Lincoln remains a bit of a left-field choice among the luxury segment. Part of that stems from Lincoln taking a bit of a different approach to delivering luxury. Whereas brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz prioritize driving engagement and cutting-edge tech and Lexus focuses on efficiency and refinement, Lincoln places much of its emphasis on overall comfort and spaciousness. That M.O. is underscored by the 2023 Corsair.
The Lincoln Corsair isn’t the most polished or fun-to-drive compact luxury crossover, but it delivers a spacious and well-appointed cabin and a driving demeanor that puts comfort over agility. It is also one of the most affordable options in its class. Its value prospects have been improved for 2023 with a revised interior that features upgraded technology. Additionally, the Corsair rides into 2023 with a revised engine lineup and a facelift to its exterior styling. It may not be the most obvious choice in its segment, but the Corsair has its appeal.
2023 Lincoln Corsair
- Model
- 2023 Lincoln Corsair
- Engine:
- 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder/2.5L Hybrid
- Power Output
- 250-266 HP
- Torque
- 275 LB-FT
- Range
- 25 Combined (standard)/78 MPGe (hybrid)
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Automatic/CVT
- Driveline
- FWD/AWD
- MSRP
- $38,690
- Active Glide
- Available Interior Themes
- Leather Upholstery
- Hybrid Powertrain
- Power Liftgate
- Heated Rear Seats
2023 Lincoln Corsair Performance And Capability
The 2023 Corsair is available in three trims — Standard, Reserve, and Grand Touring — with two engine options depending on model. The Standard and Reserve Corsair models are powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All Grand Touring models feature a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor delivering a combined 266 horsepower. The gas-only engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic SelectShift automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive, and the AWD-only Corsair PHEV is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Standard and Reserve Corsairs have slightly less power, but they are sprightlier under acceleration. The 2.0-liter Corsair needs 6.1 seconds to run from 0-60 mph while the Grand Touring requires seven seconds. Unsurprisingly, the PHEV is the more economical choice for fuel costs as it’s rated by the EPA for 78 MPGe (33 combined on gas-power alone) and can drive for up to 28 miles solely on electric power. The front-wheel drive Corsair returns 25 combined mpg, slightly ahead of the AWD version rated for 24 combined. Regardless of powertrain, the Corsair can tow up to 3,000 pounds.
On the road, the Corsair’s focus on comfort comes into focus. The suspension is softly sprung, allowing it to handle uneven pavement without transferring jolts to passengers. Ride quality is supple overall and well-suited for the daily commute. This is especially fitting for the Grand Touring model which comes equipped with adaptive suspension. As such, the Corsair is far from the sprightliest model in its segment. Offerings from Mercedes, BMW, Genesis and others are far more poised when pushed or along twisty tarmac. Both engines have respectable power and operate smoothly, but they are far from the liveliest units available. Overall, the Corsair is far more suited for the highway than an undulating back road.
Exterior Design
The Corsair isn’t the most attention-grabbing small luxury SUV, but its handsome styling is enough to keep it from being completely dull or putting off any potential buyers. The 2023 Corsair has received a mild facelift with a larger grille and wing-shaped daytime running lights. Otherwise, it retains much of the same styling as its predecessor, including a sculpted hood, Corsair badging under the side mirrors, a gently sloping roofline, and relatively short rear overhang with a light bar running the length of the liftgate.
The Corsair is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. The Reserve models has 19-inch iterations and 20-inch wheels are available in the Jet Appearance Package, which also adds black exterior styling and body-color fender molding. The Grand Touring model features blue exterior accents around the grille.
Exterior Dimensions
Length | 181.4 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 83 in. |
Height | 64.1 in. |
Wheelbase | 106.7 in. |
Ground Clearance | 7.9 in. |
Curb Weight | 3,685 lbs. |
Exterior Colors
Shades | Price |
|---|---|
Infinite Black | $0 |
Silver Radiance | $0 |
Ceramic Pearl | $750 |
Pristine White | $750 |
Red Carpet | $750 |
Asher Gray | $750 |
Whisper Blue | $750 |
Crystal Red | $750 |
Interior Quality And Technology
The Corsair’s exterior updates for 2023 are minimal, but Lincoln’s engineers accomplished much more in its cabin. The Corsair now features a 13.2-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which is now standard. The center console now features a quasi-floating design below an array of traditional controls that jut out for easier access.
