A few months ago, Lincoln killed off the Corsair. It wasn’t a shock; Ford was pretty openly getting rid of both the Edge and the Escape in order to shift its production focus to larger vehicles. As the Corsair was built on the same platform as the Escape, it was unlikely the luxury crossover would survive the cull.
But recent photos seem to show a new Corsair being tested in Northern Europe. The Corsair in question looks pretty much the same as it has since it was introduced. Though camouflage on the front bumper and rear of the vehicle suggests a minor facelift may have happened.
The head and taillights are also heavily obscured. Which would make sense as standout features like the lights are often the center point of cosmetic redesigns.
If Lincoln opts to keep the same powertrain options on the upcoming Corsair, then customers will be looking at either a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter inline-four engine. However, the powertrain options could change.
Lincoln’s other “smaller” SUV, the Nautilus, only comes with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That engine is either an ICE, or a hybrid, depending on trim. And its inclusion would make sense when you consider that size isn’t the only thing that the new Corsair will have in common with the Nautilus.
The new Lincoln Corsair will likely be made in China
If the Corsair does come back, it probably won’t be rolling off the production line in Dearborn, Michigan. Instead, the new SUV will likely be built at the company’s Chongqing-based factory in China. This wouldn’t be a first; Lincoln has made the tech-forward Nautilus there for years. But it does have its downsides, namely the tariffs Ford will have to pay when importing the vehicles, which will no doubt be passed on to consumers.
Although Ford has historically been one of the leading voices in US protectionism against imported Chinese vehicles, things have mellowed in recent months. While the political climate might still make it impossible to import cheap Chinese vehicles, Ford CEO Jim Farley spoke in February about potentially partnering with Chinese companies to bring more affordable EVs to the US.
Ford already has partnerships in place with Chinese automakers. The Chongqing plant is part of a 50/50 partnership with Chinese company Changan Automobile. The factory still makes the Edge, Escape, and Mondeo, which makes it ideal for any kind of Corsair revival. That way, Ford’s US-based factories can continue to focus on larger SUVs like the Explorer and the Expedition, without having to undergo any expensive retooling.
