2021 Lincoln Corsair Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

After discontinuing the small crossover MKC, Lincoln introduced the Corsair in 2020 as its replacement. And boy, what a replacement it was! The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered luxury buyers an affordable starting MSRP, and the list of standard safety features made the Corsair worth its price tag. The 2.3-L engine's smooth performance delighted buyers and car gurus alike, and its quiet mannerisms while even reaching up to full throttle on the highway was rather impressive.

Of course, there were some less-than-impressive things to be found on the inaugural Corsair. Folks were not as enchanted by its limited leg and head room in the rear, and the sun roof really cut off space for taller occupants. Also, some of the cabin materials were - while premium - not quite what luxury buyers expected from the Lincoln brand name.

Buyers also found out that picking out optional packages racked the price tag up pretty quickly, as the packages and stand-alone options can get expensive. That being said, the powertrain warranty coverage is slightly longer than average for this segment, so there is some value to be found there.

So, has anything changed for the 2021 line-up? Well, yes. Lincoln is actually debuting the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model later in the model year, which should be intriguing, to say the very least. A new Monochromatic package is also making its way into the list of options for 2021. Some packages are having their contents rearranged, so you will see some differences in terms of options and packages. Aside from that, though, everything else will carry over.

Could this fresh face on the luxury crossover SUV market be the right one for you? Do any of the trim levels best meet your needs, budget- and feature-wise? Let us take a closer look at what each one has to offer and, in the end, discuss which trim level presents the best overall deal for the average buyer in this ultra-competitive segment.

Compare the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Standard vs Standard I Trims. What is the difference?

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair's base trim, which is referred to as the Corsair Standard, has a 2.0-L turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine that delivers its power with the help of an 8-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that comes with paddle activation. This engine also has active grille shutters. Of course, if you want, you can opt for the higher-powered turbocharged 2.3-L inline-4 cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on the 2.0-L engine but leaves all-wheel drive as an option while, on the 2.3-L, AWD is the only drivetrain option.

On the 2.0-L engine Corsair, you get standard 18-inch Warm-Painted Alloy wheels. There are options for other wheels: 18-inch Bright-Machined Aluminum with Dark Tarnish Finish, 19-inch Premium Painted Aluminum, 19-inch Bright-Machined Aluminum with Magnetic-Painted Pockets, 20-inch Bright-Machined Aluminum with Magnetic-Painted Pockets, or 20-inch Black Aluminum. The 2.3-L engine only gives you 20-inch Bright-Machined Aluminum with Magnetic-Painted Pockets.

So, what kinds of features should you expect to find inside of the Corsair Standard? Well, you get a cabin that is heated and cooled by a standard dual zone automatic climate control system. Other standard features include symphonic chime sounds, a push button start feature with the intelligent access system, a shifter done in Piano Key color, active noise control, and cruise control. Add to that the Lincoln Connect system, Lincoln Way App, some chic Pinstripe Aluminum interior trim, a steering wheel that is wrapped in leather, and floor mats for the front and rear. The Standard also has an exterior temperature gauge and compass as part of its message center. There is also a particulate air filtration system that helps keep the air circulating through the cabin clean. The rear window has a defroster as well as a wiper and washer on it.

On top of that, the Corsair Standard gives you an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a manually tilting and telescoping steering column, two illuminated vanity mirrors on the front sun visors, and one-touch auto up/down on the front and rear windows. Add to that power door locks, a sunglasses holder in the overhead console, a remote start system, two 12-volt power outlets, the high-tech Lincoln Co-Pilot360, a cargo management system, a 6.5-inch color cluster display, post impact braking, and personal profiles.

Want some extra options? On the Standard, you can tack on a 360-degree surround view camera system, ambient interior lighting, front door scuff plates that light up, a HomeLink universal garage door opener, a heated steering wheel, an evasive steering assist function, a forward sensing system, and a reverse brake assist.

Infotainment doesn't get skimped on as far as base trims go either. The Standard starts you off with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen located within the center stack; it comes with a swipe capability on the screen. You also get treated to a 10-speaker Lincoln Premium Audio System with a subwoofer that comes along for extra oomph. SiriusXM Radio Satellite, the well-loved and user-friendly Sync 3 infotainment system, two USB ports, and two smart charging USB ports all come equipped in the Standard Corsair. One option - that being for the Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System - does get left over.

Seating on the Standard Corsair includes 10-way power adjustable comfort front seats with power lumbar and memory built into them. They also have a heated function integrated into them for extra comfort on colder days. The rear seats are a 60/40-split fold bench design, and everything is done in some seriously chic Lincoln Soft Touch Seating Surfaces. You can opt for ventilation on the front seats, heated rear outboard seats, an EasyFold seat back release, and Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather-trimmed seats.

