The 2020 Lincoln Corsair replaces the MKC as the brand's compact crossover. While the MKC came off as simply an upscale version of the related Ford Escape, the Corsair displays the style, technology, and refinement of a no-excuses luxury vehicle.
Last year's engines continue, but they're now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for enhanced performance and efficiency. To further distance it from the Escape, the Corsair receives a comfort-tuned rear suspension and active noise cancellation, along with an acoustic windshield and extensive cabin insulation.
Choosing Your Lincoln Corsair
Lincoln offers the Corsair in Standard and Reserve trims. Pricing starts at $36,940 including destination for the Standard and climbs to $43,625 for the Reserve. Prices have increased by just over $2,000 versus the outgoing MKC.
Engine Choices
The Lincoln Corsair is available with two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The standard 2.0-liter provides the level of performance buyers expect in this class. The more potent 2.3-liter is optional on the Reserve only.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 250 hp | 275 lb-ft | Not Yet Rated |
2.3L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 280 hp | 310 lb-ft | Not Yet Rated |
Both engines use a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Pairing the 2.0-liter with all-wheel drive adds $3,600 to the Standard and $2,200 to the Reserve. This includes the cost of certain options that are mandatory with AWD. Upgrading to the 2.3-liter engine on the Reserve costs $6,740 because it requires AWD and an Equipment Collection package.
The Corsair has greater passing power with 2.3-liter, but the difference isn't dramatic. Some buyers might not notice it at all in city driving. EPA ratings are still pending, but we expect the 2.3-liter to get slightly worse fuel economy.
Passenger & Cargo Capacity
The Corsair seats up to five, and the rear seats slide and recline independently. Cargo space is 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row, or 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. That's comparable to other compact luxury crossovers, which tend to favor style over utility.
Safety Features
The Corsair comes standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, a suite of active safety equipment that includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors.
An expanded Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus version is available on both trims for $3,050. It adds adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, reverse automatic emergency braking, front parking sensors, and an advanced park assist system.
Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS aren't available yet. The Corsair should perform at least as well as the MKC, which consistently rated above average.
Connectivity
The Corsair gets an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Also included is a wi-fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, and four USB ports – two in the front and two in the second row.
The Standard trim carries a 10-speaker Lincoln audio system, while the Reserve gets a Revel unit with 14 speakers. Navigation is standard on the Reserve, and available on the Standard.
Standard - From $36,940
The Standard model showcases its luxury status with standard features like 10-way power and heated front seats with memory functionality for the driver, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and dual-zone climate control.
Navigation and button-activated folding second-row seats are available in the $1,650 Standard I Equipment Collection, which also adds ambient interior lighting and a universal garage door opener. Buyers must select this to access a lot of additional features (such as AWD), so very few models will be produced without it.
Buyers can bring the Corsair into full luxury territory with the $2,500 Premium Package that adds a panoramic sunroof, front leather seats, and 19-inch wheels. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are part of the $1,100 Elements Package.
Reserve - From $43,625
The Reserve comes standard with the panoramic sunroof, leather seating, a hands-free liftgate, the power-folding second row, and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Buyers can get the features of the Co-Pilot360 Plus and Elements Package bundled in the Reserve I Equipment Collection for $4,150. This is required to upgrade to the more powerful 2.3-liter engine.
To get a loaded Corsair, opt for the $11,540 Reserve II Equipment Collection. It adds the contents of the Reserve I, 24-way power front seats, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and an adaptive suspension. It also includes a "phone as a key" feature that lets the driver lock, unlock, start, or open the liftgate with their smartphone.
Compare Corsair Trims Side-By-Side
The Standard model's attractive base price doesn't reflect how most buyers will want their 2020 Lincoln Corsair. With luxuries like leather seats and a sunroof standard, the Reserve is the better value.