Toyota RAV4 vs 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 language shared with the Aviator and Navigator. Its exterior featured slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger presence. Inside, the Corsair's cabin boasted a flowing dash, floating center touchscreen, and signature "Piano Key" shifter buttons, though it fell short of the fit and finish found in more expensive Lincoln SUVs. The Corsair offered trims like Standard, Reserve, and the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, with the Reserve trim adding features such as 19-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, continued to build on its legacy as a sales leader. While its exterior styling blended with the current crossover design trends, closer inspection revealed angular wheel arches and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied the cabin together. The RAV4's design emphasized quality and practicality, making it a popular choice among a wide range of drivers.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate power for daily driving. However, the optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet 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 and the 2.3-liter exclusively in AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter providing a sportier experience. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, though road noise was noticeable. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined 266 horsepower, offering 28 miles of pure EV driving and impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and achieving excellent fuel economy. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower, AWD, and up to 42 miles of electric-only driving. The Adventure AWD model impressed with its smooth power delivery and car-like handling, thanks to its independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring. The RAV4's drive modes allowed for subtle performance adjustments, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair featured a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage. However, the pronounced lip at the doorframe required caution when entering or exiting. Reclining and sliding rear seats provided comfort, with 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. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It boasted a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with a comfortable front row and numerous storage options. The second-row middle seat was less desirable but functional for short trips.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and a head-up display. The steering wheel design improved accessibility to voice controls.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus suite added adaptive LED headlights, surround-view cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The Corsair earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating with high-feature headlights.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota’s Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0, offering enhanced vehicle stability control, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.