With the updates, the Corsair now looks more in-line with its larger siblings in Lincoln’s lineup, which is to say, it sports a handsome appearance. Buyers can also opt for two optional interior “themes.” These include Eternal Red with dark red leather highlighted by aluminum trim, or “Smoked Truffle,” featuring blue-toned seatbacks and other visual upgrades.
There’s also no shortage of upscale amenities with soft surfaces and supple leather throughout. However, there are some harder plastics in the interior, and some common features, like a power-adjustable steering column or heated steering wheel, are locked away as options. The Corsair’s standard feature includes dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and conveniences like remote engine start and a power liftgate.
Reserve models feature genuine leather upholstery and interior ambient lighting, while the Grand Touring adds a panoramic sunroof. Optional packages include features like power-folding rear seatbacks, a wireless charging pad, heated rear seats, and a 14-speaker Revel sound system.
One of the most notable highlights of the 2023 Corsair is Lincoln’s Active Glide hands free semi-autonomous driving feature. It allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel with adaptive cruise control that accounts for curves, in-lane repositioning, and hands-free lane changes after the driver hits the turn signal. The system is a direct competitor for GM’s Super Cruise.
The Corsair will seat five passengers comfortably with 39 inches of rear leg and headroom. The cargo area can accommodate up to 27.6 cubic feet of items behind the rear row and up to 58 cubic feet behind the front seats, which is generously sized for the compact class. The Grand Touring is slightly less spacious for passengers that the two lower trims — the PHEV’s total passenger volume is four cubic feet less — likely due to its hybrid powertrain.
Interior Dimensions
Seating Capacity | 5 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 39.5 in. |
Headroom (second row) | 38.7 in. |
Legroom (front) | 43.2 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 38.6 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 57.1 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 56.3 in. |
Cargo Room | 27.6 cu-ft |
2023 Lincoln Corsair Price And Availability
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is available now with prices starting at $38,690, making it one of the most affordable compact luxury SUVs available. The Reserve rings in at $43,075. Adding all-wheel drive to the Standard or Reserve trims costs an additional $2,300. The Grand Touring commands a notable higher price, $53,385, but its longer list of amenities and PHEV drivetrain could be seen as worth the price hike for some shoppers.
2023 Lincoln Corsair Price
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
Standard | $38,690 |
Reserve | $43,075 |
Grand Touring | $53,885 |
Safety
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair receives a five-star overall crash rating by the NHTSA with perfect scores in all but the rollover resistance category in which it received four out of five stars. The Corsair is generously equipped with standard driver’s aids and safety features, including automatic forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic emergency braking, evasive steer assist and an intersection crash mitigation system. Optional add-ons include a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and a head-up display.
Main Competition
The Corsair most closely competes with the Cadillac XT4 in the small luxury SUV segment, another battle between GM and Ford. The XT4 starts at about $2,000 less than the Lincoln, but its cabin is almost spartan in comparison, and it delivers less power. The XT4 isn’t offered as a hybrid of any variety, and while both offer similar passenger space, the Lincoln’s 27.6 cubic feet is significantly more than the 22.5 cubes offered by the Caddy.
The Corsair could also be compared to the Acura RDX as the two model’s specs align in many regards. However, the Corsair is far more attuned to cruising, and it’s more practical, while the RDX is sportier. Shoppers interested in the Corsair should consider staying in the two base trims and avoiding too many options as models like the Genesis GV70 and Lexus RX start around $43,000 to $45,000 and also deliver ample features for the price and a more balanced ride quality. But anyone who puts comfort, price, and pragmaticism above all else should certainly have the Lincoln on their shortlist.
FAQ
Q: Is 2023 Lincoln Corsair being discontinued?
No, the Lincoln Corsair was refreshed for 2023.
Q: How much is a 2023 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring?
The top-of-the-line Corsair Grand Touring starts at $53,885, about $15,000 more than the base model.
Q: 2023 Lincoln Corsair cost?
The 2023 Corsair is available in three trims ranging from $38,690 to $53,885
Q: What is the Ford equivalent of the 2023 Lincoln Corsair
The Ford Escape is the mainstream equivalent of the Corsair, and both models share some of the same underpinnings.