On Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Ford Motor Co (F.N) is issuing a recall for 20,484 hybrid SUVs due to battery-related concerns. The affected models include Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2024. According to Ford, a manufacturing defect could result in a loss of drive power, heightening the risk of crashes and fires. Dealers will provide a free software update and replace the high-voltage battery pack as part of the recall.
The Corsair is the cheapest SUV in Lincoln’s all-SUV lineup. However, it still distinguishes itself from Ford’s small SUV offerings with refined styling that invokes its pricier larger siblings and a more decadent interior featuring upmarket touches like a digital instrument cluster. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a plug-in electric hybrid powertrain are available, delivering an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.
While the Corsair’s standard features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen running Lincoln’s Sync infotainment system and a rearview camera, adding the Premium upgrade gets you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a 14-speaker Revel audio setup. In-dash navigation is an option that will set you back $600, and adding the PHEV trim adds a 7.4 kW rear motor for an additional 25 miles of electric range.
Drivers can also opt for BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free driving aid that allows them to take their hands off the wheel on most divided U.S. highways, provided the vehicle meets certain driving conditions. However, this is not a self-driving system; it only works at speeds below 37 mph.
Aside from its optional PHEV powertrain, the 2024 Corsair’s most prominent feature is its available power liftgate, which can open and close itself at the push of a button in the cargo area or by using the key fob if the SUV is unoccupied. A 60/40-split rear seatback is also part of the package, allowing for a maximum of 74 cubic feet of storage space.
The luxury SUV class is a crowded field, and the Corsair faces stiff competition from rivals like the Cadillac XT4 and Mercedes GLC and global entries such as the Genesis GV70 and Acura RDX. To help Corsair stand out, it offers the BlueCruise feature, allowing drivers to relax behind the wheel on most divided U.S. freeways by automatically steering, accelerating, and braking under certain driving conditions.