Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engine/Transmission 2.0T 2.0L turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4/8-speed automatic
2.3T 2.3L turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4/8-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 2.0T 3,983 lb (56/44%) 2.3T 4,047 lb (56/44%) Wheelbase 106.7
in Length x Width x Height 180.6 x 76.2 x 64.1 in Energy Consumption, City/Hwy 2.0T 160/116 kW-hr/100 miles 2.3T 160/120 kW-hr/100 miles
CO2 Emissions, Comb 2.0T 0.81 lb/mile 2.3T 0.82 lb/mileSPECS 2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.0T (AWD) 2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.3T (AWD Reserve)
Base Price/As Tested $39,140/$54, 375 $45,825/$62,400
Power (SAE net) 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm 295 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm 310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Accel, 0-60 mph 7.3 sec 6.5 sec
Quarter Mile 15.6 sec @ 88.4 mph 15.0 sec @ 92.9 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 126 ft 118 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.79 g (avg) 0.80 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 27.7 sec @ 0.67 g (avg) 27.3 sec @ 0.67 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb 21/29/24 mpg 21/28/24 mpgand the latest in technology,”
Seabaugh said. “The Corsair may
not turn a corner like some in the
segment, but it makes up for that
with a competent, lightweight
chassis, direct steering, and a
punchy little engine.”
The base engine is a 250-hp,
280-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo-four
with an eight-speed automatic
transmission. Or you can opt for
the 280-hp, 310-lb-ft 2.3-liter
turbo-four. All-wheel drive is
available.
“The Corsair represents
another step toward making this
luxury brand relevant again,”
Zach Gale said. “Those who give
it a chance and can stomach
the prices will find a solid luxury
crossover with smart touches. The
Detroit Symphony entry chimes,
the Lexus-like leather of the inte-
rior door pulls, and that clamshell
rear liftgate are emotionally
grabbing details.”
The Corsair 2.0T AWD starts
at $39,140, but our tester was
optioned up to $54,375. Although
that’s less than the Range Rover
Evoque, it’s still a chilling number.
More so, the 2.3T AWD Reserve
has a $45,825 base price, but
ours listed for $62,400. “MaybeT
he 2020 Lincoln Corsair was
the sleeper hit of this year’s
SUV of the Year judging.
The Corsair (which replaces
the MKC) rides on the same new
front-drive architecture as the
2020 Ford Escape, but designers
and engineers at Lincoln erased
any similarities in look or feel. This
is a clear case of Lincoln putting
in the extra effort.
“A solid and surprising offering
from Lincoln,” Loh said. It costs
more, but there is evidence you
get what you pay for.
“The Lincoln focuses much
more on coddling its occupants
with soft leathers, a beautiful
interior with gorgeous trim,that’s just how much compact
luxury CUVs go for these days,”
Seabaugh said.
As for performance, “this little
thing is quick,” Evans said, calling
out its “stout” base engine and its
“firecracker” upgrade. But some
judges questioned whether the
slightly larger engine is worth
the cost when less than 1 second
splits their times from 0 to 60.
The Corsair is fun to drive with
some lean into the corners and
bounce on the transitions. It
feels alive and delivers a quiet
and absorbent ride. It’s also an
overachiever in the dirt. The AWD
system will throttle-steer itself out
of a corner like a rally car. But the
brakes’ bite was grabby for some.
The interior gives off a midcen-
tury modern vibe. “The interior
is impressive, with soft-touch
materials and high-grade leather
delivering luxurious opulence—
exceptional for the segment,” de
Nysschen said.
But Rechtin differed: “Trying to
shove all of the styling elements
from the full-size Navigator into a
compact Corsair is like trying to
take a modernist sectional couch
and put it in a 400-square-foot
apartment. It may look reallygood in the giant showroom when
you see it there, but it doesn’t
scale down in a smaller space.”
Some judges loved the
24-way adjustable seats; others
complained they felt the cross-
bars. Lots of praise was lavished
on the rich sound from the Revel
stereo system. The floating center
console houses ergonomically
pleasing slanted buttons. The
minimal controls on the elegant
steering wheel are easy to use,
especially the push-to-talk
button, located where your left
thumb rests.
The compact crossover is
roomy for its size, and second-row
occupants get air vents, two USB
ports, and a 12-volt power outlet.
But the key fob is ridiculous in its
size and heft.
The Corsair should appeal to
young professionals who want
good looks, utility, efficiency,
capability, a rocking stereo, a high
ride height, and a comfortable
but sporty ride experience.
Alisa Priddle2.3TPRO Sharp interior design • Strong engine choices • Hides Ford roots well CON Gets pricey fast • Grabby brakes • Overly large key fobSUVOTY
2020 Lincoln Corsair
Finalists
32 MOTORTREND.COM JANUARY 2020