The Corsair Standard's exterior appearance includes some upscale design choices. It features automatic high beam headlights, auto-folding and memory on the power-folding and heated side mirrors, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, bright beltline molding, polished tips for the dual exhaust, daytime running lights, a power liftgate, LED signature lamps that come with the LED automatic headlights, a lane keep system, LED taillights, the Lincoln Embrace system, a reverse sensing system, and roof ditch molding. If you want, you can add Active Park Assist Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist (which also comes with Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition, and Stop and Go), a panoramic vista roof with a power sun shade, windshield wipers that are able to sense rain, and de-icer for the rear windshield wiper.

When it comes to safety, Lincoln does not hold back. Standard safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking with the Pre-collision Assist feature, MyKey, Roll Stability Control with the AdvanceTrac system, a rear-view camera, the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Security features, such as a perimeter alarm and the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, help keep the vehicle safe from theft.

Want to add a package or two? On the Corsair Standard, you can take your pick from: the Convenience Package, Premium Package, Elements Package, Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus Package, Sports Package, and Towing Package.

So, what does the Standard I add? It takes everything from the Standard but adds on the EasyFold feature for the second-row 60/40-split folding rear seats. It also gives you standard ambient interior lighting, voice-activated navigation, and the 18-inch Bright-Machined Aluminum Wheels with a Dark Tarnish Finish. While it isn't a full trim level difference, it is about a half-step up between the Standard and the Reserve.

Compare the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Standard I vs Reserve Trim Level. What is the difference?

Now, the Reserve is where things get even more high-end. As far as the gas variants go, it is the line-topper. You can get it as a Reserve or Reserve I, but the latter only offers two additions: the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus Package and the Elements Package. Therefore, it is hard to write a real comparison of the two, so we are lumping them - for the most part - together.

The Reserve gives you both the 2.0-L and 2.3-L engine options, meaning you get the same Lincoln Drive Modes, Integral Bush Rear Suspension, hill start assist, traction control, 3.81 Rear Axle Ratio, and auto hold. Of course, this means you can opt for the intelligent AWD and the adaptive suspension.

On the inside, the first big change you will notice is the 12.3-inch Color Cluster Display. This display shows you crisp graphics for relevant driving and vehicle data. Ambient interior lighting comes standard, and you also get upgraded to a nifty looking frameless interior rear-view mirror. The steering column becomes power tilting and telescoping and gains a memory function. Options for this trim level include Phone As A Key, a wireless charging pad, genuine wood interior trim, and a Lincoln Star for center console that lights up.

The big upgrade to the infotainment set-up is the 14-speaker Revel Audio System with its high-end, high-tech HD Radio. As fa as the seats go, the Bridge of Weir seats become standard. However, an option does open up for the ultra comfy Perfect Position 24-way power front seats with active motion massage functionality. We know, it sounds phenomenal.

A few things do change to the exterior of the Corsair Reserve too. The liftgate gains hands-free access, there are LED fog lights, LED turn signal indicators are added onto the side mirrors, and there are roof rack side rails equipped. Jeweled LED headlights get added to the list of options.

Compare the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Reserve vs Grand Touring Trim. What is the difference?

That leaves us with the late-release Grand Touring, which is only coming as a plug-in hybrid. That's right, this only comes as a plug-in with an estimated 25 miles of pure electric range and a total of 266 hp. The hybrid powertrain it mated up with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and comes standard with the adaptive suspension. The 19-inch wheels will have a unique finish to them, and the detailing along the upper grille will be Grand Touring exclusive. There will be a body-colored lower bumper and rocker panel trim, a charging port door, and a vehicle warning system with audible warnings for pedestrians.

An optional 301A package package will give the Grand Touring the essentials of what comes on the Reserve's 201A package: rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, de-icer for the windshield wiper, the surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, evasive steering assist, and the automated parking system.

Which Trim to Choose?

Overall, the 2021 Lincoln Corsair represents some forward momentum for the once-dying Lincoln brand. Just when you thought that name had fizzled, they have returned with a luxury vehicle with many good things going for it. If they can make a few more positive changes in the next few years, the Corsair will become stiff competition for longer-standing rivals.

This year, our trim level pick has to be the Reserve trim level. With the Grand Touring being a late release, we don't know enough about it yet to make a judgment call. The Standard is nice enough and makes for a good base trim, but when you're dedicated to buying luxury, this is the way to go. The Reserve has everything you could possibly ask for and then some. We really like the 12.3-inch digital cluster and the upgraded sound system. You are also still left with enough options to be able to customize the Corsair until your heart is content. You might even want to try out the new Monochromatic package and play around with that aesthetic.