Staying on course – the 2024 Lincoln Corsair

Ever since the Lincoln Corsair SUV came out in 2019 as a 2020 model, it has been the brand’s best-selling vehicle. But most often when most people think of a Lincoln SUV, the full-sized Navigator comes to mind, overlooking the Corsair. This week, Lincoln has me in their popular SUV that seems to be living under the shadows of the Navigator.

The Corsair is Lincoln’s smallest SUV sitting not just below the popular Navigator but also under the Aviator and the midsize Nautilus. The name Corsair isn’t new to the Ford Motor Company (which Lincoln is a part of), as the name was used in other products like the Edsel Corsair.

The Corsair is a handsome small SUV that seats five. It rides on a platform like that of the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport. Last year, the Corsair received an exterior face-lift that included a waterfall grille and wing-shaped daytime running lights along with a larger instrument and infotainment screens and the availability of ActiveGlide – Lincolns hands-free driving system. Due to those numerous changes, the Corsair goes unchanged for 2024.

The Corsair is available in three different trim levels. The base Premiere (which was called the Standard last year) and Reserve trim levels are powered by a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Grand Touring model comes exclusively as a plug-in hybrid.

The Premiere Corsair may fit the needs of most buyers. It’s front wheel driven (although all-wheel drive is optional) and is fitted with 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual zone climate control, faux leather, power seats with heaters, remote start and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as digital instrument panel.

Moving up to the Reserve, the Corsair gets real leather along with larger 19-inch wheels and interior ambient lighting. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring uses a plug-in powertrain that features all-wheel drive, has a panoramic sunroof as well as an adaptive suspension.

The tester arrived as Corsair Reserve but was fitted with the Collection III package. This package adds adaptive headlights, Lincoln’s ActiveGlide hands-free system, heated rear seats and a heads-up display. The MSRP is $61,395.

The Corsair boasts a handsome cabin that’s like those in other Lincoln SUVs. Adjustable ambient lighting, 24-way power-adjustable seats, a heads-up display, and an app that allows users to unlock, lock, and start the vehicle with their smartphone are all available. Also available are two special interior themes. A Smoked Truffle adds a series of warmly toned trims and upholsteries to the Corsair’s cabin while the Eternal Red provides a throwback look with deep, red-colored leather and bright aluminum trim. The Corsair’s cargo bay is generously sized – allowing for 27.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and the seats slid back and 57.6 cubes with them folded.

On the road, the Corsair is a surprise. I was expecting a nice, comfortable, but uneventful driving experience. The first two attributes were there, but instead of a boring drive, I found the Corsair to be surprisingly engaging and entertaining to drive, especially when the drive mode is set to the Excite setting. The steering is well weighted and responsive and body roll is controlled with the adaptive dampers. The turbocharged 2.0-liter can propel the Corsair to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. The Corsair isn’t crazy fast, but it is fast enough to be quite enjoyable.

Although the Corsair is a small SUV, Lincoln doesn’t skimp on interior features. And the Corsair offers something no other vehicle in its class has – a hands-free driving system. Competing with the likes of the Acura RDX, Cadillac XT4, Genesis GV70, and Lexus NX, the Corsair is worth a look if you’re in the market for an upscale small crossover.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve

Base Price: $45,415.00
Price as Tested: $61,395.00
Layout: front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 250 hp
Torque: 275 ft-lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city / 28 highway

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