2021 Lincoln Corsair Review

　　

2021 Lincoln Corsair Review

byBrent RomansSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　Introduced last year as a replacement for the MKC small crossover SUV, the Lincoln Corsair shares much of its underlying design with the Ford Escape. As a Lincoln, though, the Corsair boasts a more upscale look and nicer interior materials. It also offers some cool tech features, such as the ability to use your phone as the SUV's key, and a 295-horsepower four-cylinder engine upgrade that's not available for the Escape.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lincoln Corsair 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$188/mo  for Corsair Base

　　Corsair Base

　　4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $36,105 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,305 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,050 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,250 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $50,390 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2021, the Corsair is mostly unchanged. But a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option will come later in 2021. Offered on the Grand Touring trim level only, this plug-in hybrid Corsair should offer around 25 miles of all-electric power before it switches over to regular hybrid operation.

　　The 2021 Corsair is the least expensive path to Lincoln ownership, and it's priced and packaged to compete with both extra-small and small SUVs from other premium brands. Overall, it emphasizes hushed comfort and fancy detailing, leaving outright performance to the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Learn more by reading our full Expert Rating of the 2021 Corsair.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Corsair drive? The Corsair is a surprisingly capable performer. The steering is well weighted and responsive at highway speeds, and body roll is controlled with the adaptive dampers in their sport-themed Excite setting. The 2.0-liter Corsair's 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds is average for the class, but it does better than any rival in a non-performance trim with its 60-0 mph stopping distance of 111 feet.

　　That said, the brakes feel grabby at the top of the pedal stroke. No matter how gradually you ease on down to a stop, it feels jerky. The transmission is not befitting a luxury car, shifting harshly and sometimes exhibiting clunks through the drivetrain. (This is less noticeable with the 2.3-liter engine.) The engine stop-start system delivers a hefty shove if the engine kicks on while the car is stopped.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Corsair? As to be expected of a Lincoln, the Corsair is a comfortable vehicle overall. Dual-zone climate control allows you to set a maximum fan speed in the automatic setting in case you prefer a mild breeze over gale-force cooling. Wind and tire noise is well muted. Engine noise is virtually nonexistent unless you wring the motor out to near its redline.

　　The optional adaptive suspension keeps the Corsair controlled over a variety of surfaces, though incurring bumps at higher speeds can result in body oscillation with the dampers in the Normal setting. A custom drive mode is not offered. The standard 10-way adjustable seats are less finicky than the optional 24-way seats, but you can feel the structural elements underneath, and they don't offer four-way lumbar adjustment.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Though a dedicated shifter is more natural, we like the new transmission "keys" more than the previous MKC's push-buttons. The steering wheel joysticks drew a mixed reaction, but we all liked the contextual adaptive cruise control markers — distance and controls only illuminate with the adaptive cruise control active. The Sync 3 infotainment system reacts a little slowly but remains easy to use. Visibility is also excellent.

　　Driver and passenger ergonomics can be an issue. The doorsills are wide and high, so drivers with mobility issues might find it challenging to exit the front. Pronounced upper-back padding and a forward-tilted front headrest direct your eyes downward somewhat. With compromised legroom and hard-shell front seats, sitting in the back can be uncomfortable for tall passengers.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? A modern luxury car should feel high-tech, and the Corsair delivers. Charging solutions include three USB-A ports, one USB-C input, a wireless charging pad and a three-prong outlet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though the Sync 3 infotainment system forces the user to use smartphone navigation apps if a phone is plugged in. The voice recognition software doesn't detect much natural speech.

　　The 14-speaker Revel audio system is a wonder. It has more punch at lower volumes than competing systems, so it sounds good even with the volume turned down. At higher volumes, only truly punishing tracks sound muddy. Driver aids work well for the most part, but we could never get the automated parking function to work in our tester.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? With the Corsair's cargo area opening at your knees, you won't have to lift heavy bags high to load them in. However, the cargo cover (which partially lifts with the tailgate) is hinged close to its rearward end, so you have to bend to load items in. The cargo area measures 27.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and the seats slid back and 57.6 cubes with them folded. Both measurements are average for the class.

