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Consumer Reports explains its disdain for infotainment

One of the perks of reviewing all manner of cars and trucks is that we're exposed to all the different infotainment systems. Whether Cadillac's CUE, Chrysler's UConnect, BMW's iDrive or MyFord Touch, we sample each and every infotainment system on the market.
Not surprisingly, some are better than others. It seems consumers have come to a similar consensus, with Consumer Reports claiming that Ford and Lincoln, Cadillac and Honda offer the worst user infotainment experiences. Not surprisingly, you won't find much argument among the Autoblog staff.
Take a look below to see just what it is about the latest batch of infotainment systems that grinds CR's gears. After that, scroll down into Comments and let us know if you agree with the mag's views.

2020 Lincoln Aviator pricing can fly sky high: Configurator is up and running

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is priced at $52,195 to start, Lincoln announced today as the crossover's configurator went live. Revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year, the Aviator is the newest entry in Lincoln's SUV lineup. It slots in below the Navigator but above the Nautilus. Five different trim levels will be offered at the start, with two powertrain combinations as well. The most expensive Black Label Grand Touring SUV will set you back a cool $88,895. Even the base engine in the Aviator is quite potent. It's a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 making 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid version is even more powerful, as it keeps the same gas engine but adds electric power to bring the final tallies to 450 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Hello Germany, says Lincoln. Lincoln differentiates between the plug-in and normal Aviator with the Grand Touring designation. The cheapest one of these begins at $69,895. That's a hefty price increase compared to the base model, but the power increase plus ability to run an unspecified number of miles on electric only is a pretty hefty benefit. As we take a look at others in the segment, the Lincoln is priced competitively in base spec. Specifically, the Aviator undercuts the Germans by a decent amount. The 2019 BMW X5 starts at $61,695. Mercedes has the redesigned 2020 GLE starting at $56,695. And the Audi Q7 begins at $54,545. Every one of those cars is underpowered compared to the Aviator at those price points. That said, you probably won't want just the base Aviator. Stepping up just one level to the Reserve trim at $57,285 nets you features like a 14-speaker Revel audio system, 360-degree camera and quad-zone climate control. Going up to the pricey Black Label ($78,790), you'll get the 30-way heated/cooled seats, 28-speaker Revel audio system, Panoramic roof and all the fancy materials that go with Lincoln Black Labels. If you tack on every option you can to the high-zoot version, it'll crest $90,000. Lincoln says orders for the new Aviator can be placed in February, and vehicles will be arriving to dealers in the summer. 2020 Lincoln Aviator View 27 Photos Related video:

Lincoln says MKZ supply crisis over

After an excessive number of recalls on the 2013 Escape and Fusion, we can't really fault Ford for being a little extra cautious with the launch of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. Last month, we reported that dealer supply of the car was extremely limited due to more attention being paid to quality checks of cars rolling off the assembly line, which led to a 73-percent drop in MKZ sales from last year on top of a 32-year low in monthly sales for Lincoln in January.
The reason for the delay was that the sedans were being shipped from the Hermosillo, Mexico assembly plant to be inspected even closer at Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan plant before they were able to head to dealers. Things seem to be straightening out for Lincoln and the MKZ's production now, as Automotive News is reporting that supply should be up to a "normal level" by the end of this month.