Performance
So about that all-electric range. In good weather, we managed to get the promised 45 km. You can even do better if the trip is punctuated with stops and opportunities for braking to allow some energy regeneration.
In cold weather, though, you’ll do much worse. I registered 25 to 27 km in minus 15 degrees. Plus, the system doesn't work in all-electric mode for short distances, because the gasoline engine has to be activated to make everything work (the heater, especially). As you drive along, you can see the system doing its job, though, to the point of gaining back a bit of estimated electric range. In the end, you get your 27 km, but over longer distances. And the more you drive, the more electric capital you accumulate, too. After a 200 km trip, the system will tell you that you have driven 35 km in electric mode, for example.
All of this takes some getting used to, and to fully understand all the subtleties, we would have needed more than a week behind the wheel. My test drive period with the SUV included a Montreal-Toronto return trip. Certainly, once the first 30 km are in your rearview mirror, the Corsair PHEV becomes a straight-hybrid SUV.
Nevertheless, out of 1,237 km driven, mainly on the highway, 132.5 were completed in all-electric mode. Of this number, we have to count one trip during which 33 km were driven in electric mode from the start, because the weather was mild. The rest was done as I regenerated along the way.
The final result? A consumption of 7.9L/100 km, in rather cold weather. Lincoln claims an official average of 7.0L/100 km. That's very attainable in good weather, and with the right recharging discipline, you can probably expect to get that as well.
As for the vehicle's overall handling, we appreciated the Corsair's comfort, premium seats and top-notch audio system. Refinement is also at the heart of the experience. However, the suspension travel made us realize that sportiness is not the priority here; the back end, in particular, does not like road imperfections. It can get annoying.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a plug-in hybrid SUV, the Lincoln Corsair is one of many options. It's hard to be excited about this model, but it's equally hard to be disappointed. It does what it needs to do, but nothing more. Along the way, it offers the Lincoln in-cabin experience.
That experience might be luxurious, but given the limited electric range it offers, the Corsair PHEV is simply too expensive. It’s equipped like a luxury model should be, but it doesn’t quite deliver everything a luxury model should.
Now, if the Corsair is on your short list, the plug-in option makes sense. Otherwise, maybe be patient and wait for one of those models with a long waiting list. Leave the Corsair PHEV to the fans of Lincoln products.
We like
Fuel economy, as long as you use good charging discipline
The seats
The general comfort level
Good audio system
We like less
Rear suspension too permissive
Limited electric range
Some expected amenities are optional
The competition
Audi Q5 e
BMW X3 30e
Volvo XC60 T8
