2020 Lincoln Corsair vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair never felt like a Ford, despite sharing its chassis and some powertrains with the Escape. It had a unique design with every body panel and trim piece exclusive to Lincoln. The Corsair exuded refinement with a low hood line, restrained chrome grille, and teardrop headlights. Its J-shaped LED running lamps resembled those of a Jaguar. The tall roof gently sloped from the B-pillar, ending on a Land Rover-like edge, while the clamshell tailgate and thin taillights with a connecting strip added elegance. The body sat low on optional 20-inch wheels, and the model name was integrated into the front doors, making it unique and elegant.

Inside, the Corsair's dashboard was almost as riveting as the Mercedes-Benz GLC's. Rich materials and details surrounded the cabin, including curved matte-finish wood on the dash, a thick strip of leather with contrast stitching, and floating gear-selector buttons. Chrome trim adorned various elements, and the two-tone steering wheel featured thumb joysticks for controlling the stereo and digital instrument panel. Despite some hard plastic on the lower dash and a matte black center console, the Corsair felt like an expensive car with fashion-forward color combinations.

The 2020 Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned for 2010, continued to the 2020 model year with some new design tweaks. It adopted the garish hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which the GX wore better than the larger LX. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX remained a decade-old vehicle, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner. This rugged capability allowed the GX to soldier on without the need for significant innovation.

Inside, the GX's age was apparent with a cabin that looked unchanged from a decade ago. The large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen was a hallmark of early 2010s Lexus styling. While this interior might not suit a new Lexus RX, it worked for the rugged GX. Lexus offered the GX in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each with a long list of standard features. The Luxury trim included premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, self-leveling air suspension, and power-folding/reclining third-row seats. The optional rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, was available on the Luxury trim.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0T trim featured a 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The 2.3T trim, with a 2.3-liter engine producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, came with all-wheel drive only. The Corsair's steering lacked road feel, but the body maintained total control, providing a steady and composed ride. Adaptive dampers were standard with the 2.3T, and while the ride firmed up in Excite mode, the overall driving experience wasn't sporty but incredibly comfortable. Fuel economy for the 2.3T was EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. Despite its light steering, the GX was direct and responsive, providing a smooth and composed ride with its self-leveling air suspension. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension height. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered a comfortable interior with seat controls on the doors, five massage settings, and 24-way adjustable Perfect Position seats. Rear passengers could slide the seat back and recline, with optional heated rear seats and a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space was 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 58 cubic feet when folded. The Sync 3 infotainment system was easy to use, though the engine auto stop-start control was buried in the menu. The center console was roomy, with a sliding storage bin and a wireless phone charger in the center armrest.

The 2020 Lexus GX's Premium and Luxury trims offered second-row captain's chairs, with the Luxury trim including power-folding third-row seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, though getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX had a side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch for convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair featured the option to use a smartphone as an ignition key through the Lincoln Way app, though this feature was deactivated in the test model. The hidden touchpad on the B-pillars allowed for unlocking the car with a 5-digit code. The head-up display was wide and info-rich, showing directions and controls for the semi-automated driving feature. The instrument panel was minimalist, with voice recognition and destination searches being fast and accurate. In-car WiFi was available, but software updates required an external WiFi connection.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment setup showed its age with a touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplicity of the system was appreciated. The older Lexus Enform system was easier to use than the modern Lexus infotainment setup.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it a Top Safety Pick. It received the best scores in all six crash tests and for its forward emergency braking system. Co-Pilot360 came standard with various safety features, including forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Plus added lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and rear emergency braking. Rear side airbags and knee airbags for both driver and passenger were standard.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX offered great visibility with massive windows and mirrors, enhancing safety.