~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Matthew Aukofer

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair AWD Grand Touring III is a luxury plug-in hybrid SUV that aims to provide a comfortable and quiet ride, a spacious and elegant cabin, and a smooth and efficient powertrain.

The Grand Touring III trim level is the most expensive of the Corsair lineup, starting at $57,000, although the tested vehicle was labeled “not for sale” and did not include any pricing information.

The base price provided by the manufacturer is more than some of the other luxury plug-in hybrid competitors, such as the Volvo XC60 Recharge, the BMW X3 xDrive30e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e.

However, the Corsair offers several premium features, such as a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, massaging seats, a 14-speaker Revel sound system, and a hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle also included adaptive suspension, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system and Lincoln Connect, which provides a 4G modem with WiFi capability. It also comes with Lincoln’s BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, which allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel on highways that support the system.

The Corsair features an electronic continuously variable automatic (eCVT) transmission, paired with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 14.4-kWh battery and two electric motors with a combined 266 horsepower.

It can run on electric power alone for up to 28 miles, according to the EPA, and has an estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg combined. It has a rated MPGe of 78 in combined city/highway driving when running on gas and electric power. MPGe is a measure of how far a plug-in hybrid vehicle can travel using the same amount of energy as a gallon of gasoline.

The Corsair Grand Touring III is one of the three equipment collections available for the Corsair Grand Touring model, which is only sold at Lincoln EV-certified retailers.

The powertrain is smooth and responsive, and the transition between gas and electric modes is seamless. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is respectable for its class.

The Corsair is not a sporty SUV, however. It prioritizes a soft and compliant ride over agile handling. The steering is light and vague, and the suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections. It is more suited for cruising on the highway than carving corners on a twisty road.

The Corsair faces stiff competition from other luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs, such as the Volvo XC60 Recharge, the BMW X3 xDrive30e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e. These rivals offer more engaging driving dynamics, more upscale interiors, and more advanced technology.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of adapting to the vehicle is that the 2023 Corsair has fewer physical controls for the radio and climate-control system than the 2022 model, because it includes Lincoln’s new SYNC 4 infotainment system.

The large touch screen allows the driver to access and adjust various settings and features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and wireless device charging. The touch screen also supports over-the-air software updates and voice commands.

But without physical buttons and knobs for the climate and audio systems (there is one volume knob for the stereo system), adjustments must be made on the screen. Without tactical feedback from the screen, you must avert your eyes from the road to fine tune the audio or adjust the climate system. Even the buttons to recirculate the cabin air or dim the dashboard lights require a menu dive.

Lincoln says the changes are designed to provide a cleaner look and a more modern and minimalist cabin. But they are a step back. Some drivers simply prefer the tactile feedback and familiarity of physical controls, especially when driving in challenging conditions.

We noticed a persistent rattle coming from the center roof console and couldn’t track down what was causing it. The rest of the vehicle was rattle-free, however the motors for the seat massagers were loud. The massagers are a nice touch and quite effective, but the motors – especially the ones mounted high inside the seats – imparted a distracting buzz in the ears.

The Corsair Grand Touring III is a decent luxury plug-in hybrid SUV that has some appealing qualities, such as its serene cabin, its efficient powertrain, and its semi-autonomous driving feature. However, it falls short of some of its rivals in terms of performance, refinement, and value. It may appeal to buyers who value comfort and quietness over sportiness and sophistication, but it is not the best choice for everyone.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Lincoln Corsair AWD Grand Touring III.
  • Type: Plug-in hybrid (PHEV), four-door, five-passenger SUV.
  • Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 14.4-kWh battery and two electric motors, providing a combined 266 horsepower.
  • Transmission: Electronic continuously variable automatic (eCVT).
  • Overall length: 15 feet.
  • Height: 5 feet 4 inches.
  • Passenger volume: 102.5 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 4,397 pounds (varies depending on configuration and options).
  • Towing capability: Up to 3,000 pounds, if properly configured.
  • Fuel economy: 28-mile range on electric power alone. EPA estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg combined. 78 MPGe in combined city/highway driving, when running on gas and electric power.
  • Base price/destination charge: $57,000/not available.
  • Price as tested: Not available.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos © Lincoln