Linclon Aviator (2nd Gen) and Corsair

The return of the Aviator and the arrival of the first-ever Corsair shows that Lincoln, Ford's luxury brand, might follow its parent's suit with an all-SUV lineup because with even the most luxurious SUVs, despite its high price tag, are pretty much about everywhere on the road today, the timely arrival of the two new Lincoln crossovers proved its all about the power grab from the competition dominated by luxury German imports.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

We begin with the all-new Lincoln Aviator, which starts at a rather expensive 51,100 US Dollars plus on road costs, and while this is essentially a Ford Explorer with a lot of bling bling on it, the all-new Aviator shows it's all about delivering the riding comfort of a luxury sedan in an SUV setting and this is what Lincoln's all about; being comfortable on the trip to Beverly Hills.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

Looking at the design, the new Aviator is no longer a mini-me Navigator like the old one had and judging from its unique styling that is very Lincoln indeed, rest assured that the new Aviator is one of the nicest-looking full-size crossovers emerged in the Land of Opportunity and that's just the start of the story.

2020 Lincoln Aviator interior

Inside, the new Aviator hosts a wide array of tech and comfort fit for up to seven people on board and unlike the more generic interior the latest Ford Explorer features, the new Aviator features a well-tailored interior that smells like it was tailored at a very fancy dress shop rather than the department store and judging by all the leather and wood plastered to this very functional interior, the new Aviator is surprisingly comfortable not just as a family car but also works for escorting VIPs to their very important schedules like galas, orchestras, concerts, or public hearings. Spacious at the back as well.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

Like the Ford Explorer, the new Aviator utilizes on a brand new rear-wheel drive architecture, which promises to be more sporty and athletic compared to the old Aviator of yesteryears and with the optional Intelligent 4WD, it handles almost everywhere. Because being a Lincoln, the Aviator's dynamics is focused on comfort in mind, meaning that it's capable of traveling through the I-5 in the real world, which most luxury car owners do, while leaving anyone in the back sleeping like a baby. It's quiet, refined, and nice to live with, although you won't break a sweat from driving one. As for safety, the new Aviator boasts a wide range of safety tech for when they're needed most.

The Aviator is powered by the similar 3.0L EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that you get from the new Ford Explorer while mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox. It produces similar stats compared to the new Ford Explorer.

There's also the first ever Aviator Grand Touring which comes with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 petrol engine bolted to a Plug-In Hybrid powertrain and a unique 10-speed AT built specifically for this variant.

2020 Lincoln Corsair

Next, let's move on to the first-ever Lincoln Corsair, which starts at 35,945 US Dollars plus OTR, and although more expensive than the MKC it relpaces, this poshed-up Ford Escape is the least expensive of the Lincoln SUV range of today, and there's something about this crossover that will leave them cross-armed in the middle of the Corsica sunrise.

2020 Lincoln Corsair

Silly name aside, the Corsair looks a bit like a smaller version of the new Aviator mentioned above, meaning that this luxury midsize crossover got succumbed to the Russian doll effect and when parked alongside its big brother, you really can't tell the difference between the Aviator and Corsair. Let the size decide which is which but it's a bit more complicated than that.

2020 Lincoln Corsair

Like the latest Ford Escape, the Corsair as room for five people, a sensible dashboard on the driver's side, ample boot space for when they need most, and the optional foot-activated liftgate, something that the Germans should take note before taking on this five-seater comfort cruiser which packs some luxury amenities as cutting-edge as a 4K smart TV on the living room. It is very accommodating in the beginning so high rollers can take advantage of its spacious interior in the beginning.

2020 Lincoln Corsair

The Corsair is front-wheel drive as standard, meaning it behaves like the MKZ saloon for all the right and wrong reasons, but when fitted with the Intelligent AWD and adaptive suspension, the Corsair is capable of going places no matter how dirty the road is or how rainy the weather is and because being a Lincoln, it's surprisingly comfortable as well. Safer too thanks to its wide range of safety features loaded on it.

There are two turbocharged engines offered on the Corsair such as the 2.0L and the more powerful 2.3L engine, all mated to an 8-speed AT.

So, there we are. The new Aviator and the Corsair are undeniable proof that Lincoln might go down in the same path as Ford by offering an all-SUV lineup because of the reality today's automotive world faces. Like or not, these new crossovers are here to stay when needed most and looks like customers are prepared to get their fat paychecks on one of them.

Photo: Ford Motor Company