2020 Lincoln Corsair vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair distinguished itself with a unique design that set it apart from its Ford roots. Despite sharing some components with the Ford Escape, the Corsair's body panels and trim pieces were exclusive to Lincoln, giving it a refined and elegant appearance. Its low hood line, restrained chrome grille, and teardrop headlights contributed to a sophisticated look, while the J-shaped LED running lamps added a touch of luxury reminiscent of Jaguar. The Corsair's design borrowed cues from leading luxury SUVs, yet maintained its own identity with features like the clamshell tailgate and thin taillights. Inside, the Corsair's dashboard was nearly as captivating as the Mercedes-Benz GLC's, with rich materials and details such as curved matte-finish wood and chrome trim. However, some areas, like the lower dash, were criticized for hard plastic, but overall, the Corsair exuded an expensive feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained a design that reflected its long tenure in the market. The GX's styling, with its massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, was coherent despite its age. The GX's tough and aggressive look appealed to SUV shoppers, but its interior fell short of modern luxury standards. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the luxury experience. While leather upholstery was standard, the interior lacked the refinement expected in a contemporary luxury SUV. The GX's design was distinctive, but its interior needed an update to match the evolving expectations of luxury SUV buyers.

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, available only with all-wheel drive, shared a 295-hp, 310 lb-ft, 2.3-liter engine with the Mustang. While the transmission occasionally hiccupped in lower gears, it generally provided a smooth experience. The Corsair's steering lacked road feel, but its body control was impressive, offering a steady and composed ride. Adaptive dampers were standard with the 2.3T, enhancing the ride in Excite mode. Fuel economy was respectable, with the 2.3T achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, but the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern unibody SUVs. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. Its towing capacity was 6,500 pounds, but its on-road performance lagged behind more contemporary SUVs.

Inside the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, comfort was a priority. The Perfect Position seats offered 24 ways of adjustment, including massage settings, and the driving position was airy with good sightlines. Rear passengers enjoyed sliding and reclining seats, with optional heated seats and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the experience. Cargo space was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 58 when folded. The Sync 3 infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were less intuitive. The center console was spacious, with a wireless phone charger in the center armrest.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position were reminiscent of driving a bus. Visibility was generally good, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The GX's interior needed modernization to compete with newer luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered advanced technology features, including the option to use a smartphone as an ignition key through the Lincoln Way app. The head-up display was wide and informative, displaying various data, including navigation and semi-automated driving controls. The Co-Pilot360 Plus safety system provided lane-keep assist and evasive steering assist. However, the instrument panel lacked customization options, and software updates required an external WiFi connection.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX's tech offerings were basic compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting its older design.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and forward emergency braking. It lost the "+" designation due to headlight performance, but the LED headlights were deemed adequate. The Co-Pilot360 system included a range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Rear side airbags and knee airbags were standard, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some features available in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX's safety features were comprehensive but not as advanced as some competitors.