKC was notable in that it eliminated the capacitive switches from earlier Lincoln's and went back to buttons and knobs, to improve simplicity and practicality, as you pointed out. Are you sure this criticism was from an MKC review? Are there switches I'm not using?

I'm guessing this accidentally found its way in from an MKZ review

Ryan Kather said:
Navigation Online Updates: I do agree that a lack of online maps data is annoying (the SD card update method feels antiquated). I honestly just use Google Maps on my phone more often anyway, and I hope Android Auto and Apple Car Play eventually kick these car based navigation methods to the curb.

I think the MKC has one of the stronger Infotainments I've seen in the segment, but I completely agree with you that the sooner Apple and Google kick out the proprietary systems, the better.

Ryan Kather said:
Lighting: The lighting is overall well done, but I have two minor gripes. I wish they would have used all LED and not skimped on the license plate light and the turn signal indicators. I also would like to see more lighting in the trunk, perhaps in the lift gate. The signal side LED is fairly inadequate at night and when you have items in the trunk blocking its light.

You might be interested in this thread over on the Lexus forums. It's a pretty easy DIY and makes a huge difference. You'd have to do some investigation to confirm it'd work in the MKC.

DIY: LED Trunk Light Upgrade - 2015 NX 200T F-Sport - Club Lexus Forums

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LINC

· #4 · Dec 17, 2014

We all know many article's have parts that make no sense, some writers fail to do their home work and or proof read. I have not paid much attention to what Consumer Reports says for years. I do agree way more with the US News article.

Pricing of the 2.3 engine is worth it to us.

Love the ride and handling, nothing to add or subtract here.

Yes, a bit tight on space after the front seats, but if your in need of more space, simply get a larger vehicle. Two inches or three cubic feet more is not going to do much. And would be to too close to the MKX dimensions.

Although, I do not need roof racks, I thought I seen them as a dealer available option? "Accessory Roof Rack" on Lincoln Build Site?

Not a fan of the floor pan humps at the front of the front seats. Engineer's response: Thank the government for them. So then my thoughts, If it helps with a side impact, so be it.

Would like two or three more gallons of fuel capacity.

Extra cargo lighting from lift gate, is needed.

Every vehicle out there has what one likes and also dislikes, your paying for it, pick the one your overall willing to live with. The MKC was the most pleasing eye candy in and out for it's size. Plus offering some new ways to interact with it.

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Ryan Kather

· #5 · Dec 17, 2014

Although, I do not need roof racks, I thought I seen them as a dealer available option? "Accessory Roof Rack" on Lincoln Build Site?

You're correct, there is an available Thule rack from Lincoln for the MKC. I just wanted to clarify for anyone reading. It is also listed as not compatible with the Vista panoramic roof. As far as I can tell there are no options available for the Vista roof, though the owner's manual does specify a maximum roof rack load for this roof. That latter point has me at least hopeful that someday there will be an option.

Good point about the fuel capacity. A few more gallons of capacity would indeed be nice.

midnite cruiser

· #6 · Dec 18, 2014

In approximate order of presentation:
1. storage- this is the same debate as the adequacy of the back seat room-it is big enough if it is big enough for your purposes. The MKC slots above some CUV's in size, and less than others. To criticize on this basis seems silly.
2. Boring drive- highly subjective - I have read perhaps 20 reviews and most praise it as a nimble Lincoln (faint praise), most as class competitive. And many like the lux ride quality you can dial in with CCD while avoiding the boatiness of the Lexus 350
3.Fuel economy. Until there is a long term test, I can only see that reviewers necessarily spend more miles booting the MKC around (more fun, right?), than feathering the right pedal to probe the real world mileage. I have seen mid 28's on my 2.0L when concentrating on smoothness. So mid pack performance and mid pack mileage sounds like a victory from my point of view.
4. Navigation rendering. Even if true, I find this a very granular point to differentiate vehicles. Unless it drags on the system real world functionality, I don't care if it pops like a smartphone.
5.added to original thread- Lighting- yes I think the trunk and console well need better lighting. And I would prefer all LED exterior lighting as well.
6. Transmission-added to original thread list. Almost every review dinged LMC for softish and lagging gear changes. I agree here except that only the S mode shift points need to be crisped up-and hold each gear to the redline.
7. Interior material quality- added. Many reviews did not think dash and door material quality was on par with the other lux brands. While I would have liked something different for the shift buttons, I find my passengers reactions quite positive.
8. Roof rack- I have a factory recommendation from Yakima for clips and towers to remount my bars and Rocket Box to the MKC-WITH a Vista roof. Load limit is definitely low-125 Lbs. Will be mounting this up this weekend and promise to open up a thread on my findings.
# Brand.. Some reviewers have the gall to come out and take points away from the MKC solely because it is a Lincoln. Shame. Perpetuating Tutonic brands as superior just because they are programmed to salivate at hard seating, sterile interiors, jarring rides and excess Euro cost, is flat unfair.
Net. Net. We hope the reviews drive the unbiased to the LMC showrooms where the car will speak for itself.

