The 2021 Lincoln Corsair is available with a turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine, or Leesburg owners can choose the turbocharged 2.3L engine that provides increased torque and horsepower.
When you combine Corsair’s powerful engine options with an eight-speed transmission and integral bush rear suspension, these modern SUV marvels are able to offer owners exceptional agility and easier handling.
Our engineering professionals don’t think that a vehicle should sacrifice versatility in order to be fun to drive, and that’s apparent from the moment you get behind the wheel of the new 2021 Lincoln Corsair.
The Corsair finally gains its Grand Touring plug-in-hybrid model for 2021. The powertrain 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.
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 than 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.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Lincoln 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
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2021 Lincoln 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.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.0T AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$54,375 (base price: $45,825)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 cu in, 1999 cc
Power
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.1-in vented disc/11.9-in disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, 225/55R-19 99V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.7 in
Length: 180.6 in
Width: 74.3 in
Height: 64.1 in
Passenger volume: 103 cu ft
Cargo volume: 28 cu ft
Curb weight: 3988 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.1 sec
100 mph: 17.6 sec
130 mph: 37.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec
1/4 mile: 14.7 sec @ 93 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.83 g
*stability-control-inhibited
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 22 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 30 mpg
Highway range: 480 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 24–25/21–22/28–29 mpg
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2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.3T AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$59,660 (base price: $46,965)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
138 cu in, 2264 cc
Power
295 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
310 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.1-in vented disc/11.9-in disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 245/45R-20 99V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.7 in
Length: 180.6 in
Width: 74.3 in
Height: 64.1 in
Passenger volume: 103 cu ft
Cargo volume: 28 cu ft
Curb weight: 4058 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.0 sec
100 mph: 17.3 sec
130 mph: 35.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
1/4 mile: 14.8 sec @ 93 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.83 g
*stability-control-inhibited
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 29 mpg
Highway range: 460 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 24/21/28 mpg
