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SUVs have had a reputation as gas guzzlers, but today they’re much more fuel-efficient than they used to be. Whether you’re interested in saving the planet or saving money, Lincoln’s newest crossover is one to consider. In fact, the 2021 Corsair plug-in hybrid is the brand’s most fuel-efficient SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair

Lincoln introduced the Corsair for the 2020 model year to replace the discontinued MKC. A plug-in hybrid version, the Grand Touring, debuted for 2021. Also, expect two other powertrain options.

This two-row luxury compact crossover offers a ton of standard features plus an interior with high-quality finishes and plenty of space. It also has an average amount of cargo room for its class. The Standard trim has synthetic leather upholstery and aluminum accents, but the Reserve and Grand Touring trims boast leather upholstery and wood trim.

Its touchscreen is a bit small at 8.0 inches, U.S. News reports, but it’s easy to use and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You’ll also find plenty of standard tech and safety features. The 2021 Corsair comes standard with two USB ports, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system. A 14-speaker Revel system is available, as are navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging.

The Corsair also comes standard with numerous advanced safety features. They include a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and Lincoln MyKey.

Additional safety features are available for an up-charge. They include a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a head-up display, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, speed-limit sign recognition, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, reverse automatic emergency braking, front parking sensors, and automatic parking.

The ride is comfortable but not as exciting as some of its competitors. However, its low base price of $36,105 makes this luxury SUV a good value thanks to its many standard features. The Reserve trim starts at $43,050, and the Grand Touring starts at $50,390.

The Lincoln Corsair’s hybrid powertrain

The Lincoln Corsair Grant Touring plug-in hybrid has a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine and two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear. Along with a continuously variable automatic transmission, the powertrain generates 266 hp. The PHEV also comes with all-wheel drive, but that’s an extra $2,200 in the non-hybrid trims.

The 2021 Corsair‘s two other powertrains are a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 2.3-liter turbo-four. They produce 250 hp and 295 hp, respectively. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Grand Touring’s fuel efficiency

MotorTrend ranks the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring fourth among the most fuel-efficient SUVs for 2021. The EPA rates this new PHEV for 78 MPGe. Its electric-only range is only 28 miles, though. But even when running on gas alone, the Corsair Grand Touring gets an impressive EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

In fact, the Corsair Grand Touring beats all of Lincoln’s other 2021 SUVs in fuel economy. But the three-row, midsize Aviator Grand Touring also appears on MotorTrend’s list. The EPA rates it for 56 MPGe.

Plus, the Corsair Grand Touring beats its other trims’ powertrains. With the 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive, the Corsair gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It gets one less mpg with the all-wheel drivetrain. The 2.3-liter engine AWD version is similar, getting 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Overall, if you’re not ready for an all-electric SUV, the fuel-efficient Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring is a step in that direction.

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