Escort MAX 360c MKII Review: Longer Range & Better False Alert FilteringBut Is This High-End Radar Detector Worth The Money

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Escort MAX 360c MKII Crash Course

• The MAX 360c MKII is the successor to the original MAX 360c radar detector.

• New dual-antenna platform provides increased range detection.

• Upgraded digital signal processing technology minimizes false alerts.

• Compatible with Escort’s radar-mounted dash cameras and laser shifters. There have also been marked improvements to the Drive Smarter app.

Our Review Process for Radar Detectors

Automoblog is a member of the Radar Detector and Countermeasures Forum to ensure truth and accountability when covering radar detectors. The Forum has members with years of experience testing and validating radar detectors. Those members can provide additional context and insight if you have more in-depth questions about a specific radar detector.

Whether we receive a radar detector from a manufacturer to review or purchase it with our own moneythere are four main points we considerlisted below. Our primary driving areas with any new radar detector include the Detroit metro and the Ohio Turnpike.

Escort MAX 360c MKII Review Summary

The Escort MAX 360c MKII is the successor to the brand’s top-selling MAX 360c radar detector. When it debuted in September 2022Escort said the MAX 360c MKII would provide better false alert filtering and a 50 percent improvement in detection range versus the original MAX 360c.

After careful evaluation and more than a month’s worth of driving across the Detroit metro and down the Ohio TurnpikeI’m confident the Escort MAX 360c MKII is one sequel that’s better than the original.

Belowwe will cover the main features and specifications of the MAX 360c MKIIincluding the key differences between it and the original MAX 360c.

Escort MAX 360c MKII & MAX 360c Differences

At first glancethe two radar detectors look exactly the samesave for the darker gray hue of the MKII.

The immediate difference you will likely notice is the pricewhich is about $50not counting any sales or specials. Usuallythe original MAX 360c retails for $650while the MKII goes for $700. Here is what the extra $50 gets you.

More Muscle

I set the Escort MAX 360c MKII and the original MAX 360c on a small kitchen scale I use while making coffee. The original MAX 360c weighs 9.87 ounces (just shy of 280 grams)while the MKII weighs 10.05 ounces (about 285 grams).

Even with this makeshift home test while making coffeeit’s obvious the MKII has more internal circuitry.  

Better False Alert Filtering 

Escort is using a new Blackfin DSP (digital signal processing) chip to increase the level of false alert filtering. Supplied by semiconductor company Analog Devicesthe Blackfin is a family of embedded microprocessors designed for a wide range of applications. 

With regard to the Escort MAX 360c MKIIthe embedded Blackfin DSP chip helps the unit better decipher between any number of different radar signals in a given areawhich ones are real threats versus false alertsand what should be prioritized on the display.

When the MAX 360c MKII detects a radar sourcethe Blackfin DSP chip analyzes and presents it on the display screenshowing vital information like signal strengthband typesand frequency. The ability of the MAX 360c MKII to quickly analyze and sort radar sources to this depth translates to a quieter drive with fewer false alerts versus the original MAX 360cespecially on the K band frequencies. 

When you look at the spec sheet for the original MAX 360cyou will see the term “digital signal processing,” so it does have this capability to some degree (and it’s among the reasons why it’s still a top-tier radar detector today). Howeverthe MKII takes things a step further with the more robust Blackfin DSPputting it on par with other premium offerings from Escort that also feature the chiplike the MAXcam 360c and Redline 360c. 

Digital signal processing is a fascinating and in-depth topicand Analog Devices provides this helpful beginner’s guide if you want to learn more. While no radar detector is entirely immune from false alertsEscort cuts them down tremendously with the integration of the Blackfin DSP. 

Additional false alert filtering comes from Escort’s proprietary IVT Filteror “in-vehicle technology” filter. The IVT Filter decreases the number of false alerts caused by collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems of other vehicleswhich are radar-based.

