2023 Lincoln Corsair
Lincoln is staying relevant these days by offering luxurious SUVs in the most popular sizes. This strategy is based in the realty that even luxury vehicle consumers want SUVs for their practicality and versatility along with heightened amenities.
It all starts with the Corsair, a smaller, two-row SUV that offers all of the above in a style that is uniquely Lincoln.
The 2023 Corsair received several updates to incorporate a lot of what is being offered in the latest Navigator. Is it enough to entice you to take a good look at this newest Lincoln?
The Corsair is based off of the same platform that is shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. Yet, this compact sized SUV offers loads of style from its large shimmering grille to its subtle horizontal taillights out back. The roofline is formal with plenty of glass for good vision throughout. Below the beltline is a sculpted body with Lincoln-specific design details.
Our Reserve III tester adds 20-inch bright machined alloy wheels to this handsome package. In all, it is a modern Lincoln that puts out an aura larger than its actual size.
Inside the Corsair is what defines Lincoln today. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is customizable to your style. The center stack is crowned by a 13.2-inch infotainment screen powered by SYNC 4 and can mirror your smartphone device wirelessly. Underneath the center screen is the ignition button, along with the transmission “keys” – as in piano keys. Every control is easy to use, including the toggle-type actuators on the steering wheel.
Adding to the luxury is a pair of Perfect Position 24-way front seats adorned in red leather. The controls are on the doors. Space up front is very good for many bodies. Rear seat room is fine for two adults or three children. Cargo space starts with a 27.6 cubic feet area behind the rear seats. When you fold down the rear seatbacks, it expands to 57.6 cubic feet.
Our tester is powered by a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, that also puts down 275 pound-feet of torque. Connected to this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.
This engine pulled very well, and the transmission delivered smooth shifts. Passing power is very good and it cruises equally well. As for fuel economy, we averaged 27.5 MPG.
The ride quality is very good. A smooth and comfortable ride that absorbs rougher surfaces quite well. Handling is controlled and maneuvers were executed with ease.
On-center feel for the steering system is quite good. The turning radius is just right. Expect maneuverability to be about average for the segment. Brake pedal feel is solid with good response to the wheels. We found the Corsair turned in solid stops in normal and panic situations.
It is worth noting that our tester was equipped with the latest generation of Lincoln’s ActiveGlide semi-autonomous drive system. While improved on some levels, it can assist on lane changes and keeping your Corsair within the lane when cruising on the highway.
Pricing for the 2023 Lincoln Corsair starts at $38,690. It is available in three trims, including the plug-in hybrid Grand Touring model. Our Reserve III tester came with a sticker price of $60,685.
There are many contenders in the luxury compact SUV segment which Lincoln consumers may be swayed by. Those contenders include the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Cadillac XT4, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX, Infiniti QX50, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, and Jaguar E-Pace.
What the Lincoln brings to the table is a style that is never imitated and truly American in execution. It is a luxury SUV that gives you what you want – the promise that it will stand out in a crowd. If you want something that is truly different than the usual, the Corsair is your type of luxury compact SUV.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
