Badge Engineering Done Right: 2024 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve III

Item: 2024 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve III
Rating: 4
Author: Cory Fourniquet

Cory Fourniquet |

Mar 22, 2024

What I didn’t expect about the Lincoln Corsair was how much nicer it would be versus the Ford Escape it is based upon.

NEED TO KNOW

The Corsair Reserve III shares its bones with the Ford Escape but delivers a noticeably more refined experience.
24-way power front seats with massage are a standout luxury feature rarely found at this price.
The writer’s core question — ‘how much nicer is it versus the Escape?’ — was answered positively.
At $61,395 as tested, buyers should cross-shop European alternatives before committing.
The title ‘badge engineering done right’ signals the writer believes Lincoln earns its premium here.

Badge engineering is nothing new, but we generally know what we are getting, a lux’d-up version of a cheaper vehicle. However, with the 2024 Lincoln Corsair, there really is no resemblance to the Escape on which it is based.

Between the powerful engine, the multi-way positional seats with massage, and looks that exceed its mainstream sibling, this Corsair makes a case for its price premium over the Ford Escape.

2024 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve III Specs:

2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder Engine

250 Horsepower

275 lb-ft of Torque

8-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

4 Drive Modes

Normal

Excite

Conserve

Slippery

Strut Front Suspension with Stabilizer Bar

Integral Bush Rear Suspension with Stabilizer Bar

20-inch Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels

245/45 R20 Tires

Leather-trimmed Seats

24-way Power Perfect Position Front Seats with 2-person Driver Memory

Heated, Ventilated, Massaging Front Seats

Heated Steering Wheel

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control

12.3-inch Color Driver Information Center

13.2-inch SYNC4 Color Infotainment System

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto

360º Camera System

Qi Wireless Charger

14 Speaker Revel Premium Audio System

Driver Assistance Tech

Adaptive Cruise Control

Pre-collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

SOS Post-crash System

27.6 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Rear Seat

57.6 Cubic Feet of Storage with the 2nd Row Folded

Hands-Free Power Liftgate

Proximity Key with Push Button Start

EPA Fuel Economy 21/28/24 (city/hwy/cmb)

Starting MSRP: $38,830 (Premier Trim)

Price as tested: $61,395

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2024 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve III

OVERALL SCORE

PROS

Dramatically more refined ride and interior quality than the Ford Escape platform it shares underpinnings with
24-way power seats with massage function deliver genuine luxury comfort
Exterior styling clearly exceeds the mainstream sibling and commands attention in its segment
Justifies its price premium over the Escape with meaningful feature and refinement upgrades

CONS

Fuel economy of 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined is unremarkable for a luxury crossover
As-tested price of $61,395 is steep relative to what the underlying platform delivers

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