Text by Tom Appel
2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Country of Manufacture: United States
Color: Red Carpet Metallic
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 122
Real-world fuel economy: 39.2 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | B- |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | C+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A- |
| Tall Guy | A- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 266-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | Hybrid 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 76 MPGe/33 mpg (city/highway combined)
EPA-estimated battery range: 27 miles
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $54,365 (not including $1495 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Grand Touring III Package ($8675), Jet Package ($2250), special paint ($750), 24-way leather seats ($1285)
Price as tested: $68,820
Pros and Cons
The great: Classy cabin, outstanding on-road refinement
The good: Plenty of adult space, excellent fuel economy
The not so good: Grand Touring PHEV pricey relative to other Corsair trim levels
Review
Though the Corsair anchors Lincoln’s four-vehicle lineup, the premium compact in neither cheap, nor wanting for refinement. Largely unchanged for 2025, the Corsair returns the new year with just three trim levels, and expanded availability of its racy Jet Package exterior trim group.
The Corsair is probably best compared to the entry-level Infiniti QX50 compact crossover, though shoppers may also want to take a gander at the BMW X3, Lexus UX and NX, as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are actually closer in price, but are smaller and sportier than the Corsair, and likely more youth oriented.
For 2025, the Corsair is offered in Premiere ($40,980), Reserve ($48,135), and Grand Touring ($55,860) trim levels. While the Corsair 3-variat menu may seem sparce, each trim level is offered with comprehensive option packages which more-or-less serve as trim-level upgrades.
Power for the Premiere and Reserve comes from a 250-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Premier and Reserve models come standard with front-wheel drive; AWD is available.
The Grand Touring features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup which incorporates a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 3 electric motors, and a 14.4-kWh battery. The PHEV system mates to the makers “eCVT” CVT-automatic transmission and comes only with AWD. Per the EPA, the Grand Touring will travel 27 miles on a full charge before that gas engine takes over.
Prior to 2025, the black and monochromatic themed Jet Package exterior group was offered only on the Premier and Reserve. For ’25 the group is available on the Grand Touring as well. The $2250 option replaces all bright exterior trim with black elements, and includes 20-inch black alloy wheels.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2025 Corsair Grand Touring in Red Carpet Metallic and equipped with the Jet Package and inclusive Touring III Package. Including destination charge, our test car came to $68,820.
By modern small, premium crossover standards, the Corsair, especially in Grand Touring trim, features a relatively restrained cabin, not that there’s anything wrong with that. Materials are top quality, and everything looks well put together. We found the seats to especially inviting.
There’s ample cabin space for four adults, and getting in and out of the Corsair is pretty easy thanks to the crossovers larger door openings.
We found the control layout generally agreeable and uncomplicated, though for some folks find the piano-key style gear selector off putting. We found the shifter very quickly became “normal” feeling, and didn’t compromise the driving experience. We also think it looks cool.
We did find the configurable digital instrument panel a little busy, and somewhat compromised by the number of ways it can be customized. If you buy or lease a Corsair, be sure to have your salesperson help you set the system up to your liking before you leave the dealership. That said, the information presented is easy enough to read at a glance.
The Revel-brand 14-speaker audio system, which comes as part of the inclusive $8675 Grand Touring III Package provides outstanding playback, and is a must-have for serious audiophiles. That said, we haven’t been disappointed by a Lincoln audio system of any type in many years.
The PHEV system works as it should, and power delivery while in EV mode is strong, smooth, and silent. It’s a bit disappointing when—25 miles or so after a full charge—the gas engine kicks in, as it isn’t quite as smooth as the base gasoline engine found in lesser Corsairs. That said, there’s plenty of power, and solid fuel economy, too. Over 122 miles, and including just one complete battery charge, we averaged a thrifty 39.2 mpg. And, unlike most premium crossovers, the Corsair will run just fine on regular-grade gasoline.
Where the Corsair shines—and it truly shines—is on the road. Lincoln’s smallest crossover is as quiet, and rides as well, as any other vehicle in the brand’s lineup, and is perfect for long trips. Folks shopping for a more European driving experience—complete with sharp handling and quick steering—will be disappointed, however. The Corsair—like every other Lincoln, is about relaxed refinement and comfortable commutes. That said, the Corsair handles just fine, it’s just not as sporty as the other vehicles in this segment.
We’re big fans of the Corsair, and strongly suggest you add this small Lincoln to your test-drive short list. We’re less likely to recommend the PHEV Grand Touring, however, as its steep base price—and limited 27-mile range—only make sense if you are truly dedicated to daily charging. (Studies show that few PHEV owners charge their vehicles on a regular basis.) And though a little pricey at $2250, we appreciate the classy Jet Package and the black-out effect.
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2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Pictures
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