Reviewers certainly show their biases regarding the MKC

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Reactions: 3

Inliner

· #7 · Dec 18, 2014

LINC said:
We all know many article's have parts that make no sense, some writers fail to do their home work and or proof read. I have not paid much attention to what Consumer Reports says for years. I do agree way more with the US News article.

Pricing of the 2.3 engine is worth it to us.

Love the ride and handling, nothing to add or subtract here.

Yes, a bit tight on space after the front seats, but if your in need of more space, simply get a larger vehicle. Two inches or three cubic feet more is not going to do much. And would be to too close to the MKX dimensions.

Although, I do not need roof racks, I thought I seen them as a dealer available option? "Accessory Roof Rack" on Lincoln Build Site?

Not a fan of the floor pan humps at the front of the front seats. Engineer's response: Thank the government for them. So then my thoughts, If it helps with a side impact, so be it.

Would like two or three more gallons of fuel capacity.

Extra cargo lighting from lift gate, is needed.

Every vehicle out there has what one likes and also dislikes, your paying for it, pick the one your overall willing to live with. The MKC was the most pleasing eye candy in and out for it's size. Plus offering some new ways to interact with it.

I agree with your write up of the mkc. Fuel tank could be larger etc. it rides & drives like I feel it should, it's not sports car. Perfect size for two retirees.

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midnite cruiser

· #8 · Dec 18, 2014

Dittos on the small fuel tank. Even another 2 gal would be a big help.

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RobJeff

· #9 · Dec 19, 2014

Lack of sales and service differentiation from Ford is also a bit of a let down.

A dedicated Lincoln conceirge is a nice touch, but "Lincoln Motor Company" need to start working on the infrastructure to distance itself from Ford. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac and Audi all have very nice stand-alone operations

But on the other hand, ask a BMW or Mercedes owner about the total cost of ownership. I have some friends with these brands. Reliability is not all that you would expect and repair costs are mind boggling. I expect the MKC to be easier on the wallet down the line.

LINC

· #10 · Dec 19, 2014 (Edited)

RobJeff:
The Dealership you purchased from was not Lincoln exclusive? Ours is quite up scaled from the local Ford Dealers, very satisfied with my Dealership experience!

midnite cruiser

· #11 · Dec 19, 2014

Each of the 3 LMC dealers I visited were attached to Ford operations.(S.E. US) Not across the lot-a door from one to the other. I agree the next step, at least in major markets, is to get them their own real estate. Also there are too many salesmen inclined to weep about the Town Car days and push Navigators. Younger dudes with smaller waistlines have to be part of the scheme if LMC is ever going to shift its demographics in a big way.

Hunter090

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 23, 2014

midnite cruiser said:
Each of the 3 LMC dealers I visited were attached to Ford operations.(S.E. US) Not across the lot-a door from one to the other. I agree the next step, at least in major markets, is to get them their own real estate. Also there are too many salesmen inclined to weep about the Town Car days and push Navigators. Younger dudes with smaller waistlines have to be part of the scheme if LMC is ever going to shift its demographics in a big way.

Are you talking about the sales staff or the people buying the cars? You make it sound like they should hire some models to sell their cars. It actually might work though, it's worked before.

Groucho

· #13 · Dec 23, 2014

LINC said:
RobJeff:
The Dealership you purchased from was not Lincoln exclusive? Ours is quite up scaled from the local Ford Dealers, very satisfied with my Dealership experience!

On that note...Our only Lincoln dealer for miles around is called Fucillo....Lincoln-Hyundai. Building is 40 or 50 years old and a craphole.

Reactions: 1

RobJeff

· #14 · Dec 25, 2014

In Louisville, there are only two Lincoln dealerships and they are both attached to Ford dealerships (of which there are probably around 10 in the vicinity).

Where I bought the MKC, the Lincolns are parked in with the Fords of all types, and the sales and service staff are not differentiated. Based on extensively researching the MKC before ever hitting the lot, I knew far more about it than the salesman, a jack of all trades / master of none.

