The 2020 Lincoln Corsair Sets Sail in a Jam-Packed SUV Harbor at the New York Auto Show

Prior to its official introduction at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, Lincoln granted journalists an exclusive preview of the Corsair. While the successor to the slow-moving Lincoln MKC appears cleverly arranged and technologically advanced, the luxury division of Ford must demonstrate its ability to win over consumers in a fiercely competitive segment that includes leading models like the Acura RDX, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Range Rover Evoque, and various others. 

Amidst the plentiful marketing and design terminologies from Lincoln executives—including mentions of the brand’s “Quiet Flight” mantra and cabins described as “human sanctuaries”—we delved deeper to grasp how the Corsair can distinguish itself in this fiercely competitive market. Mixing stylistic elements from the Aviator and Navigator with a subtle hint of Audi and Range Rover (the latter evident in the gently sloping roofline and prominent roof spoiler), the Corsair certainly possesses a unique appeal. Unlike some of Lincoln’s rebadged predecessors, the Corsair avoids confusion with its Ford-branded Escape cousin. While traditional enthusiasts, like myself, might mistakenly refer to it as the Corvair, this should not impact the target audience of young professionals or empty nesters deemed crucial by Lincoln for this crossover. 

The Corsair does not push the envelope in terms of design, opting for a conservative, upright approach akin to its sibling Lincoln SUVs, but with a more nimble demeanor. Featuring Lincoln’s iconic brightwork grille on a notably broad and low design, with elegantly contoured body sides and alloy wheels ranging from 18 inches to optional 20-inch variants. The rear fascia stands out with distinctive “S-curves” reminiscent of stacked saucers—or a more subdued Renault—accented by slender LED taillights and a contemporary full-span lighting strip. Activating the liftgate via smartphone showcases Lincoln’s “Phone As a Key” technology, capable of replacing a traditional key fob entirely and governing various functions such as locking, unlocking, starting, and storing up to 80 individual user presets. The blacked-out front and rear roof pillars might provoke some armchair design critics, but Lincoln’s designers supported this choice with a series of sketches illustrating how they visually elongate the vehicle. 

Similar to some of its smaller rivals, the Corsair—manufactured alongside the Escape in Louisville, Ky.—will solely offer turbocharged four-cylinder versions: a 2.0-liter delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.3-liter producing 280 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed, paddle-operated automatic transmission. Intelligent all-wheel drive is available with either engine, featuring a rear-axle disconnect for efficient front-wheel drive operation. For AWD models, five selectable driving modes replace traditional names like “Eco” and “Sport” with “Conserve” and “Excite” respectively. An optional 12.3-inch digital driver’s display dynamically showcases these driving modes, while an eight-inch central touchscreen remains a choice feature.

Excitement is subjective, with Lincoln emphasizing the Corsair’s tranquility, luxury, and connectivity, without a hint of emphasis on sportiness or performance. While Rolls-Royce reigns in “wafting,” Lincoln pledges “gliding” as the predominant experience. Contrasted with the more budget-friendly Escape, the Corsair incorporates a dual-wall dashboard with a composite barrier against noise and vibrations, active noise cancellation, and a distinct multi-link rear suspension dubbed the “Integral Bush” design. An acoustic windshield comes standard, with optional acoustic side glass available. 

The cushioned interior strives for the traditional, stack-of-money American style of the Navigator and Aviator, albeit at a more affordable cost. An impressive, hovering center console extends from a predominantly horizontal dashboard. Soft lighting, available in seven hues, highlights a Lincoln emblem below that console. Lincoln’s indulgent, 24-way “Perfect Position” front seats are a luxurious choice, featuring separate thigh supports and massage capabilities. An elegant, ocean-blue-and-white interior is one of three fresh cabin designs. 

A steering wheel includes a push-to-talk button cleverly positioned on the thumb support, ensuring hands stay on the wheel. Standard features include WiFi and Lincoln’s “Co-Pilot 360” with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. For extra cost, owners can enjoy adaptive cruise control with traffic assistance, evasive steering aid, reverse brake assistance, and a self-parking system that handles everything with a single button press—automated steering, shifting, braking, and throttle control for both parallel and straight-in parking. Optional additions consist of a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, a 14-speaker Revel premium sound system, and a wireless phone charger in the central armrest.

The Corsair boasts ample passenger and cargo room (as well as excellent visibility): Similar to the Escape, the second-row seat in the Corsair can slide six inches back and forth, providing more legroom (at 38.6 inches) than some significantly larger SUVs, including the Mercedes GLS-Class and Tesla Model X. The rear seat’s reclining function is manually operated, unlike some fully automated competitors. However, cargo space behind the upright second row is also generous, as Lincoln demonstrated by fitting four large suitcases inside. Pricing for the 2020 Corsair, available in the fall, has not yet been announced by Lincoln. Nevertheless, an estimated base price of around $36,000 to $37,000 seems likely, slightly higher than the current MKC and comparable to Acura’s RDX. 

This former Detroit resident was impressed by the assortment of six onboard “symphonic chimes” that play in different scenarios, all taken from recordings by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The reception of the Corsair by the public remains to be seen, whether it will receive an enthusiastic welcome or a more subdued reaction.