YONKERS, N.Y. -
Consumer Reports said this week that it can’t recommend three domestic SUVs of varying sizes due to the models’ low test scores.
The publication had evaluated the three vehicles — the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX — along with three additional SUVs (the Infiniti QX56, a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Porsche Cayenne) for its February issue.
None in the group of six midsize, midsize luxury and large luxury SUVs gained Consumer Reports’ recommendation, but the QX56, Grand Cherokee and Cayenne were denied for a different reason.
Their performances were strong, officials noted, but the publication said it doesn’t have the enough reliability data on these models because they are too new.
It was a different story for the Tahoe, Edge and MKX, and Consumer Reports’ David Champion explained why.
“In a highly competitive category, all three of these vehicles have a number of strengths, but each had some notable weaknesses that forced their testing scores to fall below our standard for a recommended SUV,” said Champion, who is the senior director of the publication’s Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Conn.
Ford was also handed some unfavorable news with regards to its MyFord/MyLincoln Touch system, which was also evaluated as part of the Consumer Reports story.
Officials explained that the system is a driver interface program that be used to command the radio and navigation system as well the vehicle’s climate control. Consumer Reports said that cell phones and portable music players can be linked up to the system.
MyFord/MyLincoln Touch includes a dashboard video touch screen, two dashboard displays and can also be controlled via voice commands, officials stated.
In its evaluation of the system, the publication called the MyFord/MyLincoln Touch distracting and difficult to use.
“CR’s testers looked at the system in the 2011 Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge SEL and found it to be a complicated distraction while driving,” officials contend. “In addition, first-time users might find it impossible to comprehend. The system did not always perform as promised.”
Positive Metrics
Continuing on, it wasn’t all bad news for the Tahoe, MKX and Edge, though. Each SUV was given some praise sprinkled in with criticism.

Officials said the Tahoe “sails along with ease but rough roads unsettle the ride a bit. The highway ride is composed and compliant, but dips can make it feel unsettled. The huge cabin stays nicely quiet. However, handling is ungainly and stopping distances are long.”

The engine in the model used during testing (Tahoe LTZ) was a 320-horsepower, 5.3 liter V8. Officials praised the engine for its power. However, they pointed out that the average fuel economy was only 14 miles per gallon. The vehicle’s MSRP was $57,435.
They added: “The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and helped fuel economy and acceleration a bit. Braking is good. Interior fit and finish doesn’t impress at the Tahoe LTZ’s high price.
“The interior fit and finish is pretty good. The two halves of the third-row seat fold and tumble, but maximizing cargo space requires removing them, and they weigh 55 pounds each,” the publication continued. “With the second-row seats tumbled forward and the third row removed, cargo space is voluminous. The Tahoe can tow a heavy trailer and is competent off-road.”
As far as the MKX, Consumer Reports said it “absorbs most bumps with decent isolation. The 2011 freshening improved its handling. Ride motions are well controlled, and the highway ride is uneventful.”
The tested MKX model runs for $50,235 MSRP. The engine was a 305-horsepower V6. Acceleration was “very good," the publication shared, noting that overall fuel economy was 18 mpg.
“The six-speed automatic transmission is mostly smooth, but shifts are not always seamless. Braking is very good,” officials added. “The interior is luxurious and most components fit well together with lots of wood and stitched leather.
Continuing on, they noted: “The cargo area can be expanded by folding the split rear seatbacks. This creates a good-sized cargo hold. The MyLincoln Touch control system eliminates even basic knobs like the radio volume knob, instead using touch-sensitive controls or touch screens. Testers found the system complex and buggy.”

Finally, the Edge was said to have “good interior space, easy access and a lively engine. For 2011, the Edge’s suspension, steering, and drivetrain were changed to improve handling and fuel economy. But controls were significantly worsened by the complex MyFord Touch technology.”

The tested Edge model was the SEL. It includes a 285-horsepower, 3.5-liter engine. Officials said it gets 18 miles to the gallon, and they praised it for “brisk acceleration.” The price tag on the tested model is $37,635.
“The six-speed automatic transmission usually operates smoothly but sometimes shifts with a jolt. Braking is very good,” the publication continued. “Most components fit together well and the interior is nicely finished. Folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacks creates a good-sized cargo hold."