2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced as a refined replacement for the Lincoln MKC, which had struggled to match the athleticism of its Ford Escape counterpart. Riding on the new C2 platform, the Corsair distinguished itself from Ford models with a unique design and a departure from Lincoln's previous lettered naming convention. Its exterior featured slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger presence. Inside, the Corsair shared design elements with its larger Lincoln siblings, such as a flowing dash and floating center touchscreen, though it lacked the same level of fit and finish, with more hard-touch materials present.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Sharing its basic structure with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood apart with its unique design elements, such as a body-color grille and full-width taillight assembly. The interior was a showcase of luxury, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, with features like the Perfect Position seats offering 30 different adjustments. The overall impression was one of refinement and luxury, appealing to those seeking a high-end driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the 2.3-liter was exclusively all-wheel drive. The Corsair's drive modes, such as "Conserve" and "Excite," provided a unique driving experience, with the 2.3-liter engine delivering brisk acceleration and confident cornering.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a formidable twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered impressive performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. While fuel economy was not its strong suit, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing performance and capability.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair provided a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage space. However, the design included a pronounced lip at the doorframe, which could be a tripping hazard. The rear seats were both reclining and sliding, offering impressive legroom for a compact SUV. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it suitable for road trips.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a cavernous interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The boxy design contributed to generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator's second-row seats were manually reclining and tilting, with an optional console for added convenience. The front seats were highly adjustable and luxurious, providing a commanding view of the road, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout and a clutter-free steering wheel design. The Reserve trim added features like wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel premium audio system, and a head-up display, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while offering a 10-inch touchscreen, felt dated compared to newer competitors. The infotainment system was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford models but with a unique Lincoln skin. Despite lacking wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Navigator included features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system offered various connectivity options, and the drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was well-equipped with safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring were standard. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus suite added advanced driver aids, such as adaptive LED headlights and a surround-view parking camera. The Corsair earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating when equipped with high-feature headlights.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in most tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of protection. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.