2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV Review
2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV
Price as Tested: $67,180
2.5 Liter 4 Cylinder w/14.4 kWh assist
266 HP
MPG as observed: 30
— Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi —
The 2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEV sets itself apart in the compact luxury SUV segment with its focus on comfort, premium materials, and a touch of electric efficiency. But is that enough to compete with established players like the Lexus NX, Cadillac XT4, and the rising star, Genesis GV70?
While the Corsair PHEV prioritizes comfort, performance takes a back seat. The plug-in hybrid provides a seamless transition from EV to ICE and back. The only real drivetrain issue is the coarse engine note when the ICE does fire up. It, unfortunately, is a bit unrefined sounding and it’s droney nature tends to fill the cabin.
Thankfully, the Corsair PHEV avoids one of the common pitfalls of hybrid SUVs – a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are prone to the ‘rubber band’ driving feel and actually makes any engine drone significantly worse by it’s very nature. Both of those attributes give a feeling of being disconnected from the driving experience. The Corsair PHEV instead uses a traditional automatic transmission, delivering a smoother, less awkward and more responsive driving experience.
Off the line power is plentiful and around town delivers the necessary power for most any occasion. The Corsair is a Lincoln, so one should not expect blistering performance but more so sufficiently adequate performance. Case in point: Passing on the highway is not bad by any means but you can feel the Corsair begrudgingly obeying instead of willfully playing.
The 2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV boasts an optional feature designed to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys: BlueCruise. This hands-free driver-assistance system allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel and feet off the pedals under certain conditions, letting the car handle steering, acceleration, and braking on designated highways.
BlueCruise Features:
Lane centering: The system keeps the Corsair PHEV centered within its lane using cameras and sensors. Unfortunately, it does tend to bounce from side to side occasionally and drifts a bit during long highway turns.
Adaptive cruise control: BlueCruise maintains a set distance from the car ahead, automatically adjusting speed for a smooth and safe ride.
Hands-free lane changing: With a tap of the turn signal and system confirmation, BlueCruise can assist with lane changes when deemed safe by the system. If the vehicle in the front is moving a snail’s pace, BlueCruise will alert you when it is optimal time to overtake the vehicle in the front.
Driver monitoring: An infrared camera ensures you're paying attention to the road while BlueCruise is engaged. Audible and visual alerts will prompt you to retake control if focus is lost. Works freakishly well, even a long glance in the rearview will elicit yelling from the system.
BlueCruise Coverage:
As of March 2024, BlueCruise operates on over 130,000 miles of divided highways across North America. This "Hands-Free Blue Zone" is constantly expanding, but it's crucial to check compatibility in your specific location before relying on the system.
Going Head-to-Head: BlueCruise vs. GM Super Cruise
General Motors' Super Cruise is a major competitor to BlueCruise. Here's a quick comparison:
Coverage: Super Cruise boasts a currently larger operational footprint compared to BlueCruise, with over 200,000 miles of compatible highways.
Mapping: Super Cruise utilizes high-definition LiDAR map data in addition to cameras and sensors, offering a more precise understanding of the road for improved performance. Comparing both on the same bit of road does reveal the differences. While the BlueCruise system may ‘bounce’ from side to side occasionally and drift during long turns, SuperCruise is rock steady.
Availability: Super Cruise is currently offered on a wider range of GM vehicles compared to BlueCruise's limited availability in Lincoln and Ford models.
The Bottom Line:
Both BlueCruise and Super Cruise offer compelling options for hands-free highway driving. While Super Cruise might edge out BlueCruise in coverage and capability due to its LiDAR mapping, BlueCruise is catching up rapidly.
Let's delve into the good, the great, the bad, and the ugly to see if the Corsair PHEV carves its niche.
The Great
Plush Interior: Step inside the Corsair PHEV, and you're greeted by a sanctuary of quiet luxury. Lincoln bathes the cabin in soft leather, with heated and ventilated seats that feel more like armchairs than car seats. The optional twin-panel sunroof adds an airy ambiance, while the noise cancellation system makes cruising a serene experience.
Ride Quality: The ride quality is another highlight – the suspension smooths out even the roughest roads, making long journeys a breeze.
Blue Cruise: It’s available and it’s worth the price paid. It does bounce around side to side occasionally but bloody hell it works good. I wouldn’t get a Corsair without it.
The Good
Plug-in Efficiency: The Corsair PHEV's trump card is its powertrain. With an estimated 27 miles of electric range, you can tackle your daily commute or errands on pure electric power, saving on gas and emissions. The switch between electric and gas is seamless, and the regenerative braking helps extend your electric range.
Tech: The standard SYNC 4 infotainment system boasts a large touchscreen and intuitive interface, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. The 14.4 kWh battery can be recharged in 3.5 hours on a 220V charger, making frequent top-ups convenient.
The Bad
Price: The Corsair PHEV's biggest hurdle might be its price tag. It starts at over $60,000, placing it firmly in premium territory. While the base model offers good equipment, some desirable features like the adaptive suspension and advanced driver-assistance systems are bundled in expensive packages. This can quickly inflate the final price, making it less competitive against rivals that offer similar features at a lower cost.
The Overall
The 2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV prioritizes comfort and a touch of electric efficiency above all else. If you value a serene cabin, a smooth ride, and the ability to run errands on electric power, the Corsair PHEV is a compelling choice. However, consider your needs. If performance and cargo space are dealbreakers, rivals like the Lexus NX might be a better fit. Similarly, if a lower price tag is crucial, the XT4 offers a compelling package. Ultimately, the Corsair PHEV caters to a specific buyer – one who prioritizes a luxurious electric glide over driving thrills and practicality. Test drive it alongside its competitors to see if it strikes the perfect chord for you.
