The Ford Escape is one of the best-selling compact-sized crossovers on the market. But what if you'd like an Escape with a bit more exclusivity ... and a lot more power?
Lincoln's got you covered.
What It Is
The Corsair is an upscale version of the Ford Escape sold under the Lincoln label. Both models share a common basic platform, but the Lincoln picks up where Ford leaves off.
It comes standard with the strongest engine you can get in the Escape and is available with one of the strongest engines in the class, period.
You can also get it with an automatically adjusting suspension, Perfect Position massaging seats, a 12-inch flat-screen main instrument panel, an outstanding 14-speaker Revel ultra-premium audio system and the ability to use your phone as a key — features not available in the Escape. Or in most of its rivals.
Prices start at $35,945 for the base trim with a 250 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system, the price rises to $38,145. A top-of-the-line Reserve trim with AWD lists for $44,830.
Models with AWD can be upgraded to a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 280 horsepower for an additional $1,140.
What's New
The Corsair replaces the MKC as Lincoln's entry-level crossover.
What's Good
It has a very strong standard engine and an even stronger optional engine.
It has an extremely adjustable back seat that can be reclined and moved forward or backward 6 inches, opening up lots of legroom or cargo room.
If you don't need all-wheel drive, you don't have to pay extra for it. The FWD version costs thousands less than AWD-only rivals like the Audi Q5 ($42,950 to start).
What's Not So Good
The top-gun engine is only available with AWD, which bumps up the price by several thousand bucks.
Base trims get the same LCD touch screen as found in the Ford Escape (but with Lincoln's version of the Sync3 operating system).
Lincoln's Black Label concierge service isn't available.
Under the Hood
The Corsair starts out with more power than some of its rivals offer, and its optional 280 horsepower engine outguns everything price-competitive.
It's also a simpler and, therefore, probably more reliable engine long term, compared with what's under the hood of rivals like the just-redesigned 2020 Mercedes GLC, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt electrical system/battery/motor in a "mild hybrid" configuration. This does improve the Benz's fuel mileage but at the cost of much-increased complexity ... and cost (it starts at $43,495).
On the Road
Even with its base engine, the Corsair is quick. But it's much quicker with its optional 2.3-liter engine, which is basically the same engine previously used in the high-performance Ford Focus RS but packaged more discreetly in the elegant and luxurious-looking Corsair. This will surprise those not expecting it.
Another surprise is how quiet the Corsair is compared with the Escape. Lincoln put a lot of thought into this, as well as sound-deadening insulation.
The ride is also noticeably smoother than the Escape's, especially with the optional adjustable suspension.
At the Curb
Crossovers — whether bread-and-butter or luxury-branded — are fundamentally about versatility. The Corsair's reclining/sliding rear seats are exceptionally so, opening up almost 40 inches of back-seat legroom (enormous for a compact-sized crossover) or allowing the cargo area to be expanded to almost 58 cubic feet.
The Corsair is also very luxurious, especially for the price. Massaging seats are generally a feature you'll find only in vehicles twice or more the Corsair's MSRP.
It also offers uniquely Lincoln features, such as the exterior keypad entry system, or the ability to use your phone to unlock (and lock) the doors.
The Rest
An interesting feature the Corsair shares with the Escape is that its optional AWD system can be disconnected by the driver when the extra traction isn't needed. This should improve fuel economy over that of the typical always-on AWD system, and it will definitely reduce wear and tear over time, which ought to reduce long-term maintenance costs as well.
The optional Co-Pilot360 Plus system can automatically adjust your cruise control set speed to the speed limit and will keep the Corsair centered in its travel lane.
The Bottom Line
If you haven't checked out a new Lincoln lately, you might want to!
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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