2021 Lincoln Corsair vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior's material quality was excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt dated compared to competitors like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair replaced the outdated MKC, riding on the new C2 platform shared with the Ford Escape. This new platform allowed Lincoln to differentiate the Corsair significantly from its Ford counterpart, unlike GM's approach with Cadillac models. The Corsair's design was refined, featuring slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger appearance.

Inside, the Corsair shared design cues with the Aviator and Navigator, including a flowing dash and floating center touchscreen. However, it didn't match the fit and finish of its more expensive siblings, with more hard-touch materials. The black leather and dark wood interior seemed aimed at older buyers, while lighter palettes with tan leather were available for younger customers. The Corsair came in Standard, Reserve, and the new Grand Touring plug-in hybrid trims, each offering a range of features from 18-inch alloy wheels to a 14-speaker Revel premium stereo system.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its class. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures but slightly lower combined mileage. The NX also offered an adaptive-suspension system for a smoother ride. The driving experience was smooth and comfortable, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX had three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair's base engine was a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in FWD or AWD and the 2.3-liter exclusively in AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," the latter akin to Sport mode.

The 2.3-liter engine provided brisk acceleration and confident cornering, though there was some body roll and light steering. The suspension absorbed potholes well, though road noise was noticeable. The new Grand Touring trim added a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with a CVT, battery power, and electric motors for a combined 266 hp. It offered 28 miles of pure EV driving and 78 MPGe in electric mode, with 33 mpg combined in hybrid mode.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair had a spacious cabin with comfortable seats and ample storage. However, the large lip at the doorframe could be a tripping hazard. The test model featured reclining and sliding rear seats, providing impressive legroom for a compact SUV. The Corsair offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, both average for its class. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair featured an 8-inch touchscreen with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout and a dock of buttons at the bottom. The steering wheel design allowed easy access to voice control.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The test model featured Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus, adding a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive LED headlights, surround-view cameras, front parking sensors, speed-limit sign recognition, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, and automatic parking assist. The Corsair was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus.