2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Corsair, introduced as a replacement for the Lincoln MKC, rode on the new C2 platform shared with the Ford Escape. The Corsair succeeded in differentiating itself from its Ford counterpart, unlike some General Motors models. Its refined design featured slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger presence. The cabin shared design cues with more expensive Lincoln SUVs, including a flowing dash and floating center touchscreen. However, it had more hard-touch materials, and the black leather with dark wood seemed geared towards older buyers. The Corsair was available in Standard, Reserve, and the new Grand Touring plug-in hybrid trims, with the Reserve trim adding premium features like a 14-speaker Revel stereo and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing showed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provided 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering strong acceleration. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in FWD or AWD and the 2.3-liter exclusively in AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter akin to Sport mode. The 2.3-liter engine provided brisk acceleration and confident cornering, though with some body roll and light steering. The suspension absorbed potholes well, though road noise was noticeable. The new Grand Touring trim added a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined 266 hp, 28 miles of pure EV driving, and 78 MPGe in electric mode.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating. However, taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position due to limited seat height adjustment. The rear seats were more accommodating, with high cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports made the back seat a pleasant place. Cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seats and ample storage. However, the pronounced lip at the doorframe posed a tripping hazard when entering or exiting. The test model's reclining and sliding rear seats provided impressive legroom, making it suitable for road trips. The Corsair had 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, average for its class. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen running the SYNC 3 system, featuring a logical menu layout and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and a head-up display (HUD) with crisp graphics. The steering wheel design improved usability, with the voice control button conveniently placed.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included standard Safety Shield 360, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were subpar, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The test model included Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus, adding features like adaptive LED headlights, surround-view cameras, speed-limit sign recognition, and automatic parking assist. The Corsair earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from IIHS when equipped with high-feature headlights.