The K Notch filter can be activated in the settings menu for the same reasonreducing false alerts caused by certain cars and their radar-based collision avoidance systems (between the frequency ranges of 24.190 and 24.210 GHz). Here in DetroitI have the K Notch filter on.

Range Detection 

While the Blackfin DSP provides excellent discernment when separating real threats from false alertsEscort’s next-generationdual-antenna platform translates to increased range detection for the MAX 360c MKII.

Like the original MAX 360cthe MKII also has directional arrows thanks to the dual-antenna platformwhich identifies if the threat is in front of or behind you. Howeverthe difference in range detection between the two detectors is noticeable while navigating high-traffic and well-patroled areas here in Detroitlike I-696 and Telegraph Road.  

Not that we had any complaints in the range department with our original MAX 360cbut our new MKII picks up Michigan State Police and Wayne County Sheriff Deputies running constant-on Ka band from a bit farther outwhich has been a pleasant but welcome surprise. 

On Telegraph Road specificallylaw enforcement will stay in the far left lanesso it’s easy for them to whip around via a Michigan Left and catch speeders heading towards them. With the wider expanseshillsand turns on Telegraph Roadit’s relatively easy for law enforcement to hide in plain sight in heavy traffic with a non-descript Ford Explorer or Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle.

The upgraded dual-antenna platform of the Escort MAX 360c MKII makes it well-suited for areas like thisproviding more advanced notice versus older Escort radar detectors if an officer is traveling toward you. 

Escort MAX 360c MKII & MAX 360c Similarities

Perhaps the most significant similarity is the “connected” aspect of these two radar detectorswhich is what the “c” stands for. Essentiallythe original MAX 360c and the newer MKII can connect to Wi-Fi via your home router or mobile hotspot for two primary reasons: firmware and database updates and accessing Posted Speed Limits (PSL) and Live Alerts without turning on Bluetooth.

When paired to Drive Smarteryour phone will receive real-time threat notifications in your areabe it a radar sourcered light cameraor police patrolas reported by other Escort owners using the app (more on the Drive Smarter app further downincluding its compatibility with MapboxApple CarPlayand Android Auto).

I’ve always viewed the Wi-Fi capability (and Drive Smarter app) of the MAX 360c detectors as a helpfulpeace-of-mind companion if you want to squeeze every ounce of juice out of your countermeasure setup. For exampleeach time the MAX 360c MKII connects to a Wi-Fi hotspotit automatically checks for firmware updateswhich can be advantageous if you are driving in an area you are not accustomed to. For those who wish to drive without the app and still have access to PSL and Live Alertsthe connected option offers this capability.

In addition to performance tweaksfirmware updates from Escort will often include updates to its ongoing red light and speed camera databasewhich is also helpful if you are driving for a few days in a new area. If a firmware update is availablethe MAX 360c MKII can do it automatically once the Wi-Fi connection is established.   

I still prefer to perform firmware updates on my desktop via Escort’s website. Firmware updates take less time with a hardwired connection to your computer than over Wi-Fi. HoweverI lose the advantage of real-timeon-the-fly firmware updates if I am not at my computer for whatever reason (I’ve done firmware updates while waiting in the cell phone lot at the airport for family to arrivefor examplewhen I know I have some extra time on my hands).

If you want to experiment with the Wi-Fi connection for firmware updates and the Drive Smarter appturn the Wi-Fi option on via the detector’s settings menu and enable your hotspoteither in your vehicle or on your phone.

Escort MAX 360c MKII In-Depth: What It Offers

The MAX 360c MKII comes with a 12V power corda suction cup windshield mount (Escort calls it an “EZ Mag Mount”)a carrying caseand a quick start guide (you download the complete owner’s manual from Escort’s website).

The 12V power cord has a USB port on the backsideso you can still charge your phone. It’s a nice feature if your vehicle doesn’t have a wireless charging pad.

Along with increased range detection and better false alert filteringhere is a summarized list of some other top features of the Escort MAX 360c MKII.

