Overview
Hidden behind the luxury façade of the 2023 Lincoln Corsair lurks a humble Ford Escape, but a thick veneer of premium materials effectively masks its middle-class origins. The Corsair’s road manners and cabin environs mimic those of its larger and more expensive Lincoln stablemates. Most models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder but a plug-in hybrid is also offered—though it requires springing for the top Grand Touring trim. Lincoln’s take on luxury differs from European rivals such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, and it may not align with the taste of driving enthusiasts. No matter. It’s an upscale package, one that aims at satisfying those who value comfort above driving thrills.
What’s New for 2023?
Lincoln’s smallest SUV offering gets a light facelift for 2023 that includes a redesigned grille and exterior lighting elements as well as new wheel designs. The plug-in hybrid Grand Touring model gets fresh satin metallic exterior trim with blue accents to indicate its place atop the Corsair hierarchy. The Corsair’s cabin also sees a handful of improvements, starting with a larger 13.2-inch infotainment screen and a newly standard 12.3-inch digital gauge display. The center console has been reworked, as has the panel where the Corsair’s climate controls are located. Two new interior themes have been added—Smoked Truffle (sounds delicious) and Eternal Red (sounds devilish)—each with its own set of unique trims and upholsteries. The more powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine has been dropped from the lineup, leaving the 250-hp turbo 2.0-liter and the 266-hp 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid as the two available powertrains.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Reserve trim is where it’s at. For the large step up in price, Lincoln provides several must-have items such as 19-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, fog lamps, a 14-speaker Revel stereo system, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a power-adjustable steering column, genuine wood interior trim, and heated front seats covered in