2020 Lincoln Corsair vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair was a testament to luxury, distinguishing itself from its Ford roots with unique body panels and trim pieces. Its design exuded refinement, with a low hood line, restrained chrome grille, and teardrop headlights that gave it a sophisticated appearance. The Corsair's tall roof gently sloped to a Land Rover-like edge, and its clamshell tailgate was reminiscent of an Audi Q5. The interior was nearly as captivating as a Mercedes-Benz GLC, featuring rich materials, curved matte-finish wood, and a floating center stack. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Corsair felt like an expensive, fashion-forward vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, even in its fully-loaded Limited trim, maintained a more utilitarian appearance. It lacked the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart and didn't offer an Adventure trim level. However, it still managed to look tough for a compact SUV. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. The interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and oversized climate control knobs. Despite a rattle from the license plate, the RAV4 Hybrid provided a comfortable and practical environment.

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, while the 2.3T trim boasted a 295-hp, 310 lb-ft, 2.3-liter engine. The Corsair's steering lacked road feel, but its body control was impressive, providing a steady and composed ride. Fuel economy for the 2.3T was EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, with the 2.0T AWD rated at 21/29/24. A plug-in hybrid trim was anticipated, promising 266 hp and an electric range of over 25 miles.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension design maximized ride and handling qualities. The RAV4 Hybrid achieved an impressive 40 mpg in combined driving, with a lively acceleration feel due to instant electric-motor torque.

Inside the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, comfort was paramount, with seat controls on the doors and a touchscreen offering massage settings. The Perfect Position seats allowed for 24 ways of adjustment, and rear passengers enjoyed sliding and reclining seats. 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front cushions. Rear-seat legroom was decent, and the backrest reclined slightly. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area offering 37.5 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered smartphone ignition key functionality through the Lincoln Way app, though it was deactivated in the test vehicle. The hidden touchpad on the B-pillars was a convenient feature. The head-up display was wide and informative, and the Co-Pilot360 Plus system provided semi-automated driving assistance. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, but software updates required an external WiFi connection.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and forward emergency braking. Co-Pilot360 came standard with various safety features, and Co-Pilot360 Plus added lane-keep assist and rear emergency braking. Rear side airbags and knee airbags were standard.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights. The Hybrid Limited trim offered rear automatic braking.