2019 Lincoln Corsair 2.3L 8AT AWD (280 HP)

Vehicle Overview

When Lincoln ditched the three-letter naming system for its cars, the Corsair was the replacement for the MKC lineup in the compact luxury crossover segment, and the new model broke cover in 2019 for the 2020 model year.

Customers were eager to get behind the wheel of crossovers, and automakers struggled to provide them with one that would satisfy their tastes. Lincoln tried that with the MKC lineup when it launched in 2014, and the success was not stellar. However, since the vehicle was based on the Ford Global C platform shared with other Ford crossovers, production cost was not significantly high, so that car stayed in production until 2019, when the 2020 Lincoln Corsair broke cover. While it was a significant upgrade in terms of styling and technology, sales were not stellar either. Furthermore, the COVID-19 world pandemic and the microchip crisis that followed affected sales. But the car was praised by customers for its qualities.

At the front, the compact luxury crossover followed Lincoln’s design language with a flat, broad metallic grille where the automaker’s badge took center stage. A pair of LED adaptive headlights underlined by L-shaped daytime running lights flanked it. Underneath them, the automaker installed a set of chromed trims on the wrapped-around plastic bumper. Underneath it, the apron sported an additional, trapezoidal-shaped air intake adorned by horizontal slats.

From its profile, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair showed an athletic, sporty stance. Even though it shared its underpinning with the Ford Edge, it didn’t show it. Its greenhouse started with a raked panoramic windshield and was followed by a slightly sloped-down roof that ended with a spoiler. On the sides, the body panels boasted a discrete line along the vehicle, visually connecting the swept-back headlights with the corner-mounted taillights. The automaker added a chromed trim on the front fenders that sported the crossover’s nameplate.

Inside, customers found a luxurious cabin. The automaker’s design team created a two-step dashboard where the upper section featured the visor for the instrument panel while the lower side housed the vents and the eight-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system. Lower, Lincoln put a floating center console that housed the buttons for the automatic transmission, the controls for the HVAC unit, and those for the heated and ventilated front seats. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked an LCD for additional information. As an option for specific grades, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair featured a 12.3-inch fully digital panel. In addition, a head-up display was available. While the front seats provided all the comfort options needed for long travels, the 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the back wasn’t that good for three passengers due to limited legroom for the middle-seated one.

Lincoln installed two engines under the hood for the Corsair. The base version, available with a front- or all-wheel drive system, had a two-liter turbocharged powerhouse. At the same time, a 2.3-liter turbocharged unit was available, featuring standard all-wheel drive. Both versions were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those looking for more comfort, the all-wheel independent suspension could be fitted with adaptive dampers that smoothened road irregularities.