The Lincoln Corsair returns for 2023 with a midcycle refresh, combining fresh looks with the latest and greatest technology Ford's luxury division has to offer. Since it debuted in 2019 as a 2020 model, the Corsair has gone on to achieve impressive sales results, eclipsing the Aviator as the best-selling vehicle in Lincoln's lineup. Once you look into its specs, you will quickly find what makes the small SUV Lincoln's best-selling range.
There's obvious beauty in its design, but the functional interior makes the Corsair all the more compelling in today's market, where consumers place a high value on comfort and practicality. Built on the Ford Escape platform, the 2023 Corsair gets a larger grille, updated daytime running lights, two new exterior paint options, an upgraded infotainment system, two new interior color themes, and many more features that make it the best that it can be. Here are ten reasons why the 2023 Lincoln Corsair is one of the best compact luxury SUVs money can buy.
10/10 Two Powertrain Options
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Lincoln is dropping the 2.3-liter turbo-four engine for 2023, meaning consumers can spec the new Corsair with two capable powertrain options. The base engine is an updated gasoline 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
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The Dearborn-based luxury manufacturer also offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration that pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4 with two electric motors. The setup provides 266 horsepower and 28 miles of electric-only driving range. Both engines have an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. The entry-level mill is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the PHEV is all-wheel drive-only.
9/10 Comfortable Ride
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For 2023, Lincoln engineers retuned or redesigned every component of the regular strut-type front and integral bush rear suspension to further reduce road noise and harshness transmission to the Corsair's cabin, improving ride and plushness.
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If you desire more refinement, you can specify the Corsair with an optional adaptive suspension, which helps this small SUV to deliver a supple ride and very little noise while guaranteeing better body control on twisty roads.
8/10 Simple, Mature Design
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The Corsair's exterior styling is already very well-designed and mature. But that did not stop Lincoln from trying to make improvements. The front features a new larger grille that combines with newly updated wing-shaped daytime running lights to create a striking visual presence.
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In addition, two new, carefully-selected paint options (Crystal Red and Whisper Blue) have also been added to the already broad range of colors to give you plenty of options to match the Corsair's wavy (regular) or metallic foil surface (PHEV). The result is a vehicle that catches the eye while being confident in any environment.
7/10 Quiet, Spacious Cabin
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Another significant improvement of the redesigned Corsair is the exceptionally quiet cabin. The Corsair isolates the interior from road vibration thanks to its compliant suspension tuning and remarkably refined engine. The light and precise nature of the steering also means you feel barely any vibration through the steering wheel.
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Hushness aside, the Corsair's cabin comfortably accommodates five passengers thanks to generous head and legroom both in front and rear. Front passengers get 39.5 inches (38.5 in the Grand Touring grade) of headroom, 43.2 inches of legroom, 57.1 inches of shoulder room, and 55.6 inches of hip room. The amount of space in the rear is also noteworthy. Occupants get 38.7 inches (38.4 in the Grand Touring) of headroom, 38.6 inches (36.7 in the Grand Touring) of legroom, 56.3 inches of shoulder room, and 50.8 inches of hip room.
6/10 Generous Cargo Room
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In addition to its excellent livability, the Corsair is ideally suited for any kind of long-haul trip, as its large cargo area allows you to bring your entire gear along for the journey.
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Cargo volume is rated at 27.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 57.6 cubic feet with them folded down.
5/10 Cabin Air Filtration
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Cabin air filtration and purification is another way the Corsair ensures driving comfort and the well-being of occupants.
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Along with the standard dual-zone automatic climate control, the system keeps the Corsair interior air fresh and clean by providing effective and reliable protection against pollutants and unpleasant odors.
4/10 EasyFold Seat
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The 2023 Lincoln Corsair now comes standard with the previously optional 60/40 flat-folding rear seatback, which automatically folds down with the press of a button, allowing amazing cargo flexibility while saving the time and effort needed to move seats.
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To load long items, all you have to do is press and hold the button in the cargo area for a few seconds and watch the seats sink onto the floor to create space. You can manually fold the second row flat as well.
3/10 Hands-Free Liftgate
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The Corsair aims to make life easy for its owners with a range of handy features and amenities that are constantly being enhanced.
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For 2023, Lincoln's small SUV features a hands-free liftgate that lets you open and close the trunk by simply kicking below the bumper when carrying the key fob.
2/10 Lincoln ActiveGlide
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In an age of autonomous driving, Lincoln is doing its bit to keep up with the times and technological changes. For the 2023 Corsair, this comes in the form of ActiveGlide, an advanced driver aid with support for true hands-free driving.
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The ActiveGlide driver-assistance feature enables hands-free driving on approved, divided highways known as Hands-Free Blue Zones. When engaged, the system can accelerate, change lanes, and stop the Corsair automatically, depending on traffic and road conditions. While this does not make the Corsair fully autonomous, it is a step in the right direction.
1/10 14-Speaker Revel Sound System
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Whether you're an audiophile or a melophile, your experience behind the wheel of the 2023 Lincoln Corsair is guaranteed to be a memorable one. That's because the compact SUV offers a high-end, Lincoln-exclusive Revel Audio System with 14 speakers designed specifically for the Corsair.
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The system includes a 12-channel Class D amplifier, HD radio, satellite radio, 18-station memory presets, and rear-seat audio controls. In addition, you can listen to music on Traditional Stereo, Audio, or On Stage mode.