PHEV Review: 2022 Lincoln Cosair PHEV

Photo Credits: Forbes

Impressive power for every road and journey you take

Overview

Performance: electric motor, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 266 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 78 MPGe

Price estimate: From $51,900

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Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: unlimited/unlimited

Corrosion Warranty: 5 years/unlimited

2022 Lincoln Corsair Plug-in Hybrid Review

Intro

Two years ago, Lincoln decided to part ways with the MKC, a compact luxury sport utility vehicle.

Lincoln didn’t make the move without having a replacement ready to roll. Emerging was the Lincoln Corsair, which took the place of the MKC as the brand’s smallest and most affordable crossover.

Not only does Lincoln see the Corsair as an improvement to the MKC, but the new SUV is also more versatile. In a nod toward its planned future, Lincoln added a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to its gas-powered Corsair. The luxury automaker currently has two PHEVs – the Corsair and Aviator SUV. Corsair’s starting price is approximately $51,900.

Earlier this year, Lincoln officially unveiled a new all-electric SUV concept that it’s calling the Star. Parent company Ford says it will introduce four new electric vehicles into its Lincoln lineup by 2026. Lincoln has some ambitious electric plans, hoping it can electrify its entire fleet by 2030.

The 2022 Lincoln Corsair is a small crossover SUV that comfortably seats five people. Despite being compact, it’s being applauded for its roomy interior, lively engine, good handling, and well-thought-out infotainment controls. The PHEV version is only offered in Corsair’s Grand Touring trim level.

Interest in the Corsair is not overwhelming thus far, nearly identical to the MKC. Sales of all Corsairs were 26,227 in 2020 and decreased to 22,790 a year later.

Exterior Style

An attractive exterior includes the front grille that Lincoln debuted with the now discontinued Continental. The pillars are gloss black and the roofline has a small drop toward the rear end. The side panels are curvy and help give the Corsair a muscular look.

Range and Charging

Like most PHEVs, the Corsair doesn’t have great range, yet the 28 miles might be enough for a short round trip to work and back. The 14.4-kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in 3½ hours on a 240V outlet or approximately 10½ hours with a standard 120V household plug-in.

Performance

As one should expect from a luxury brand, Corsair delivers a refined ride with good handling. Steering is responsive in tight turns and that makes the SUV fun to drive. The regenerative braking in the 4,532-pound Corsair is solid, allowing for precise stops.

Speed

Built in Louisville, Ky, the Corsair PHEV is equipped with standard all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor to generate 266 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and fuel economy is 78 MPGe in all-electric mode.

Interior Space

The Corsair interior comes with a sizable list of standard features. It has a wireless charging pad and a three-prong outlet. Also standard are three USB-A ports, one USB-C input, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone integration, and a premium stereo system.

The SUV has Faux leather and soft-touch plastic in many places. The Corsair has an 8-inch touchscreen that operates Ford’s aging SYNC 3 platform. Most people will find it intuitive, while more tech-savvy folks might think it’s lacking in overall sophistication.

Seating is a real plus up front where both driver and passenger have an eight-way seat that almost guarantees true comfort. Taller people may feel the leg and headroom in the rear is not up to luxury SUV standards. But making them more comfortable is the ability to slide forward and back to create space.

Cargo space is 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 57.6 cubes when the row is folded down. Both measurements are average for the class.

Conclusion

Looking to electrify more and more, the company does a nice job overall in creating the 2022 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid. It has enough overall appeal to attract car shoppers who are seeking some electric range, yet aren’t ready to commit to a true EV.

– J.W.

Media Video Review: Lincoln Aviator PHEV