New car "delivery area" was a joke...an empty spot outside of the service dept. between a Mustang and a Focus. Inside the salesroom, I was competing for attention with all the tire kickers there with their little kids for the free hot dogs and popcorn. When I picked it up, I couldn't really tell about surface scratches due to a crappy place to look at it. When I got it home, spent 4 hours cleaning it, polishing out bad areas and getting it to the perfect condition it should have been delivered in.

I would certainly welcome the experience that some of you have had with a stand-alone Lincoln operation. I'm already cringing about going in there for service. I'm concerned about a disconnect between how I meticulouly maintain my vehicles and the service guys typically dealing with the "anything goes" crowd. I'm having a clear discussion of expectations before anyone touches my car. Not trying to be a snob about this, but if I wanted a Ford I would have bought the Escape.

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kensgranam

· #15 · Jan 26, 2015

Agree with the fuel tank size and the back area is small. But thats my fault should have bought a bigger car. My dealer is in the process of seperating the Fords from the Lincolns by putting up another seperate building accross the street.
Gm is going thru this same procedure with seperating Cadillac from Chevy.

I also agree that the delivery inspections should be better. When they told me I could have the vehicle in 2 hours I knew it would not be propery detailed. Over all they did do a good clean up.
But now I have to go back to get my a/w floor mats that were listed on my
window sticker but not delivered.

I had to return twice to have my wipers adjusted as they were hitting the windshield post when the auto wiper feature kicked into fast mode.
I actually bought this vehicle because of the color choices for the interior. I had looked at the Fords but all the SUV type had was black interiors. The color choices swayed me as all manufactures offer similar options.

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Lorenroyal

· #16 · Mar 14, 2015

We used Bill Collins for our MKC & couldn't have been more pleased. Separated from the Ford operation totally, a very professional group who catered to our every need.

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mayday0017

· #17 · Apr 16, 2015

Bayway lincoln in houston - Had a great experiance, amazing staff, and car was properly detailed and sitting in a nice dedicated are out front so we were able to spot our car the minute we pulled up to get it. Any lincoln we buy will be from the same place and from the same guy wouldn't even consider giving someone else my business.

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skirk51

· #18 · May 18, 2015

floor hump

LINC said:
We all know many article's have parts that make no sense, some writers fail to do their home work and or proof read. I have not paid much attention to what Consumer Reports says for years. I do agree way more with the US News article.

Pricing of the 2.3 engine is worth it to us.

Love the ride and handling, nothing to add or subtract here.

Yes, a bit tight on space after the front seats, but if your in need of more space, simply get a larger vehicle. Two inches or three cubic feet more is not going to do much. And would be to too close to the MKX dimensions.

Although, I do not need roof racks, I thought I seen them as a dealer available option? "Accessory Roof Rack" on Lincoln Build Site?

Not a fan of the floor pan humps at the front of the front seats. Engineer's response: Thank the government for them. So then my thoughts, If it helps with a side impact, so be it.

Would like two or three more gallons of fuel capacity.

Extra cargo lighting from lift gate, is needed.

Every vehicle out there has what one likes and also dislikes, your paying for it, pick the one your overall willing to live with. The MKC was the most pleasing eye candy in and out for it's size. Plus offering some new ways to interact with it.

Since you mentioned the front floor hump, what exactly is it for? I just rode as passenger for seven hours and found the raised pedestal under the front seat very annoying. If I moved the seat forward to avoid it then there was not enough leg room. Is this hump exclusive to the MKC?

midnite cruiser

· #19 · May 18, 2015

Hump is not exclusive to the MKC. It stiffens the floor, and provides clearance for the exhausts and driveshaft of AWD models.

LINC

· #20 · May 18, 2015

skirk51 said:
Since you mentioned the front floor hump, what exactly is it for? I just rode as passenger for seven hours and found the raised pedestal under the front seat very annoying. If I moved the seat forward to avoid it then there was not enough leg room. Is this hump exclusive to the MKC?

The drive shaft and exhaust route only under the console and rear seating floor center hump which has always been for rear wheel or AWD.

The width wise hump we are referring to here is government safety mandated to stiffen the vehicle during side impacts. There is also one under the rear seat, you just do not know by design. And this design also is now common in new low riding vehicles.

I like my seat 90% or so plus, rear ward. At first, I found it to be in the way as I like to bring my left leg and foot near the seat at times. I have learned to interact with it and now have no issue, especially knowing it is there for safety. I place my foot in the low spot of the hump.

My Jeep being larger has them under the floor. Like anything else if you want more space, you must buy larger.

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