2020 Lincoln Corsair Review by Larry Nutson +VIDEO

Quiet Flight

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair replaces the MKC, made its debut in the Spring of 2019 and has been on sale since last Fall.

The Corsair rounds out Lincoln’s SUV lineup with the reintroduction of this new design small utility vehicle. Loaded with luxury, the 2-row 5-seat Corsair shares some of its underlying architecture with the Ford Escape. However, that actually goes unnoticed. The Corsair is very much its own design.

Last November the Lincoln Corsair team made a presentation to a cadre of auto writers from the Midwest Automotive Media Association. The Corsair’s exterior was described as a “sculpture in motion.” The Corsair’s interior was designed to be a “sanctuary for the senses.”

The Corsair features distinctive Lincoln design cues from its front grille, sculpted side profile, sloping rear roof and full-width rear taillights. The interior is where we spend all our time and is all important in any vehicle, especially a premium one.

Hand-selected materials and attention to detail is reflected in the interior. Three new Lincoln interiors debut on the Corsair – Beyond Blue, with its vivid blue and white palette, Cashew, a rich tan and black blend, and Medium Slate, a soft gray with touches of Ebony. Above the cantilevered center console sits the unique automatic transmission piano key shift gear.

Comfort is in the forefront with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping steering column, 24-way seat adjustment with individual thigh supports, power-fold second row seats, and power liftgate, among others.

Harsh electronic alerts are replaced with six unique symphonic chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Upon driving off refinement becomes evident. The hushed interior is absent disturbing engine, wind and tire noise. A dual-wall dashboard in the engine compartment employs an air gap that acts to keep vibrations out of the cabin and provides an additional barrier between passengers and the engine. Active Noise Control enhances overall sound quality throughout.

Corsair features a multilink rear suspension with integral bushings that provides for a more compliant and smoother ride. Impacts are absorbed and not transmitted through the body. Cornering is very flat and balanced. An optional adaptive suspension varies damper firmness based on driving conditions.

Corsair is available with a 250hp turbo 2.0L or a 295hp turbo 2.3L engine. Both use an 8-speed automatic. The 2.0L comes in front- or all-wheel drive whereas the 2.3L is AWD only.

drive modes--Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions and Conserve--alter powertrain engine and transmission calibrations to suit road conditions and/or driver preferences.

EPA test-cycle fuel economy ratings are 22 city mpg and 29 highway mpg for the 2.0L FWD model. AWD is one mpg less in the city and the 2.3L is rated 21mpg and 28mpg.

Corsair comes standard with Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) features. It provides Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System, a Lane-Keeping System, rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair is available in Standard trim priced at $35,945 and Reserve starting at $42,630, plus a $995 destination charge.

For more information and details on the Lincoln Corsair have a look at www.lincoln.com.

For my Chicagoland test drive I was behind the wheel of a 2.3L Reserve AWD model. The Red Carpet Metallic exterior balanced the very inviting ebony and slate interior finish. A head-up display, and 20-inch wheels mounted with 245/40 tires were added options.

With 295hp and good low speed torque there is plenty of go-power for driving off from stop as well as highway merging and passing. The piano key transmission gear selector is well placed, easy to use and quickly becomes second nature.

The compact 180-inch exterior makes for easy maneuvering both in traffic and in tight parking spaces. Cabin noise level is low and comfortable. Handling is refined and balanced with plenty of premium comfort.

Lincoln wants to attract a younger buyer with the Corsair, and they will. That said, with its premium equipment and compact dimensions the Corsair is quite perfect for the urban-living active-lifestyle empty-nester couple.

Coming this year is the new Grand Touring with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a combined targeted output of 266hp. This configuration of hybrid technology paired with electric all-wheel drive has a targeted EPA-estimated all-electric range of more than 25 miles.

Lincoln is making life easier and offers a pickup and delivery service, the Lincoln Service Valet. Owners can schedule service via The Lincoln Way app and Lincoln Service Valets will come to pick up the vehicle and bring it a nearby Lincoln dealership, while providing the owner with a loaner vehicle while their vehicle is being serviced. Life is good.

Of note, the research firm AutoPacific recently announced its 2020 Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) winners according to the results of its annual New Vehicle Satisfaction Survey of over 73,000 new car and light truck owners. Lincoln was rated the Highest Satisfaction Premium Brand.