Lincoln’s less expensive SUV isn’t as popular as it once was
The Lincoln Corsair is the luxury automaker’s smallest and most affordable SUV, sitting below the midsize Nautilus and Aviator and full-size Navigator models. The Corsair remains a strong seller in Lincoln’s SUV lineup, no doubt thanks to its compact size and starting price that undercuts much of its competition. However, Lincoln’s affordable SUV has proven less popular than it once was among buyers.
Lincoln Corsair sales are on track to decline in 2023
The luxury compact SUV segment is filled with competition. However, the US Corsair has had relative sales success against German rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and those across the Pacific, such as Lexus and Infiniti. However, 2023 has not been a great year so far for the Lincoln Corsair.
Annual Corsair sales through August fell 17.4% from more than 18,000 units sold at this time last year to just under 15,000 models, according to GoodCarBadCar. This comes despite a strong August in which Corsair sales were up 32% year over year compared to August 2022.
For perspective, Lexus has sold more than 45,000 NX models so far this year, and the Volvo XC60 and XC40 combined have sold more than 43,000 units sold. The Cadillac XT4, Corsair’s US rival, sold more than 5,700 units in the second quarter – with Cadillac releasing its sales figures on a quarterly basis.
The decline in Corsair sales has seen it overtake the compact model as the brand’s best-selling model since this time last year. During August, the midsize Nautilus proved to be Lincoln’s most popular model, with about 1,500 more models sold than the Corsair. Meanwhile, last year, the Corsair outsold its peers by about 3,000 units.
2024 Corsair luxury SUV overview
The 2024 Lincoln Corsair may not have the sporty credentials of some of its competitors, like the BMW X3. However, for those looking for a relatively affordable compact luxury SUV at an affordable price, the Corsair could fit the bill.
The 2024 Corsair is available in three models starting at $40,125 and topped off with the Grand Touring model at $55,320. The Corsair’s price point is definitely one of its strongest selling points. It’s available for thousands less than budget-conscious rivals like the Infiniti QX50 or Acura RDX and nearly five figures cheaper than some muscle cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class and BMW X3.
Those willing to spend a little more can opt for features like a 14-speaker Revel sound system, Lincoln’s ActiveGlide semi-autonomous highway cruise system, 24-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function, and other creature comforts to round out the Corsair’s acceptable list of standards. . Features.
The lower two models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 250 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is available). The top model features a 266-hp hybrid powertrain and an estimated 28 miles of all-electric range. This PHEV powertrain is paired with a continuously variable transmission.
The Corsair has its overall strengths, even if it’s not an industry leader in performance, overall luxury, or sales. It remains to be seen whether its recent sales slide is simply cyclical. There aren’t many obvious reasons why sales were down significantly this time last year.
