Newbie Questions

[cafpaf]

I am new here and will have a few questions from time to time.  I currently have a 2014 Cadillac CTS with the lease expiring in March of next year.  One of the vehicles I am considering is the MKX.  (We also have a 2011 Lexus RX 350 and would buy another one, but we just can not get by the absolutely terrible front end design.  UGLY!!!)  In any case can you please tell me if the audio system comes with an SD card  slot or just USB ports?  I am certainly not an audiophile and so we will be getting the basic radio that come with the reserve package.

 

FYI, I have attempted to search the forum without success.  As always thanks for the help.

[walkabout]

I am new here and will have a few questions from time to time.  I currently have a 2014 Cadillac CTS with the lease expiring in March of next year.  One of the vehicles I am considering is the MKX.  (We also have a 2011 Lexus RX 350 and would buy another one, but we just can not get by the absolutely terrible front end design.  UGLY!!!)  In any case can you please tell me if the audio system comes with an SD card  slot or just USB ports?  I am certainly not an audiophile and so we will be getting the basic radio that come with the reserve package.

 

FYI, I have attempted to search the forum without success.  As always thanks for the help.

USB ports. Depending on the config, vehicle may have up to four of them.

 

There is an SD card slot too and I believe it can play music.  However, the slot is also where the map data is stored, so you may not want to use it for media.

 

I suppose you could also use one of the USB slots for an SD car reader.  You could get one for less than $10 that is inserted directly into a USB reader.

Edited November 4, 2016 by walkabout

[cafpaf]

Walkabout,   Thanks for the information and the quick response.  First, I am a bit confused.  Is the map data on a SD card that must be in the slot at all times?  Second, can you please tell me exactly where the SD card slot is located.  I have been attempting to get a  full service brochure at a Lincoln dealer without success.  I have had Lincoln send me a brochure but it is just the four or five page thing that comes with a color chart.  Not very much information and not really very helpful.  Also, since I am five months out, the local Lincoln dealer does not seem to want to spend very much time with my questions.  Thanks Again.

[punch-card]

Job 2 (Dec 2015 and later) MKX's only have USB, so no SD card.

 

I would suggest listen to at least the 13 speaker Revel just so you can compare the quality.

Get a thumb drive with your favorite song(s), then if you really want to hear the difference save them as loss less format is if you can RIP from your CD.

Then you can compare both version of the sound systems and see if you hear a difference, if you don't then you have your answer.

 

And yes have to Revel Ultima (Luxury package), and enjoy it on a daily basis, but if you are going to drop this much money, you might as well enjoy your ride.   

 

Good Luck

[shoeguy]

Chiming in here , as I see you are going to get the standard radio that comes with the reserve. DONT.

I am not an audiophile ,all I ask for is a good sounding radio and this is not.  The standard radio in the Reserve such as mine sounds like only the top spaker works and the system has been checked and is correct. I came out of a 2015 Cadillac SRX with the standard Bose system and it is like being in a concert hall relative to the standard system MKX.

[walkabout]

Job 2 (Dec 2015 and later) MKX's only have USB, so no SD card.

 

I would suggest listen to at least the 13 speaker Revel just so you can compare the quality.

Get a thumb drive with your favorite song(s), then if you really want to hear the difference save them as loss less format is if you can RIP from your CD.

Then you can compare both version of the sound systems and see if you hear a difference, if you don't then you have your answer.

 

And yes have to Revel Ultima (Luxury package), and enjoy it on a daily basis, but if you are going to drop this much money, you might as well enjoy your ride.   

 

Good Luck

I'm pretty sure you are incorrect.  The MKX does have an SD card slot.   Its located above one of the USB ports.  I can't check mine because its at the dealer.  I don't recall any options to use it as a source for playing media though, but there may be some way to do that. 

 

OP: You can download the full MKX manual at: https://owner.lincoln.com/tools/account/how-tos/owner-manuals-search-results.html?make=Lincoln&model=MKX&year=2016

 

That should give you all the info on the features you want to know about. 

Edited November 4, 2016 by walkabout

[mfam16]

No SD slots in either of our MKX. Plus I think we only have 2 usb ports

[akirby]

The SD slot was for MFT. Sync 3 vehicles no longer have a SD slot and they don't use SD cards for the map data. It's internal now,

 

Do yourself a favor and get the 13 speaker Revel. It's a noticeable difference even if you're not an audiophile.

