2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced in 2020 as a replacement for the Lincoln MKC. The MKC, which launched in 2014, was built on the same platform as the Ford Escape but lacked the athleticism of its sibling. Additionally, despite a 2019 facelift, the MKC’s cabin remained dated. The Corsair, riding on the new C2 platform (also underpinning the latest Escape), was part of Lincoln's strategic evolution, mirroring the relationship seen in models like the Aviator/Explorer and Navigator/Expedition. Unlike its Ford counterpart, the Corsair successfully distinguished itself, something General Motors struggled with in vehicles like the Cadillac XT4 and XT5. The Corsair's name symbolized a departure from the lettered naming convention within Lincoln’s lineup – a move that was well-received.

In a segment crowded with aggressive designs, the Corsair stood out with its refined aesthetics. It featured slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, straight belt- and rooflines extending to the rear, and design elements shared with the Aviator and Navigator. These cues gave the Corsair a larger appearance, defying its compact SUV classification. Inside, the cabin boasted a flowing dash, a floating center touchscreen, and the signature “Piano Key” shifter buttons. However, while maintaining the luxurious Lincoln look, it did not quite match the fit and finish of its more expensive counterparts, featuring more hard-touch materials. The black leather and dark wood trim catered to older buyers, whereas younger consumers might prefer the lighter interiors with tan leather.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, meanwhile, looked similar to most crossovers in its segment. While detailing, like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features, differentiated the CR-V slightly, overall it blended into the sea of compact crossovers. The exterior paint options included three shades of gray, black, white, two blues (Obsidian Blue Pearl and Aegean Blue Metallic), and Radiant Red Metallic. More vibrant colors were reserved for higher trims, with the base LX limited to black, silver, and white.

Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome, giving a more upscale feel. The seats had a more modern, angular design with sharp details on the edges and headrests, providing a stark contrast to some of the competition. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, particularly in mid-tier trims.

The Lincoln Corsair's base engine was a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder unit producing 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. While adequate, the optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, offered strong acceleration. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the 2.3-liter was exclusively AWD.

The Corsair featured unique drive mode names such as “Conserve” and “Excite” instead of the more common “Sport.” In normal drive mode, the 2.3-liter engine propelled the Corsair briskly, achieving quick highway speeds. Despite some body roll in turns and light steering, it provided confident cornering and strong braking. The suspension was designed to absorb deep potholes at high speeds, though it did generate notable road noise when encountering such obstacles.

In 2021, Lincoln introduced the Grand Touring trim with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), battery power, and two electric motors for a total of 266 hp. It offered 28 miles of pure EV driving, an efficiency rating of 78 MPGe, and a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg in hybrid mode.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all non-hybrid trims. It offered smooth, steady acceleration, reaching 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds. While not particularly fast, it matched competitors in its segment, providing sufficient power for highway merging and daily driving.

The CR-V’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained engine revs at a constant level as speed increased, which could feel less engaging compared to the conventional eight-speed automatics found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Sport modes in these rivals offered a more entertaining driving experience. The CR-V was available in FWD as standard, with AWD as an option across trims, except the Subaru Forester, which had standard AWD.

The CR-V’s unitized body structure and suspension setup (MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear) were standard for the class. It provided decent handling and ride quality, with predictability in corners and smooth highway cruising.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair provided a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage. However, the platform's extensive use led to a pronounced lip below the doorframe, posing a tripping hazard when entering or exiting. This feature required getting used to and constant reminders for passengers.

Our test model had reclining and sliding rear seats, ensuring a comfortable experience for second-row passengers. Both rows offered ample head and legroom, making the Corsair suitable for road trips. Cargo space measured 27.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded – average for compact luxury SUVs. The Corsair also included a power liftgate and an option for a hands-free version.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed for functionality with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 by four cubic feet. It also had slightly more cargo space behind the second row than the RAV4. The CR-V provided 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded, accommodating large loads of luggage.

Accessing the cargo area varied by trim. The base LX to EX required manual operation of the tailgate, while the EX-L offered a power liftgate, and the Touring trim included a hands-free version. The latter allowed opening the tailgate with a foot wave under the bumper, useful when carrying heavy loads, though it could sometimes be finicky. Only the top Touring trim featured standard roof rails, limiting versatility for carrying rooftop cargo.

The Lincoln Corsair featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3 with a logical menu layout and a dock of buttons at the bottom. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a voice control button conveniently placed on the steering wheel.

Our Reserve test model also offered optional wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel premium audio system, and a head-up display (HUD) with crisp graphics. These features enhanced the driving experience, providing modern conveniences and superior sound quality.

In contrast, the base Honda CR-V LX had a 5-inch color screen with basic Bluetooth connectivity. Trims above the LX included a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The top Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation.

Higher trims offered multiple charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. Overall, the CR-V’s technology package was comprehensive but less advanced compared to the Corsair's higher trims.

The Lincoln Corsair came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including 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. Additional safety measures included traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and front-and-side-impact airbags.

The CR-V’s Honda Sensing system offered advanced safety features standard across all trims, including a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard from the EX trim upwards.