My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Lincoln Corsair

This is not the Lincoln you grew up with.

Not the classic 1941 Continental that changed the brand’s perception to the world that it can create a car that defies national borders while redefining American style. Nor it is the classic 1961 Continental that also redefined the American luxury car by modernizing it for a new decade. 

This is far removed from the Mark series that was reborn in 1968 with Lincoln’s spin on the personal luxury car. For me, the Fox platform-based Mark VII pushed Lincoln into segment sales leadership by showing what a future-forward luxury car looks like.

We never envisioned a Lincoln that only offered SUVs. So, here we are. Once the Navigator took flight, Ford’s luxury brand was never looking back.

On one hand, this is a sad state of affairs. I loved the last Continental sedan. I wished it would survived for a few more years. 

However, today’s Lincoln is infusing its all-SUV lineup in its own image. With the Navigator on top, all other models will certainly fall into line. 

This is where we are at – the 2023 Corsair. Lincoln’s smallest offering undertook a very tasteful update that looks ahead at the brand’s future with a nod to its past and present. 

The only question I have for this smallest SUV is whether it is truly a Lincoln in the classic sense. 

First off, let me ruin your fantasy. The current Corsair is shared on a compact SUV platform underpinning the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The upshot here is that the Corsair looks and feels nothing like either of those two lesser vehicles. The result is a vehicle that is absolutely intended to be a Lincoln – and nothing else. 

One look outside will tell you that the brand’s style has evolved by referencing design elements from current and previous years and adding more distinction for today’s consumer. It’s large shimmering grille to its subtle horizontal taillights out back indicate that distinctive style coming through. The roofline is on the “formal” side with plenty of glass for good vision throughout. Below the beltline is a sculpted body with Lincoln-specific design details – including the chrome element carrying the nameplate of this model. 

This Reserve III tester added a set of 20-inch bright machined alloy wheels to this handsome package. If your impression of a Lincoln is based on size, then this Corsair lives very large in its smaller shell. 

The interior is truly on brand when to comes to the basic design and the many, many details. It starts with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is customizable to your style and information you need. You will find the ignition button on the center stack, next to a set of “piano keys” that operate the transmission. Every control felt elevated and is easy to use, including the toggle-type actuators on the steering wheel. A tip: When adjusting the cruise control, don’t touch the panels themselves. The buttons are the side of pods on each side of the steering wheel. 

The center stack is crowned by a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by SYNC 4. You get wireless smartphone mirroring and a wireless charging pad in the center console.  The sound comes in beautifully through a set of 14 speakers from the Revel Audio System. 

The front seats are Lincoln’s 24-way Perfect Position ones, where the basic controls are on the door, while the rest can be found on the touchscreen. Both rows of seats are wrapped in red leather. Rear seat room is fine for two adults or three children. Cargo space starts with a 27.6 cubic feet area behind the rear seats. When you fold down the rear seatbacks, it expands to 57.6 cubic feet. 

Corsair customers have a choice of two powertrains. You can go with a plug-in hybrid in the Grand Touring model. Or, you can opt for the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as we have in this tester. If you do, you have 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque available to your right foot. This engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. 

The turbo puts down plenty of power with solid passing and cruising. The latter is helped by the newest version of ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving system. Without it, the Corsair certainly holds its own. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, the turbocharged Corsair turned in an average of 27.5 MPG. 

If you’re expecting a soft ride from a Lincoln Corsair, forget it. It does ride extremely well, but it does without air suspension or any magic engineering. The Corsair did a good job with the dampening and absorbing over various road surfaces. Handling is controlled with minimal roll and lean at limit. It is also quick to manage evasive situations. 

That comes down to a pretty good steering rack. The turning radius was pretty good and can get out of tight situations smoothly. On-center feel is solid, which is enhanced by the ActiveGlide system upon activation. Brake pedal feel is solid with good response to the wheels. We found the Corsair turned in solid stops in normal and panic situations.

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is the brand’s entry point, available in three trims and two power choices. Pricing start from $38,690. The Reserve tester came with the highest of three packages, offering a plethora of equipment that matches what a lot of luxury SUV consumers are looking for. The sticker price on this tester came to $60,685.

That’s the point, really. The Lincoln Corsair is a competitive compact luxury SUV that delivers on a uniquely brand-focused experience. That includes showering its owners with the requisite luxury, technology, and amenities that is both elevated and accessible.

But, is this really a Lincoln? Is it a true successor to great vehicles, such as the 1941 Continental, 1956 Mark II, 1961 Continental, a Town Car, or the 1984 Continental Mark VII? Could you see it as a “baby Navigator”? To an extent, yes…but, also no.

The Corsair is a Lincoln in a modern sense. It is a lovely place to be when you are commuting or taking a nice road trip. It is worth putting on your shopping list, if you want something unique and luxurious for your smaller SUV. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by the Ford Motor Company

All photos by Randy Stern