Preview: 2027 Lincoln Corsair Goes Hybrid-Only

It can’t always match or beat competition like the Lexus NX and Porsche Macan, but the Corsair keeps up with other luxury SUVs in ways that will matter for most customers. Versions we’ve tested ride smoothly and have a quiet and pleasant interior that justifies its luxury badge and price. For 2027, narrowing powertrain options to a single 305-hp hybrid-electric engine simplifies the lineup to what we expect is the most desirable option, and also eliminates the plug-in hybrid version, which scored below average for reliability in our member survey results. The new powertrain is similar to that of the midsized Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid (310-hp) that CR tested. If it proves quick, smooth, and fuel-efficient, it will help the Corsair maintain its spot among top-scoring small luxury SUVs.

The new Corsair will have more interior options, but remain largely unchanged from the previous generation we tested. Overall, its interior has lots of chrome and glossy black trim, all of which helps make it feel appropriately upscale. The driving position is pleasant, partly because of the floating controls cluster that gives the driver plenty of knee space. However, some of our testers said the seats didn’t have sufficient support. In the back, there’s plenty of legroom, but broad-shouldered passengers will find the rear seats confining.

The latest Corsair has some of the same stylistic quirks as other Lincolns, which make some controls tricky to use. For instance, the cruise control setup isn’t visible until drivers activate it and light up the controls. Testers also found it difficult to operate the push-button gear selector by feel alone in the Nautilus we tested. 

Lincoln has stopped selling both the conventional gas-only engine and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the Corsair. Now, every version comes with a non-plug-in gas-electric hybrid powertrain with standard all-wheel drive. The hybrid system pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Combined power reaches 305 hp, sent through an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission. That powertrain provided 30 mpg overall in CR’s testing of the Nautilus Hybrid.

Ford’s BlueCruise driving assistance system is now standard equipment on every 2027 Corsair Hybrid. On highways that the system has mapped, drivers can take their hands off the wheel while BlueCruise steers, changes lanes, and keeps speed with traffic. Same as the previous generation, every Corsair comes with plenty of standard active safety systems, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, reverse automatic emergency braking, and active blind spot assistance are also standard.