Both the 2020 Lincoln Corsair and Audi Q5 are leading luxury crossovers in their own right. So how do you choose between them? Our comparison is here to help you make the right choice.
Affordable Luxury: 2020 Lincoln Corsair
You can’t beat Lincoln’s all-new luxury crossover’s price tag. With a starting MSRP of just $35,945, it gives you a ton of upscale features and smooth, turbocharged power while saving you thousands of dollars. At the top of the trim model range, a full-equipped Corsair starts at $44,830, which is pretty close to the Q5’s starting price.
The Audi Q5 starts at $43,300 and ranges upwards of $60,350. It, too, is known for its luxurious cabin and premium powertrains, though they’ll cost you quite a bit more.
Street Smarts: 2020 Lincoln Corsair
The 2020 Lincoln Corsair also impresses with its high-tech features. We’re big fans of Lincoln’s cutting-edge Sync 3 system, standard on every Corsair model. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, smartphone integration features that maximize connectivity and minimize on-road distractions.
Lincoln’s luxury crossover is also big on safety. Every trim model comes standard with the automaker’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids. This bundle includes everything from pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. Add the Co-Pilot360 Plus bundle for even more safety-inducing technology, including a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.
Audi also scores high marks in this category. Its MMI infotainment system features simply menu layouts and intuitive controls, making it easy to use. And the Q5 also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your phone without ever having to look away from traffic. However, the Audi infotainment system doesn’t include a touchscreen interface, which can complicate matters when you’re stuck in traffic.
While the Audi Q5 comes standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, other safety features are optional. Which means that with the Q5, you’d end up spending a lot more on features that comes standard on the Corsair.
Smoothest, Quietest Operator: 2020 Lincoln Corsair
In the luxury segment, drivers are looking for a smooth, quiet ride (as well as premium speed, but we’ll get to that in a minute). The Corsair delivers on both fronts, gliding over bumps in the road and maintaining a pin-drop-quiet cabin. This crossover is also easy to handle, with the sharp steering and sporty handling you’d expect from such a high-caliber vehicle.
The Audi Q5 also puts a major emphasis on ride comfort. It’s almost equally satisfying on the quiet front, as well, quashing wind and road noise to levels that almost go unnoticed. However, when you’re really pushing the engine, powertrain noise does disturb the peace.
Premium Performance: Audi Q5
Here, the Q5 has the numbers. Also, every Q5 crossover comes standard with all-wheel drive, putting a sporty spin on everyday performance. The Q5 also offers more in power. While its base engine is on par with that of the Corsair, you can opt for more power with the Q5 PHEV model, a plug-in hybrid that boosts speed with 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
The 2020 Lincoln Corsair also offers premium speed, with a couple of powertrain options. Compared to the Audi Q5, the Corsair actually gives you slightly more in standard power, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. (The Q5’s base engine is also a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder; it makes 248 horses and 273 pound-feet of torque.) Upgrade to the Corsair’s turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine to speed up your ride with 295 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque.
When it comes to maximum horsepower, the Audi Q5 leads the way. But, overall, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair is our favorite. Not only does it treat you to rich interior luxury and premium performance, but it also does so at an unbeatable rate.