Most recently redesigned in 2020, the Lincoln Corsair is a compact, 5-passenger crossover and the smallest vehicle in the Lincoln lineup. Front-drive and all-wheel-drive models are offered. Competitors include Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT4, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC40. For 2023, Corsair gets a refreshed interior with larger instrument cluster and infotainment screens and Lincoln's hand-free highway driving system called ActiveGlide. No longer available is the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine.
The Corsair lineup includes the Standard, Reserve and Grand Touring. Standard and Reserve get a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It mates to an 8-speed automatic and is offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Grand Touring models get a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to electric motors for a combined output of 266 horsepower. It comes only with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. When fully charged the battery can provide up to 28 miles of all-electric driving. Maximum towing capacity is 3,000 pounds.
Every Corsair comes standard with forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, intersection collision mitigation and rear automatic braking. Other standard features include LED headlights, power liftgate, simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Prices start at $40,000 and climb to more than $55,000.
The gas-only engine on Standard and Reserve models proves to punch above its weight, providing smooth and linear power and decent passing punch. When pressed it will accelerate Corsair from 0 to 60 MPH in about 6 seconds -- quick for the class. The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Grand Touring proves to be a step down in both performance and refinement, only able to must a 0 to 60 MPH time of 7 seconds. In addition, it makes gravelly and unrefined sounds under duress.
Corsair's all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. It also has only modest ground clearance and street-minded tires.
On the fuel-economy front, Corsair can excel, if driven with a light throttle foot. EPA number for the gas-only model come in at 22/30 MPG for front drive and 21/28 with AWD. The plug-in nets an EPA combined rating or 78 MPGe and 33 combined in hybrid mode. Those numbers are better than most competitors with similar power. In routine suburban commuting expect to average about 25 MPG overall in the gas model, and 32 MPG in the hybrid. As with all plug-in models, keeping the battery topped off will greatly improve your overall efficiency.
On the road the Corsair is tuned for comfort rather than athleticism and this is most pronounced in the sloppy rebound control of the shocks. But drivers will also notice that the suspension isn't very firm, and the steering has a numb video-game feeling. Even when setting drive mode to "Excite" (Lincoln-speak for Performance) the ride never buttons up to the level of competitors like the BMW X3 or Acura RDX.
Conversely, the flaccid ride proves to be quite enjoyable on the highway, where there's a sense of serenity as the Corsair floats over bumps and expansion joints. Throw in Lincoln's class-leading ActiveGlide semi-autonomous highway driving system and the Lincoln more than proves its worth as perhaps the best road-trip vehicle in the class. Though it should be noted that the ride can grow harsh with the available 20-inch wheels.
A bit more on ActiveGlide. It's only operational on divided highways, bit think of it as cruise control on steroids where, in most situations, you don't have to hold the wheel. Occasionally, it throws control back to the driver as lanes merge, but for the most part, all drivers have to do is get out on the highway, up to speed and engage. Then take your hands off the wheel and ActiveGlide does the rest, maintaining speed, following distance and lance centering, all the while watching the driver to make sure they are paying attention.
Though the Corsair looks familiar on the outside, the interior is all new sporting a huge 13.2-inch touch display as standard. There's also a fresh console design and new materials throughout. Overall, the feeling is luxurious and modern -- a bit like an upscale living room.
Carrying over that theme, the front seats are extremely comfortable and provide great support for all body types. Head and leg room are great for the class and there's more width than you might expect given Corsair's dimensions. The same can be said for the rear seats that provide class-leading space and comfort. Doors open wide and step in height is quite reasonable. Outward visibility is fair, but somewhat compromised by thick pillars.
On the technology front, Corsair bumps to the front of the class with the 2023 refresh. Safety features are class leading, and more importantly STANDARD. In addition, the infotainment system boasts a large and accessible touchscreen that's both easy to see and operate. Other automakers could take note of Lincoln's easy-to-use control system that puts the focus on the driving rather than scrolling through menus.
Cargo capacity is on par with others in the class, perhaps a bit better. Seat up, Corsair offers 27.6 cubic feet and seats down there's 57.2 cubic feet. The hatch opening is large and there's a small storage area below the cargo floor. Interior storage is good with lots of open and covered bins throughout the interior and lots of ancillary power ports.
Bottom Line -- Often overlooked, Corsair has matured into a competitive and comfortable compact crossover. It doesn't have the sporting nature or pure performance of some competitors, instead plying on strengths of comfortable rides and copious standard features. Pricing is reasonable and dealers should be willing to discount a bit. Unless fuel efficiency is a major motivation, avoid the gruff plug-in hybrid.
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