Page 32 - Motor Trend (January 2020)

SUVOTY

Finalists

PRO Sharp interior design • Strong engine choices • Hides Ford roots well CON Gets pricey fast • Grabby brakes • Overly large key fob

2020 Lincoln Corsair

he 2020 Lincoln Corsair was and the latest in technology,” that’s just how much compact
the sleeper hit of this year’s Seabaugh said. “The Corsair may luxury CUVs go for these days,”
T SUV of the Year judging. not turn a corner like some in the Seabaugh said.
The Corsair (which replaces segment, but it makes up for that As for performance, “this little
the MKC) rides on the same new with a competent, lightweight thing is quick,” Evans said, calling
front-drive architecture as the chassis, direct steering, and a out its “stout” base engine and its good in the giant showroom when
2020 Ford Escape, but designers punchy little engine.” “firecracker” upgrade. But some you see it there, but it doesn’t
and engineers at Lincoln erased The base engine is a 250-hp, judges questioned whether the scale down in a smaller space.”
any similarities in look or feel. This 280-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo-four slightly larger engine is worth Some judges loved the
is a clear case of Lincoln putting with an eight-speed automatic the cost when less than 1 second 24-way adjustable seats; others
in the extra effort. transmission. Or you can opt for splits their times from 0 to 60. complained they felt the cross-
“A solid and surprising offering the 280-hp, 310-lb-ft 2.3-liter The Corsair is fun to drive with bars. Lots of praise was lavished
from Lincoln,” Loh said. It costs turbo-four. All-wheel drive is some lean into the corners and on the rich sound from the Revel
more, but there is evidence you available. bounce on the transitions. It stereo system. The floating center
get what you pay for. “The Corsair represents feels alive and delivers a quiet console houses ergonomically
“The Lincoln focuses much another step toward making this and absorbent ride. It’s also an pleasing slanted buttons. The
more on coddling its occupants luxury brand relevant again,” overachiever in the dirt. The AWD minimal controls on the elegant
with soft leathers, a beautiful Zach Gale said. “Those who give system will throttle-steer itself out steering wheel are easy to use,
interior with gorgeous trim, it a chance and can stomach of a corner like a rally car. But the especially the push-to-talk
the prices will find a solid luxury brakes’ bite was grabby for some. button, located where your left
crossover with smart touches. The The interior gives off a midcen- thumb rests.
Detroit Symphony entry chimes, tury modern vibe. “The interior The compact crossover is
the Lexus-like leather of the inte- is impressive, with soft-touch roomy for its size, and second-row
rior door pulls, and that clamshell materials and high-grade leather occupants get air vents, two USB
rear liftgate are emotionally delivering luxurious opulence— ports, and a 12-volt power outlet.
grabbing details.” exceptional for the segment,” de But the key fob is ridiculous in its
The Corsair 2.0T AWD starts Nysschen said. size and heft.
at $39,140, but our tester was But Rechtin differed: “Trying to The Corsair should appeal to
optioned up to $54,375. Although shove all of the styling elements young professionals who want
that’s less than the Range Rover from the full-size Navigator into a good looks, utility, efficiency,
Evoque, it’s still a chilling number. compact Corsair is like trying to capability, a rocking stereo, a high
More so, the 2.3T AWD Reserve take a modernist sectional couch ride height, and a comfortable
has a $45,825 base price, but and put it in a 400-square-foot but sporty ride experience.
ours listed for $62,400. “Maybe apartment. It may look really Alisa Priddle

SPECS 2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.0T (AWD) 2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.3T (AWD Reserve)
Base Price/As Tested $39,140/$54,375 $45,825/$62,400
Power (SAE net) 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm 295 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm 310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Accel, 0-60 mph 7.3 sec 6.5 sec
Quarter Mile 15.6 sec @ 88.4 mph 15.0 sec @ 92.9 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 126 ft 118 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.79 g (avg) 0.80 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 27.7 sec @ 0.67 g (avg) 27.3 sec @ 0.67 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb 21/29/24 mpg 21/28/24 mpg 2.3T

Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engine/Transmission 2.0T 2.0L turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4/8-speed automatic
2.3T 2.3L turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4/8-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 2.0T 3,983 lb (56/44%) 2.3T 4,047 lb (56/44%) Wheelbase 106.7
in Length x Width x Height 180.6 x 76.2 x 64.1 in Energy Consumption, City/Hwy 2.0T 160/116 kW-hr/100 miles 2.3T 160/120 kW-hr/100 miles
CO2 Emissions, Comb 2.0T 0.81 lb/mile 2.3T 0.82 lb/mile
32 MOTORTREND.COM JANUARY 2020