2022 Lincoln Corsair

The 2022 Lincoln Corsair is the American SUV maker’s smallest and least expensive model. That’s right, with the discontinuation of the Continental and MKZ, there’s nothing but SUVs filling Lincoln dealer lots.

Fortunately, the 2022 Lincoln Corsair is pretty good by small luxury SUV standards. It’s more comfortable than many SUVs that cost thousands of dollars more, and it comes standard with a long list of safety equipment.

There are a few downsides. Rear headroom isn’t great, for instance, and the Corsair’s base 2.0-liter engine powertrain can be unrefined at low speeds and make it hard to drive smoothly. Overall, the Corsair is worth checking out, but you might also want to cross-shop the Acura RDX, Mercedes GLC or Volvo XC60.

The Corsair sees some options-package changes for 2022. The new Luxury package is optional on Reserve and Grand Touring models and includes a head-up display and a 13-speaker Revel stereo system.

While a more comprehensive Elements Technology package is new to the Grand Touring trim and adds LED fog lamps, a hands-free power liftgate, rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlamps, 24-way Perfect Position front seats, additional USB ports, ambient interior lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Bronze Smoke Metallic, Elite Blue Metallic, and Ocean Drive Blue Metallic replace Artisan Blue, Burgundy Velvet, and Iced Mocha on the color palette.

ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

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.

We tested both engines with all-wheel drive and found that their acceleration performance is almost identical; the smaller engine managed a 60-mph run 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 delivered 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.

At our test track, the PHEV model managed a 7.0-second zero-to-60-mph time but we weren’t impressed with the powertrain’s unrefined sounds.

ENERGY 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. We’ve tested both engines with all-wheel drive; the 2.0-liter managed 30 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test while the 2.3-liter returned 29 mpg.

The EPA says the plug-in-hybrid model—which we have not yet tested—will provide up to 28 miles of all-electric driving range. For more information about the 2022 Lincoln Corsair‘s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE AND BOOTH

The 2022 Lincoln 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 2022 Lincoln 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 seatbacks opens up enough room for 21 cases total.

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS

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.

PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS

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.

For more information about the 2022 Lincoln Corsair’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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