Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES LINCOLN — MERCEDES-BENZ

Lincoln Corsair

The Corsair is a pleasant

compact luxury SUV. It

replaced the MKC and is

much improved. The stan-

dard 2.0-liter turbo pro-

vides plenty of motivation, so we don't

think the optional 2.3-liter turbo is

necessary. The Corsair rides very com-

fortably and is quiet inside. Handling

is very responsive and secure. The

front seats aren't everyone's cup of tea due to their uneven support. The rear

seat is roomy in its rearmost position. Fit and finish is impressive, and adding

flair, the center stack appears to be floating in the air. The infotainment screen

is easy to use, but the push-button gear selector is unintuitive. Many advanced

safety features come standard, including forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear

cross traffic warning. Note that adaptive cruise control is a separate option.



OVERALL

SCORE

67

$35,945-$44,830

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPG 23

Lincoln MKZ
!

Based on the engaging

Ford Fusion, the upscale

Lincoln MKZ received some

recent updates, including

new engines, a plusher

ride, simplified controls, and a more

conveniently located trunk release.

Base models get a 2.0-liter turbo four-

cylinder that provides lots of power.

In our tests, the hybrid got 34 mpg

overall. For more punch, the available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 puts out 400 hp

when paired with all-wheel drive and 350 hp on front-drive versions. The MKZ

delivers a comfortable ride. The cabin is quiet and luxurious, with comfortable

seats, but it's a long reach to the push-button gear selector, and the rear seat

is snug. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking, blind spot warning, and lane keeping assistance.



OVERALL

SCORE

89

$36,750-$44,500

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 88 MPG 23-34

Lincoln Nautilus

The 2019 Nautilus is a

refreshed version of the

MKX SUV. Engine choices

are either a powerful 2.7-

liter V6 turbo or a 2.0-liter

four-cylinder turbo. An eight-speed

automatic transmission is standard.

We found that the Nautilus with the

more powerful engine delivers effort-

less power. It has a comfortable ride,

a quiet cabin, and agile handling. The cabin is swanky, and the infotainment

system is relatively easy to use. The only knock against this SUV is its unintuitive,

fussy push-button gear selector. The unimpressive fuel economy of 18 mpg

overall that we measured in the MKX should improve slightly, thanks to the new

transmission. Lincoln has added new safety features, including an evasive steer

assist that allows the SUV to steer around a vehicle stopped in front if the system

determines a collision is probable and can't be avoided by braking alone.



OVERALL

SCORE

63

$41,040-$63,800

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 18

Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator ups the ante

over its Ford Expedition sib-

ling, with more luxury and

showmanship. The cabin is

quiet, elegant-looking, and

full of high-tech features. There is a bit

of a rocking feeling at low speeds, but

the ride improves and is more com-

fortable on the highway. Handling,

however, is cumbersome, even for a

large SUV. The twin-turbo V6 is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmis-

sion. Acceleration is quick and effortless, and towing capacity is 8,300 pounds.

The front cabin is roomy, but the standard seats are uncomfortable, and the

push-button gear selector is fussy to use. Rear passengers are pampered with

heated seats, a variety of connectivity features, and a hospitable third-row

seat. For 2020, the SUV gets standard forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

65

$75,825-$99,970

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 65 MPG 16

Maserati Ghibli

Although it is based on a

platform shared with the

Chrysler 300, the Ghibli has

its own sporty character.

The Ferrari-developed V6

turbo engine is mated to a quick-

shifting eight-speed automatic

transmission. Handling is agile, the

brakes are strong, and the engine

emits a thrilling bark. But the stiff ride

can grow fatiguing, the rear seat is cramped, and the Ghibli is louder than most

sporty luxury sedans. Climbing in or out of this low-slung sports sedan can be

a challenge. The interior is outfitted with high-quality leather and suede, and

most controls are easy to use, except for the unintuitive gear selector. Chrysler's

Uconnect touch screen is a plus, but it's hard not to notice some cheap-looking

switches that are sourced from the Chrysler parts bins. The top-line V6 recently

gained 20 hp.



OVERALL

SCORE

51

$69,490-$83,790

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 71 MPG 19

Maserati Levante

Derived from the Ghibli

and Quattroporte sedans,

the Levante is Maserati's

first-ever SUV. Most

versions come with either a

345-hp or a 424-hp turbo V6. Each is

mated to a quick-and-smooth eight-

speed automatic. The Trofeo version

uses a turbocharged V8. The Levante

delivers a thrilling sound from the

Ferrari-developed engine, with nimble, athletic handling and—courtesy of

the standard air suspension—a steady ride. Interior features include a version

of Chrysler's Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touch screen and a stunning

cabin that's wrapped in leather, suede, and wood, with comfortable seats and

detailed stitching. But the gear selector is unintuitive to use. Advanced safety

features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and

lane departure warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$75,980-$169,980

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Mazda3!

The Mazda3 is offered

in sedan and hatchback

forms. The sole engine is

a 2.5-liter four-cylinder

engine mated to a

six-speed manual or automatic

transmission. All-wheel drive

is now available. The interior is

nicely furnished and features a

new infotainment system that drivers

interact with exclusively through a rotary knob. However, we found the system

to be fussy and distracting to use. Handling is still nimble but less sporty than

in past generations. Mazda has improved the ride; it's firm but absorbs impacts

well. The cabin is relatively quiet and nicely finished, but the rear seat is snug.

For 2020, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are

standard. There is an available driver monitoring system that watches the

driver's face and sounds an alert to warn of fatigue.



OVERALL

SCORE

68

$21,500-$28,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 75 MPG 30

Mazda6

!

Sporty and stylish, the

Mazda6 is an enjoyable car

to drive, although it's a bit

on the snug side compared

with its peers. The standard

2.5-liter four-cylinder is responsive

and delivered 28 mpg overall in our

tests. The uplevel turbocharged

engine makes the 6 quieter and much

quicker. We found the 6 to be agile

and capable in the corners, with sharp steering and composed suspension.

The ride is pliant and controlled, effectively absorbing bumps. The cabin

is quiet and nicely furnished, but the low stance and relatively tight quarters

are notable. A center display screen that is operated via a central knob on

the console takes practice to master. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

compatibility are available. A full suite of advanced safety features is standard

across all trim lines.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$24,000-$35,300

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 79 MPG 28

70 CR.ORG APRIL 2020