Introduced last year as a replacement for the MKC small crossover SUV, the Lincoln Corsair shares much of its underlying design with the Ford Escape. As a Lincoln, though, the Corsair boasts a more upscale look and nicer interior materials. It also offers some cool tech features, such as the ability to use your phone as the SUV's key, and a 295-horsepower four-cylinder engine upgrade that's not available for the Escape.
For 2021, the Corsair is mostly unchanged. But a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option will come later in 2021. Offered on the Grand Touring trim level only, this plug-in hybrid Corsair should offer around 25 miles of all-electric power before it switches over to regular hybrid operation.
The 2021 Corsair is the least expensive path to Lincoln ownership, and it's priced and packaged to compete with both extra-small and small SUVs from other premium brands. Overall, it emphasizes hushed comfort and fancy detailing, leaving outright performance to the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Learn more by reading our full Expert Rating of the 2021 Corsair.
Lincoln offers its entry-level SUV in Corsair, Reserve and Grand Touring trim levels. The Grand Touring is new for 2021 and denotes the plug-in hybrid version of the Corsair.
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, but since the 2021 Lincoln Corsair is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
2021 Lincoln Corsair
2021 Cadillac XT4
Cadillac is a natural competitor to Lincoln, and its entry-level SUV is called the XT4. Smaller and less refined than the Corsair, the Cadillac XT4 is nevertheless roomy for people if not cargo. It also offers nimble driving characteristics, and base prices are within a few hundred dollars of the Corsair. However, the XT4 lacks polish, and it can't match the Lincoln Corsair in ownership perks.
Touted as a world-first engine technology, the Infiniti QX50's innovative variable-compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine promises both performance and fuel efficiency. On paper, that's true. In the real world, the QX50's continuously variable transmission and hefty 2-ton curb weight conspire against it. It does, however, offer impressive cargo and passenger space for the segment. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Infiniti QX50.
Bold design, turbocharged power, a roomy passenger compartment, and Lexus reliability and refinement are the primary draws of the NX 300. The styling, however, is not appealing to everyone. Also, the NX 300's infotainment system interface is a regular source of frustration, and the cargo space behind the back seat measures barely bigger than a Lexus ES sedan's trunk. The newer Lincoln Corsair is a worthy alternative to this aging Lexus.
Lincoln continues to round out its SUV offerings by adding a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the newly introduced Corsair. The 2021 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors to create an estimated total system output of 266 horsepower. With one motor dedicated to driving the rear wheels, the Corsair Grand Touring will have on-demand electric all-wheel drive, a first for Lincoln.
Electrification is slowly but surely becoming a bigger part of the luxury landscape, and Lincoln doesn't want to be left behind. The Corsair is aimed squarely at introducing younger buyers interested in alternative power to the brand. A strong PHEV offering from Lincoln would both help capture those buyers and ease their transition to any future all-electric Lincoln products.
The small luxury plug-in SUV market is surprisingly robust these days. At this year's LA Auto Show, PHEV versions of both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X3 were on display. Both are more powerful than the Corsair Grand Touring, but Lincoln's range estimates are slightly longer.
Edmunds saysThe 2021 Lincoln Corsair adds the Grand Touring trim, a plug-in hybrid designed more around efficiency and luxury than added performance.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lincoln Corsair:
The least-expensive 2021 Lincoln Corsair is the 2021 Lincoln Corsair 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,105.
Other versions include:
