2021 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid Review: Not All That Glitters Is Gold
We really appreciate the fact that the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid looks identical to its gasoline-run counterpart with only a blue-tinted front-fender badges and its plug-in charge port ahead of the driver's door differentiating it. It's a suave and contemporary midsize SUV and a whole lot fancier than its corporate cousin, the Ford Escape, with which it also shares its platform. Unfortunately, as is the case with the regular Corsair SUVs, the PHEV proves rather dull with its 266-horsepower semi-electric powertrain delivering uninspiring responses, to say the least. Competing cars, such as the BMW X3 Hybrid, Audi Q5 Hybrid, and the Volvo XC60 Recharge, all offer more power at around the same price. The only thing that really helps the Corsairs stand out and remain relevant is its superb fuel-efficiency and 28-mile all-electric driving range. It's a very comfortable vehicle, however, and it does boast superb levels of safety and reliability. These qualities are typical of the classification though, so are they enough to make up for the Corsairs listless powertrain. Will loyalty to local brands be enough to see the Lincoln stand up to the German giants?
Corsair Hybrid Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
180.6 in | 106.7 in | 64.1 in | 74.3 in | 62.6 in | 63.4 in | 4,398.0 lbs |
Corsair Hybrid Performance
Engine and Transmission
Beneath the extravagant hood of the 2021 Corsair Hybrid SUV is an urbane 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that's been modulated to churn out up to 266 hp in combination with a single electric motor. Power is transmitted through a continuously variable automatic transmission to the Corsair's intelligent all-wheel drivetrain. Overall, performance from the Corsair Hybrid is really quite listless, especially compared to the more powerful, competing premium SUVs in the classification that come in at similar prices.
Corsair Hybrid Interior
Corsair Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | Unlimited Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid A Good SUV?
Unfortunately, the one flaw that is really holding the Corsair Hybrid back from being a genuinely superb PHEV SUV is the exact thing that makes it what it is - its powertrain. It just feels far too underwhelming, especially in a vehicle that costs so much - the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid SUV's price coming in at $50,390. This could, however, be the compromise Lincoln makes for the vehicle to be as frugal as it is, with an impress fuel economy return of 83/72/78 mpg on the city/highway/combined driving cycles. It also offers a 28-mile all-electric range which is better than what both the X3 Hybrid and XC60 Recharge can achieve. It boasts an exquisite design inside and out, and its interior is quite opulent and spacious, It has a fairly large cargo area, too, but these are all perks that are typical of the premium 5-door SUV segment. After a comprehensive review, the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid earned a five-star safety rating from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, along with a Top Safety Pick designation.
This is the first generation of the Corsair Hybrid in the USA, so Lincoln does still have space to make some improvements bas on how it performs this year. We certainly hope the first step in the right direction will be correcting the faux pas that is the disappointing powertrain. Still, it is a decent offering if you can look past that, and it's somewhat questionable pricing for what you get.
What Lincoln Corsair Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
Lincoln puts forward the 2021 Corsair Hybrid SUV in Grand Touring spec as a standalone model. As such, it comes standard-fit with the top-spec selection of creature comforts and conveniences and the only choice you really have is in the optional extras and packages. Considering how expensive it already is, we would settle for the already-comprehensive list of features. These include intelligent access with push-button start, a 12.3-inch color cluster display, a leather-clad steering wheel, and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone connectivity and a Revel surround-sound audio system. Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids also comes standard, along with a post-impact braking system.