　　The bin below the center stack is sizable, but most of the other pockets — while numerous — are on the small side. The car seat anchors are easy to find, and you can access the tethers without removing the cargo cover. The hard front seatbacks might prove challenging for fitting rear-facing car seats.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? With the 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive, the Corsair get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway). The combined and city estimates are decidedly middle of the pack, though the highway rating is a tick higher than others. Our real-life fuel economy matched the estimates, with 28.9 mpg achieved on a nearly all-highway tank and 19.8 mpg on a city-heavy tank with lots of stop-and-go traffic.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Corsair a good value? The Corsair's base cost undercuts competitors by thousands of dollars, and it has a few features that are often optional on rivals. But if you want a well-equipped model with the 2.3-liter engine — which works better with the Corsair's transmission — prices creep closer to more illustrious competition. However you option it, interior materials are as good as anything you'll find in the rest of the class. Our tester also had a loose arm pad that rattled when the audio system was pumping.

　　Overall warranty coverage is average for the class, while the powertrain is covered for a bit longer than usual. The first two scheduled maintenance visits are covered. We also like the pickup and delivery service — a Lincoln dealer will pick up your car for service, drop off a loaner, and then return your car to you.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Corsair's pièce de résistance is its upscale interior. The aluminum trim on the dash looks great, the piano black isn't a smudge magnet, and you'll find faux leather and soft-touch plastics everywhere. There are few hard plastic touch points, though the hard front seatbacks are disappointing.

　　As with most vehicles in this class, the Corsair isn't inherently fun to drive, but buttoned-downed handling separates it dynamically from non-luxury vehicles. While the engine is quick, the crummy transmission saps some of the fun you might have on a twisty back road.

　　

Which Corsair does zzdcar recommend?

Choose the Reserve trim to access the standard and optional features that make a Corsair truly luxurious. It adds leather upholstery, a digital gauge cluster, a premium sound system and a panoramic sunroof. Going with the Reserve also opens up option packages to add features such as 24-way power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel and extra advanced safety aids.

　　

2021 Lincoln Corsair models

Lincoln offers its entry-level SUV in Corsair, Reserve and Grand Touring trim levels. The Grand Touring is new for 2021 and denotes the plug-in hybrid version of the Corsair.

　　Corsair

　　Standard equipment for the Lincoln Corsair includes:

　　250-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine Eight-speed automatic transmission Front-wheel drive 18-inch alloy wheels Power rear liftgate Dual-zone automatic climate control Faux leather upholstery 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system 10-speaker sound system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connected services with Wi-Fi Remote engine startEvery Corsair also comes with:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)The base Corsair offers a 101A package upgrade that contains:

　　Upgraded wheel finish Ambient interior lighting Power-folding rear seat Integrated navigation systemAdditionally, Corsairs equipped with the 101A package are eligible for a 295-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine upgrade. All-wheel drive is optional with the standard 2.0-liter engine and standard with the optional 2.3-liter.

　　Reserve

　　Choosing the Corsair Reserve equips the SUV with Corsair and 101A package contents plus:

　　19-inch wheels Upgraded exterior lighting Improved side mirrors Hands-free liftgate Panoramic sunroof Leather seats Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror Power-adjustable steering wheel Digital instrumentation panel 14-speaker Revel premium audio systemWith the Reserve trim, a 201A package is available for the Corsair. It installs these features:

　　Rain-sensing windshield wipers Wiper de-icer system Ventilated front seats Heated steering wheel Heated rear seats Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Corsair and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Traffic Jam Assist (works at lower speeds in stop-and-go traffic and includes a lane centering assist function) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)A Technology package is also offered for the Corsair Reserve with the 201A package. It installs:

　　Wireless smartphone charger Phone as a key smartphone technology Active headlights (help you to see around curves at night) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)New for 2021, the Corsair Reserve's Monochromatic package gives the SUV a custom appearance:

　　Black 20-inch wheels and body-colored grille, bumpers and badgingAdditionally, Lincoln offers 24-way power-adjustable front seats as a stand-alone option for Corsair Reserves equipped with the 201A package.

　　Grand Touring

　　The Grand Touring trim (late availability) applies only to the Corsair plug-in hybrid models. It builds on Reserve equipment with:

　　Plug-in hybrid powertrain with an estimated 266 horsepower and 25 miles of electric driving range Continuously variable transmission (CVT) Adaptive suspension 19-inch wheels with specific finish Unique upper grille detailing Body-colored lower bumper and rocker panel trim Charging port door Audible vehicle warning system for pedestriansA Grand Touring 301A package is available, equipping the Corsair plug-in with the same equipment as the Reserve 201A package. The Technology package and the 24-way adjustable front seats are also offered for this model.

　　

2021 Corsair Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: BaseReserveGrand TouringBase

　　

Base MSRP	$36,105
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles