Meet the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, the smallest crossover from Ford’s luxury arm. It just debuted at an event held before its public unveiling at the 2019 New York Auto Show. So far, everybody seems quite pleased with this all-new model thanks to its blend of good exterior design, excellent interior, and the promise of plenty of standard tech.

What is the 2020 Lincoln Corsair?

Its fascia is clearly related to that of the larger Nautilus or Aviator, but with its sleeker design, it can’t be accused of being a smaller size copy of them.

Its rear end design is definitely more similar to that of the Aviator than it is to the Nautilus, but even so, it’s distinctive enough to make recognizing the model fairly easy. Its smaller size should also be a dead giveaway that this is the baby Lincoln crossover and not one of its larger high-riding siblings.

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Measuring 180.6 inches in length, it is just a tenth of an inch longer overall than the mechanically similar Escape. Their wheelbase is identical, though, at 106.7 inches. This obviously translates into very similar levels of interior space, and if you compare their dimensions it really is very close - the Lincoln does offer superior levels of rear legroom, but shoulder room is less than what you get in the Escape / Kuga.

2020 Lincoln Corsair exterior dimensions

Length

180.6

Wheelbase

106.7

Width (mirrors folded)

76.2

Height

64.1


Under the Corsair’s hood, Lincoln will put a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque in base models, while if you pay extra, you will be able to opt for a stronger 2.3-liter EcoBoost with 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of twist.

Both mills come mated to the same eight-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

2020 Lincoln Corsair drivetrain specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4

Turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4

Horsepower

250 hp

280 hp

Torque

275 lb.-ft.

310 lb.-ft.

Transmission

8-speed SelectShift automatic

8-speed SelectShift automatic

Drivetrain

FWD/AWD

AWD

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4

Turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4

Horsepower

250 hp

280 hp


Lincoln mentions a few technical firsts for the company, showcased on the new Corsair. First, there’s the rear integral bush suspension “which delivers a smooth ride by directly absorbing impacts that would otherwise be felt in the cabin.” Models equipped with all-wheel drive will get an automatic disconnect that will physically disconnect the driven rear axle from the engine in the quest for better fuel efficiency.

All controls for climate and infotainment are grouped on a floating center console that’s actually quite striking to look at on its own. It’s an unusual design feature, but it’s one that will set the Corsair apart from other cars; reviewers will point this out, and I see no reason why they won’t like it as it allows for additional storage space underneath (Lincoln calls this storage space the “media bin” in the official blurb).

Above it is an 8-inch touchscreen that runs Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system that its makers say is better than ever. There is also Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and “multiple power outlets located throughout.” Lincoln is billing this not only as a smart, posh and practical place to travel in but one that’s also very comfortable - it mentions the available 24-way adjustable front seats complete with massage function and assures prospective buyers that the second row of seating has ample legroom for long journeys.

2020 Lincoln Corsair interior dimensions

Headroom front/rear

39.5/38.7

Legroom front/rear (maximum)

43.2/38.6

Hip room front/rear

55.6/50.8

Shoulder room front/rear

57.1/56.3

Passenger volume

102.5

Cargo volume Behind front row

57.6

Cargo volume Behind rear row

27.6


Expect to see the 2020 Lincoln Corsair hit showrooms starting this fall with pricing comparable to that of the MKC it’s going to replace - it will probably start from around $35,000 for a base 2.0-liter with front-wheel drive and no extras.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Lincoln Corsair.

Read our full review on the 2020 Ford Escape.

Read our full review on the 2019 Lincoln MKC.

Read our full review on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator.

Read our full review on the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.