2020 Lincoln Corsair Takes Off With A Cool Name, Elegant Styling And Up To 280HP

Take a another look at Lincoln’s new Corsair crossover through our live pictures from the New York Auto Show in the gallery. (Updated)

Lincoln has pulled the wraps off the 2020 Corsair compact SUV, the all-new replacement of the MKC at the New York Auto Show.

As with other newer Lincoln models, the brand’s entry in the compact luxury SUV segment eliminates the alphanumeric moniker of its predecessor for a name that has both nautical and aeronautical connections.

The 2020 Corsair slots under the full-size Navigator and three-row Aviator, adopting the brand’s familiar (and successful) design identity. The front end is dominated by the company’s upright grille while the rear is all about that full-width taillight.

You won’t be able to tell by looking at it, but underneath the skin, the Corsair shares its underpinnings with the Ford Escape. For the first time in a Lincoln, there’s a rear integral bush suspension that allows a smoother ride.

“Entering the fastest-growing luxury segment, the all-new Corsair is artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail; it’s unapologetically Lincoln,” said Joy Falotico, Lincoln’s president.

Customers will be offered a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder units to choose from: a base 2.0-liter with 250hp and 275lb-ft of torque and a 2.3-liter with 280hp and 310lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In both cases, front-wheel drive is standard but Lincoln will offer the option of all-wheel drive, which can switch from front- to all-wheel drive seamlessly depending on the road conditions. There are five driving modes: Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions and Conserve.

Lincoln’s focus with the new Corsair is to provide a real luxury experience in the premium compact SUV segment; the interior is said to be super-quiet, thanks to a dual-wall dashboard in the engine bay that keeps vibrations outside the cabin and an Active Noise Control system.

Even the six different chimes that alert the driver are unique, as they were recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to help the cabin remain a calm place, or as Lincoln calls it “a sanctuary for the senses”. Options include a specially tuned 14-speaker Revel audio system, Lincoln’s Perfect Position 24-way adjustable seats with massage function and wireless charging but features like Wi-Fi and an eight-inch SYNC3 infotainment are standard fit.

There are also three new interior color options with the Corsair: Beyond Blue (vivid blue and white), Cashew (tan and black), and Medium Slate (soft gray with Ebony details).

Driver-assistance systems include the optional Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus bundle that adds Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go traffic jam assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Steer Assist, Active Park Assist Plus and more. Drivers will also be able to use their smartphone as a key through the Lincoln Way application.

Sales of the new 2020 Lincoln Corsair will start this fall, with production to take place at the Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky. Prices will be released closer to launch, but expect a small bump from the current MKC that runs from around $34,000 to $47,000.