Lincoln Corsair vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced as a refined replacement for the Lincoln MKC, which had been based on the Ford Escape platform since 2014. Despite a facelift in 2019, the MKC's cabin felt outdated, lacking the athleticism of its Ford counterpart. The Corsair, however, rode on the new C2 platform, shared with the latest Escape, but Lincoln managed to create a distinct feel, setting it apart from its Ford sibling. This differentiation was something General Motors struggled with in its Cadillac XT4 and XT5 models. The Corsair's design was refreshingly refined, featuring slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger presence. Inside, the Corsair shared design elements with the Aviator and Navigator, such as a flowing dash and floating center touchscreen, though it didn't quite match their fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV returned with a familiar look, maintaining its position between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The styling changes were subtle, with a more conventional front end and a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo. The Bolt's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt's cabin offered adequate comfort, with the RS trim adding Evotex synthetic leather and red stitching for a sportier feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate power, but the optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, offered stronger acceleration. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in FWD or AWD, while the 2.3-liter was exclusively AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter akin to a Sport mode. The 2.3-liter engine provided brisk acceleration, though there was some body roll in turns. The suspension absorbed potholes well, though road noise was noticeable. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for a combined 266 hp, offering 28 miles of pure EV driving and 78 MPGe in electric mode.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from the Chevy Equinox EV provided 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm, but not overly stiff, and road noise was more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seats and ample storage space. However, the large lip when stepping in or out of the vehicle was a notable downside, as the floor sank below the doorframe, posing a tripping hazard. The rear seats were reclining and sliding, providing comfort and impressive legroom for a compact SUV. The Corsair offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was average for its class. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV had an upright driving position, offering plenty of space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, with ample headroom and thigh support. The Bolt provided 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easily accessible. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3, featuring a logical menu layout and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel premium audio system, and a head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV featured an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came standard with 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 Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus suite added features like adaptive LED headlights, surround-view parking cameras, and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. The Corsair was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus when equipped with high-feature headlights.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.