Overview
Looking like a slimmed down Aviator, the Lincoln Corsair distills the luxury automaker's new design language down to the compact-SUV class, where it's one of few American nameplates to choose from.
The Corsair shares a platform with the Ford Escape, but there are few clues to its blue-collar roots, and its road presence is undeniably upscale.
Lincoln offers three different power-trains (including a plug-in hybrid), and buyers will be pleased by the available luxury features inside the Corsair's cabin, although much of the good stuff requires shelling out for expensive packages.
The Lincoln delivers a creamy ride, but it doesn't offer the same well-balanced handling as rivals such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class.
The Corsair takes the same path as the larger Aviator and Navigator SUV, prioritizing comfort and style over driving enjoyment, and for many buyers, we expect that'll be quite enough.
What's New for 2021?
The Corsair finally gains its Grand Touring plug-in-hybrid model for 2021. The power-train consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and standard all-wheel drive.
Lincoln is also introducing two new appearance packages.
The Monochromatic package adds 20-inch black wheels and body-color exterior trim while the Sport Appearance package adds 20-inch polished wheels, body-colored front and rear bumpers, a black mesh grille, and illuminated door-jamb scuff plates.
A towing package is also available, and two new exterior colors (Asher Gray and Silver Radiance) have been added to the options sheet.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Standard: $37,000 (est)
- Reserve: $44,000 (est)
- Grand Touring PHEV: $50,000 (est)
The Reserve trim is where it's at. For the large step up in price, Lincoln provides several must-have items such as 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power lift-gate, fog lamps, a 14-speaker Revel stereo system, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a power-adjustable steering column, genuine wood interior trim, and heated front seats covered in Bridge of Weir leather with 10-way power adjustability and memory settings for the driver.
From there, we'd exercise caution, as the Corsair's option packages carry big price tags.
We'd also recommend sticking with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as its performance is very similar to the more expensive 2.3-liter's.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Two turbocharged four-cylinder engines from the MKC carry over. That means either a 250-hp 2.0-liter or 280-hp 2.3-liter four. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With the smaller engine, buyers can choose from either front- or all-wheel drive, but opting for the 2.3-liter brings all-wheel drive as standard.
The smaller engine does 0 to 60-mph in 6.1 seconds while the 2.3-liter did the deed in 6.0 seconds flat. Both are quicker than the old MKC, which has an adequate but unexciting 7.3-second 60-mph time.
Key rivals such as the Q5 and the GLC300 are quicker and more satisfying to drive, though. The plug-in-hybrid model pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, a CVT, and all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Choosing the more powerful of the two turbocharged engines doesn't negatively impact fuel economy much. According to the EPA, the 2.3-liter model with all-wheel drive sees 1 less mpg on the highway to the all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter model.
The Corsair's most efficient non-hybrid model—the front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter—earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Lincoln says the plug-in-hybrid model—will provide up to 25 miles of all-electric driving range; EPA fuel economy estimates for that model are still pending.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2020 Corsair boasts a handsome cabin that's similar to those in other SUV offerings from Lincoln, such as the Navigator, Nautilus, and Aviator. It's upholstered in soft leather and offers plenty of features.
Adjustable ambient lighting, 24-way power-adjustable seats, a head-up display, and an app that allows users to unlock, lock, and start the vehicle with their smartphone are all available—although ordering such items will add a princely sum to the bottom line.
Surprisingly, Lincoln says a top-spec Black Label model of the Corsair is not in the cards.
The Beyond Blue interior theme shown at the Corsair's debut at the New York auto show is available. It adds turquoise-colored leather to the dashboard, door panels, and seats.
The Corsair's cargo bay is generously sized. We managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats, beating the X3 by one case. Lowering the rear seat-backs opens up enough room for 21 cases total.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen running Lincoln's Sync 3 infotainment system is standard, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is optional.
The interface is fairly easy to use, and handy joysticks on the steering wheel help the driver avoid reaching for the screen too often.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come on every model but in-dash navigation costs extra on the base Standard trim.
Going with the Reserve model swaps the Corsair's 10-speaker stereo system for a 14-speaker Revel setup and adds SiriusXM satellite radio with real-time traffic and weather updates.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Corsair a five-star rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick for 2020.
All models come standard with a suite of driver-assistance features that Lincoln calls Co-Pilot360, but unlocking high-tech assists such as a self-parking feature or adaptive cruise control requires upgrading to the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus system.
Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lincoln's standard power-train warranty is more generous than its German rivals'. Buyers of Lincoln's Black Label models are treated to a four-year/50,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan, but because the Corsair isn't offered in the Black Label trim, its buyers will have to go out of pocket for all oil changes, tire rotations, and the like.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