[walkabout]

Sorry guys. My mkx is at the dealer. Couldn't check.

 

Mine definitely has only two usb slits but I thought that some had two additional slotsc where I have the standard plug.

[Adam]

You mean in the back of the centre console?  If you don't have the cargo package, I think you get two USB ports, but they are charge only.

[walkabout]

Yup. I have the 110 volt socket back there.

[cafpaf]

A few more newbie questions as I get closer to making a decision.  Currently I have narrowed the field down to just two vehicles.  The MKX or the Acura MDX.  Regarding the MKX, I am looking for some advice.  I have settled on the Reserve addition as it gives me the bells and whistles I would like to have.  However, I am undecided about the engine.  Should I go with the standard or the twin  turbo model?  I currently have a turbo engine and it gives great get up and go but there is a slight turbo lag that I do not like.  Also, since I am going to keep this vehicle for some time rather than lease it and turn it in, I am concerned about maintenance.  So....I am seeking advice.  What are your experiences with both of the engine selections.  As always, thanks for you help and your time.

[elijahbird7]

I had the 3.7 in my 2014 MKX. (No options in those years)  It was a nice engine/transmission combination.  When I was looking for my 2016, I was planning to stick with that combo, but when I found the color, interior and wheels I wanted, it had the 2.7.  I drove about 200 miles to buy it because when I clicked on the "Get Internet Price", they offered over $7600 off list including rebates, plus my local dealer only seems to order black, white and silver cars.  Locally, I would have been lucky to get $4,500 off list.  Anyway, the 2.7 is really powerful, and after about 1500 miles, it really goes like a rocket, and I don't notice any turbo lag.  Definitely drive one before deciding, but it seems to me that it now goes way faster than when new.  Probably you won't get back the price difference when you trade it in, but you will definitely enjoy the power.  I saw two 0-60 tests on the 2.7.  One was FWD, and was 6.5 seconds.  The other one tested was AWD, and it was 6.0 seconds. I guess the FWD was spinning, and traction control intervened in the power directed to the front wheels.  I only  have a little over 3800 miles on it, but no engine issues.  There seem to be some issues with the 3.7 and the throttle body on the 16's for some reason.  You can likely find posts on several members having to replace it.

Good luck on your shopping.  I really like the Allure Blue.  It can look completely dark blue, and then has a green accent under certain lighting.

[walkabout]

I'm going to likely get abuse for this, but I'd probably go for the MDX in your situation. I say that admitting that the MKX is a lot more fun to drive and I think that Sync 3 is a much nicer infotainment system than what Acura offers. I just don't think Lincoln is an easy company to deal with in terms of ownership experience. The dealer support is poor overall and Lincoln USA offers little support when there is a problem. Add that in with questionable reliability across the product line and meh interior materials. If you are going to buy and keep a while, I think they'll be less frustration with Acura.

 

It may not be an issue to you but the mkx is a tad smaller, which is a major advantage to me. The MDX is too long for my garage.

 

I have the 2.7 with AWD. Having owned Acura and BMW vehicles in the past, I would still say this is the sweetest drivetrain I've ever driven. Smooth as silk, endless torque, and zero turbo lag. Eats fuel, but gem of a drivetrain.

 

Sorry I have you faulty info about the SD card above.

[elijahbird7]

I would definitely recommend dealing with a Lincoln only dealer instead of the Ford/Lincoln dealer.  I have had very good experiences with my Lincoln Only dealer, they always have loaners available if needed, and the waiting room is very distinct and well designed.  I got my 2014 MKX from a Ford/Lincoln dealer mainly because I was trading in a 2013 F-150 Platinum, that dealer was a big truck dealer, and I was pretty sure they would give me a more substantial trade in price.  I only went back to that dealer for oil changes, and it was the Express Oil Change waiting room, which was not particularly a nice place to spend a half hour.

[walkabout]

In Los Angeles, all the Lincoln dealers are attached to a Ford franchise.  We have "Lincoln only" dealers ins the sense that there is a distinct showroom and repair shop. However, in those cases, there is always a Ford franchise across the street.

 

The service and support I had from both Acura and BMW was in a different league from Lincoln.  In fact, the service and support I had back when I drove a Honda Accord was in a different league.

 

Maybe that doesn't matter so much after the warranty period when you'll be having work done in a local shop.  In that case, upkeep will be much easier with a Ford than a BMW for sure. 

