2020 Lincoln Corsair Pros vs Cons

The Lincoln Corsair is a sleek vehicle that's on the smaller size of Lincoln's collection of SUVs. Taking the place of the MKC, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair will be able to attract a lot of attention because of it's engine options and comfortable interior. There are a few drawbacks to the SUV, but it still manages to be a solid contender in the growing SUV/crossover market.

What's New for 2020?

The all-new Corsair has a similar shape to the more budget-friendly Ford Escape, but it definitely feels much more refined on both the exterior and the interior. Compared with the MKC, the Corsair is a bit longer, sits about an inch lower to the ground, and has more advanced technology. It has definitely gotten refreshed enough to warrant a name change.

There are two trims to choose from on the 2020 Lincoln Corsair: the Standard and the Reserve. With each trim, there are numerous options to consider related to add-ons and upgrades.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Lincoln Corsair – The Pros

1. Two Available Engines

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair comes standard with a turbo-charged 2.0-liter I4 engine. This component can manage to generate 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded engine is available on both the Corsair Standard and Reserve trims. It's a 2.3-liter I4 model that packs more punch, coming with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With this amount of horsepower on a relatively compact vehicle, acceleration has a defined zip to it.

2. Stay in Control

An eight-speed SelectShift automatic transmission is paired with the engine in the Corsair, regardless of which engine is chosen. It comes with paddle activation so drivers can get the experience of manually shifting up or down when changing speeds.

Further, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair comes with five drive modes. The Normal drive mode is likely to be the most commonly used, with the Excite and Conserve being on either ends of the spectrum. It's nice that people would have the opportunity to decide whether to turn the aggression up or take things more slowly. The other two drive modes - Slippery and Deep Conditions - can be selected when the conditions call for it.

3. Not Afraid of Any Season

Intelligent all-wheel drive is offered on all the Corsair trims. With this in place, the vehicle can automatically shift between front-wheel and all-wheel drive depending on how much traction is needed. The best thing is that the driver doesn't have to decide when to engage AWD; the vehicle continually gathers data and will make appropriate adjustments when the time is right.

4. Easy on the Fuel Consumption

It can be hard to strike a balance between creating a high-performing vehicle and building one that's efficient. With the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, the manufacturers did a pretty good job. The 2.0-liter engine with front-wheel drive can achieve an estimated 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city. Highway mileage is a bit better, at 29 mpg. The all-wheel drive version sees its city fuel economy drop down slightly to 21 mpg. On the 2.3-liter models, efficiency is pretty close, at 21/28 (city/highway) mpg. These numbers aren't sky high, but they are more than respectable.

5. Nice Wheels

There are six wheel choices on the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, though only the more premium components are available on the higher trims. The selection starts with two 18-inch wheels, and the range goes up to 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels with magnetic painted pockets. It's the little touches like wheel selection that can make many consumers feel like they're getting more than what they pay for.

6. Innovative LED lighting

LEDs are found throughout the exterior of the Corsair. The LED headlights are automatic, and an available jeweled design on the headlights will help the SUV make an impression everywhere it goes. The turn signal indicators also use LEDs, as do the taillamps. The back of the Corsair displays Lincoln's signature full-width taillamps that have soft curves and a starburst pattern. They're streamlined, elegant, and easy for others to see.

7. Flexible Cargo Area

The cargo capacity on the 2020 Lincoln Corsair is 57.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are lowered. When those rear passengers are in the vehicle, cargo capacity is still sizable, at 27.6 cubic feet. Plus, there are small compartments tucked away in strategic places, including under the floor. The cabin can look clean and organized, with every item having its own place.

8. Movable Second Row

When every inch matters, it's important to have options for where to place the second-row seats. In the Corsair, those seats can slide forward or backwards by six inches. This can be key if a taller passenger is riding the back or when a bulky item is being transported in the cargo area. The seats can also recline if anyone wants to take a nap on a road trip or otherwise get in a more comfortable position. The back row is configured as a 60/40 split-fold bench to allow for some versatility.

9. A Peaceful Cabin

In a luxury vehicle, one would expect to have a quiet ride. Because the Corsair is built with glass that can block sound, acoustic insulation in various places, and active noise cancellation, the ride is so peaceful. The insulated firewall in the area between the cabin and engine makes a big difference in blocking out engine noise.

Elegant materials around the seating area add to the ambience in the Corsair. The trim can either be made out of real wood or pinstripe aluminum. The standard Soft Touch Seating surfaces feel and look expensive, and the higher trims have the more luxurious Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather on their seats.

10. Advanced Technology

Several elements stand out in this area. First, all models of the Corsair come with an eight-inch LCD touchscreen that has the right amount of sensitivity and the ability to understand swipe commands. The infotainment system comes with SYNC 3 voice-activated technology, making it easier for people to quickly make calls, play music, and check messages.

Optional features in the Reserve trim include "Phone as a Key" and wireless charging. The "Phone as a Key" program changes the way people access their vehicles, as it lets drivers set up their smartphones to act as keys. With a smartphone in hand or in a pocket, someone can lock or unlock the car and even start up the engine and drive away, all while leaving the actual key at home.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Lincoln Corsair – The Cons

1. Angled Roofline

The slight downward slope to the 2020 Lincoln Corsair gives it a distinct look. At the same time, it can make the back seat feel a bit more cramped. Head room in the second row is less than 39 inches, and this may bother some adults riding in the back.

2. Advanced Driver-Assist Features Only Optional

In the luxury SUV market, one might expect a full collection of driver-assist features to be standard. On the Lincoln Corsair, a few systems are optional rather than standard. Evasive Steering Assist, a program that can perform evasive maneuvers to avoid obstacles, and Forward Sensing System, a mechanism that can help with parallel parking, are options.

3. Leaving People Cold

While the materials are quite nice inside the Lincoln, the lack of standard heating elements is noticeable. The Corsair Standard without any packages lacks heated front seats, which are becoming pretty widespread in the industry. It also lacks ventilated front seats and heating in the steering wheel and back row. The Reserve trim does come with heated front seats, but the other features just mentioned are optional.

4. Basic Engine Isn't Exciting

The standard engine on the Lincoln Corsair is fine, but it's not exactly a shining star. 250 horsepower can get the job done in most cases, but the Lincoln wouldn't be a first choice if anyone ever has to occasionally tow cargo.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Cargo space is a plus on the Corsair. In this regard, it offers more than the Cadillac XT4 does. For busy, active people, this can be what pushes them towards the Lincoln. Another way in which the Corsair wins is in terms of the driving experience, as everything is smooth and controlled. The ability of the vehicle to dampen external sounds is exceptional, especially in comparison with the more noisy Lexus NX.

Conclusion

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair is poised to make a splash in the SUV/crossover market. It shows off the brand's refined tastes, and it's exterior stylings can grab attention for all of the right reasons. There's the opportunity to get a higher performing engine for anyone who enjoys revving the engine from time to time. The base models of the Corsair are reasonably priced, making this vehicle an affordable one that still falls in the luxury category. With additions and upgrades, the Corsair can be quite a stunner. Overall, it's a good purchase for anyone looking for a compact SUV that drives well and comes with many conveniences.