Band Detection: KalidarMesta Fusion

The Escort MAX 360c MKII will alert you to XKand Ka radar bands and laser (lidar) guns. Likewisethe unit detects MultaRadar CD and CToften written as MRCD and MRCT for short. MultaRadar is usually associated with traffic light cameras and other photo enforcement devices.

Unlike a standard radar gunMultaRadar changes frequencymaking it harder to catchespecially for older radar detectors. The default setting for MRCD and MRCT is offbut both can be switched on via the settings menu under the “Band Enables” tab. 

The Escort MAX 360c MKII also detects Mesta Fusiona long-rangemulti-laneand multi-target enforcement strategy supplied by French technology company IDEMIA. Mesta Fusion towerswhich combine a Doppler radar and high-resolution camerawere deployed in EdmontonAlbertaCanadaafter city officials received a demonstration from IDEMIA in 2017.

Escort enabled Mesta Fusion detection on the MAX 360c MKII as the technology has the potential to also be used in the United States.   

Sensitivity Modes

The Escort MAX 360c MKII offers four sensitivity modes: HighwayAutoAuto No Xand Auto Lo Kthe latter being my preference here in Detroit.

Highway is the maximum sensitivity modewhich essentially “opens the radar detector up,” so it’s more likely to alert to potential threats. In Highway modeK band sensitivity is at its maximum. I use this settingbut only on the open roadusually on a longer trip.

Auto sensitivity is convenient as it reduces X and K band sensitivity according to your speedwhile Auto No X does the same for K bands but shuts off the X bands.  

I run my Escort MAX 360c MKII in Auto Lo K sensitivity modewhich lowers K band sensitivity at all times. I turn the X bands off separately through the settings menuso I tend not to use Auto No X. Howeverif you buy a MAX 360c MKIIexperiment and see what works best for you and what your preferences are.  

Segmentation Options

Under the “Band Enables” tab in the settings menu or through the Drive Smarter app (covered more below)you can experiment with four different K Narrow and 10 Ka Narrow segmentation options or “custom sweeps” to dial in the detector’s response time. 

Turn either K or Ka Band detection off to activate the segmentation options (done either through the settings menu or the Drive Smarter app). This enables the “selectors,” which you will also see in the settings menu or the Drive Smarter app. 

Although it seems counterintuitiveturning off Ka band detection doesn’t mean you are leaving yourself exposed to the most common form of police radar. It simply means you can now work with the segmentation filters.  

When we deactivate the Ka bandsEscort’s factory default Ka Narrow settings take overallowing our MAX 360c MKII to scan from 33.700 to 35.600 GHz. That aligns with law enforcement radar gunsnot just here in Michiganbut all properly and legally tuned U.S.-spec police radar guns. 

Out of the 10 available Ka Narrow settingsthe MAX 360c MKII will have 25and 8 turned on by default. It breaks down like this: 

• KA Narrow 2: 33.700 to 33.900 GHz
• KA Narrow 5: 34.600 to 34.800 GHz
• KA Narrow 8: 35.400 to 36.600 GHz

The idea behind band segmentation is to imagine looking through a row of windows. It takes less time to look through three windows than 10and the idea here is similar with band segmentation. A radar detector operating in a narrow segmentation versus a wider setting will alert quicker because it’s not scanning or “watching” the entire available frequency range.  

AutoLearn Technology (Auto Lockouts)

AutoLearn analyzes fixed-location radar over time to determine whether such alerts are legitimate or false. Should the MAX 360c MKII encounter the exact frequency in the same location approximately three times—and that frequency is deemed false—it automatically locks it out and flashes a “Stored” message. The MAX 360c MKII uses Escort’s TrueLock GPS Filter to lock out and store fixed-location false alerts in its memory bank.

Although you can still manually lock out false alertsEscort’s AutoLearn feature has become synonymous with its MAX family of radar detectorsand it can be a convenient tool while driving. To lock out a false alert manuallytap the Mute button on the 12V power cord. When encountering a previously locked-out locationit will display in gray but not audibly alert.

Mark Locations

The MRK button on top of the unit will flag a location and then notify you the next time you are about to pass it. Unlike the lockouts (manual or automatic)the Mark Location feature is intended for areas with legitimate threats.

When marking a location for the first time with the Escort MAX 360c MKIIyou can specify what it isfrom red light and speed cameras to speed traps. You also have an “other” option if you need to mark a location for another reason.

Drive Smarter App

Escort has considerably improved the Drive Smarter app for the MAX family of radar detectors. When connected to Drive Smarteryour phone will receive real-time threat notifications in your areabe it a radar sourcered light cameraspeed cameraor police patrolas reported by other Escort owners using the app (i.e.shared alerts).

Likewiseyou can issue an alert for others via the app if you notice something like a speed trap or stationary patrol car.

In addition to sending and receiving alertsDrive Smarter lets you adjust a host of settings for the MAX 360c MKII from your phoneincluding display colors and brightnesssensitivity modesand more.

Connectivity & Crashing Issues

In the pastwe experienced Bluetooth connection and crashing issues between the appthe detectorand our Motorola phone with an Android-based operating system. Howeverwith the release of the MAX 360c MKII came a revised Drive Smarter appand Escort has continued to refine its performanceespecially for Android operating systems. 

Customer Service

While working on this reviewwe interfaced with customer service reps from Cedar Electronics (you can contact a support rep through the Drive Smarter app). The reps we exchanged e-mails with about our issues were prompt and courteous.

As of early 2024all of the connection and crashing issues we had with Drive Smarter have been resolvedincluding minor glitches like how the speed limit in a given area might display as 74 mph on the app when it’s actually 75 mph.

Even with these fixes and improvementsEscort reps tell us they are continuing to refine the overall performance and functionality of the Drive Smarter app for their customers.   

Apple CarPlayAndroid Auto & Mapbox

The revised Drive Smarter app is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has Mapbox navigation.

On your vehicle’s touchscreenyou will see all of the normal Apple CarPlay or Android Auto features alongside any real-time threat notifications from Drive Smarter. SimilarlyEscort has added Mapbox functionalitymeaning Drive Smarter effectively doubles as a navigation app. 

While Drive Smarter is optional and not necessary for the MAX 360c MKII to detect police radarrunning it can increase situational awareness and may serve to better maximize your countermeasures setup. If your vehicle has a wireless charging paduse that to help save your phone battery while running Drive Smarter.  

Is The Escort MAX 360c MKII Worth It?

If you are a radar detector enthusiastlike Escort products in generalor want the latest and greatest stuff for your vehiclethe MAX 360c MKII is worth the money. If you are running an older radar detector and want to upgrade to something with more featuresthe MAX 360c MKII won’t disappoint.

Escort has also overhauled the Drive Smarter appresolving a lot of the connection and crashing issues found in prior versions of the app. Drive Smarter is more user-friendly than before and should make playing around with the settings on the Escort MAX 360c MKII more intuitive and enjoyable.

By contrastif you still need a solid radar detector but don’t necessarily need all the extra featuresconsider something more straightforward like the Uniden R4, Radenso DS1or Cobra RAD 700i. I proudly own all three of those radar detectorsand they get the job done. When I want a good “grab and go” unit for my drives around DetroitI pick one of those three.

Otherwiseif you purchase a new MAX 360c MKII and have questions, join us on the forumand we can point you in the right direction. 

Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of Automoblog and the host of AutoVision News Radio and AutoSens Insights. As a respected automotive industry thought leaderCarl has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio showsincluding Wrench NationCars YeahThe Car Doctorand Digital PR Explainedin addition to appearing as a regular contributor on MotorMouth Radio on WHPC 90.3 FM. His work can also be seen and heard 24/7 on the Automoblog YouTube channel.

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Photos: Danielle Anthony.