Edited December 29, 2016 by walkabout

[Cosmos36]

cafpaf...If your past-present experience with turbo engines are related to 4-pot 2.0 single turbo examples, I would recommend that you test drive an MKX 2.7...its twin turbo V6 is in a different league as to N-V-H, responsiveness, engineering-technology, and other features, e.g. DIY maintenance.

 

As to reliability, the popular 2.7 EcoBoost has been running for over two model years in F-150 trucks with minimal issues, many now in 35K-80K+mileage categories with no problems. A second generation iteration of the 2.7 is now available in some 2017 Lincoln models as a 3.0 engine.

 

If you anticipate any driving in high elevation or hilly terrain, you will appreciate the 2.7 engine's effortless performance.

[walkabout]

I don't personally anticipate reliability problems.  In fact, the reliability of ford engines (as per consumer reports) has been excellent - across the entire model line.

 

I do think the 2.7 is a little too new for definitive statements.

 

[Rural_OC_MKX]

If you have questions about the seriousness of Ford's 2.7, look at the use of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) in the engine block. Do a little reading about the use of CGI in diesel, NASCAR and NHRA engines. My dealer is a Ford/Lincoln dealer in Orange County (south of LA) and has been extremely attentive. Unless they have changed, the MDX is a 3 row, while the MKX is a 2 row. The appearance of the MDX was a turn off for me, but that is subjective. I have a 2.7 AWD that I ordered and recently had a 3.7 FWD loaner. The difference was dramatic, but I live in a hilly area. The 3.7 was not only less responsive but felt like it was working much harder. If you are serious about the MDX, don't test drive a 2.7 MKX.  When I was looking to buy, most 3.5 to 3.7 normally aspirated V6 crossovers did 0 to 60 in 8 to 9 seconds. The 2.7 does it in the low 6s. That is 2 to 3 seconds faster. My wife has something of a lead foot. She told me that at a traffic light she was questioned by another driver about what engine it had. She told them that it was "the little one" and the actual size could be seen on the back of the vehicle. When the light turned green they actually dropped back to see which engine it had. Even with my wife's "spirited" driving, with about 70% city driving over 18,000 miles the on board calculation is 20.3 MPG. 

[walkabout]

The 0 to 60 of many crossovers on the class is on par with the Ecoboost. What is not on par is the driveability. The torque is ALWAYS there. the Acura engine will be quite a bit more peaky.

[mfam16]

I like the look of the MDX but they have had very poor ratings in reliably and satisfaction. However, our neighbor has one and is happy with it.

 

I've driven both the turbo and non turbo versions of the X. Both were awd. I would suggest if going with turbo then AWD is a must. Both engines are great but we decided on the 3.7 for both our X. Even though I like the responsiveness of the turbo, I still prefer a naturally aspirated engine. We have taken many trips and the 3.7 never disappointed us.

[Cosmos36]

Being an MKX 2.7 owner, I follow related threads on the F-150 forum reporting on that engine...highest mileage to date on the 2.7TT is 124,000+ miles with no issues. Another owner reported 93,000+ miles, also with no issues. Tuning vendors state that the engine is very stout.

[akirby]

Turbo diesels are among the longest lasting engines out there.  As long as the engine is designed for turbocharging from the beginning it should be just as reliable as a NA engine.

[walkabout]

I like the look of the MDX but they have had very poor ratings in reliably and satisfaction. However, our neighbor has one and is happy with it.

I've driven both the turbo and non turbo versions of the X. Both were awd. I would suggest if going with turbo then AWD is a must. Both engines are great but we decided on the 3.7 for both our X. Even though I like the responsiveness of the turbo, I still prefer a naturally aspirated engine. We have taken many trips and the 3.7 never disappointed us.

The MDX is more reliable than the MKX per Consumer Reports.

 

It has lower ownership satisfaction ratings though, probably because it's not all that fun to drive.

 

Acura was a good company to deal with overall. Way better than Ford/Lincoln.

 

I never drive the 3.7, although I would be surprised if it wasn't a nice engine.

 

I do think the 2.7 (thirsty as it is) is really special.

[Cosmos36]

Based on the several automotive sources that I follow, both hardcopy and online, many-most contemporary reliability issues are related to electronics & connectivity problems or outright failures, from Mercedes to Honda. Since I don't order, use, depend on those features, any problem I encounter would likely be related to mechanical issues. Over past decades and dozens of vehicles, the only mechanical issue I've ever encountered was an induction recall on a Fusion. Perhaps I've been more fortunate than many others.