Lincoln has updated the Corsair for the 2023 model year. Once again, the plug-in hybrid model is the range-topper and is available only in the Grand Touring trim level. This tells us that Lincoln views its hybrid powertrain not only as a more efficient option, but as providing a more refined driving experience than the gas-only model. It makes 266 horsepower combined, which falls far short of the Audi Q5 PHEV's 362 hp, but the Corsair comes loaded with features to sway buyers. This year, it also gets a major tech upgrade that includes an available hands-free driving system. Can the Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid cut it alongside more powerful rivals?

See trim levels and configurations:

See all Trims and Specs

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid's release date is scheduled for early in 2023, and orders are open in the USA already.

The price of the 2023 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid starts at $53,385. However, it's easy to exceed $60,000 with options.

If this seems expensive, some of the Corsair Hybrid's rivals are even pricier. Audi charges at least $55,400 for its Q5 Hybrid. Although the Corsair has more features, the Q5 PHEV is far more powerful. Over at Lexus, you can get the NX 450h+ PHEV for an MSRP upwards of $57k. The Lexus is also very comfortable but, like the Audi, is more powerful than the Lincoln. Besides that, the Lexus also has a better all-electric range.

Lincoln has tweaked the Corsair Hybrid's design this year. Standard facelift protocol across the industry seems to be to increase the size of the grille, and Lincoln has done just that. It engenders the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid exterior with more presence, but the rest of the crossover is more restrained. On the Grand Touring specifically, the grille has a sundown satin metallic foil with blue accents. There are new wing-shaped daytime running lamps and wheel designs are fresh, too. Crystal Red and Whisper Blue are two new Lincoln Corsair Hybrid colors. Both cost $750 but they seem worth it; the Crystal Red is a dark, moody color with a lot of depth.

As standard, the Corsair Hybrid rides on 19-inch machined aluminum wheels with a Dark Tarnish premium paint finish, although 20s are available optionally. You don't have to pay extra for the panoramic vista roof with its power shade as it's included as standard.

A compact crossover, the Lincoln fits neatly into this segment in terms of its size. The Lincoln Corsair Hybrid's dimensions work out to 181.4 inches in length, 76.4 inches in width with the mirrors folded, and 63.8 inches in height. As for the wheelbase, that measures 106.7 inches.

The electric components have pushed up the weight of the Corsair Hybrid. At 4,397 pounds, it is 561 lbs heavier than the gas-only AWD model.

As before, the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid's engine is a 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder unit. Paired with two electric motors, the hybrid system makes 266 hp combined. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission with SelectShift capability are standard. Unfortunately, the additional power over the gas-only model isn't enough to overcome the PHEV's extra mass. Independent testing shows that it needs around seven seconds to get from 0-60 mph.

Although not slow, the Corsair Hybrid is not at its best when pushed hard. The rather gruff engine note can intrude in an otherwise serene cabin, and the CVT isn't exactly a sporty transmission. Driven more gently, the Corsair Hybrid feels much more refined. There is also a Pure EV mode that allows you to cover shorter distances on electric power alone - if you prod the gas pedal too hard, though, the gas engine will still start up automatically. Whatever mode you're in, you'll appreciate the smooth ride: the Corsair Hybrid more than lives up to its 'Grand Touring' trim name.

No EPA-rated economy specs have been published for the 2023 model, but it should match the 2022 Corsair Hybrid's 78 MPGe and 33 mpg combined. The total range is 430 miles and there is a useful 28 miles of all-electric range to play with when the battery is fully charged.

The Corsair Hybrid is both more efficient and has a longer all-electric range than the Audi Q5 PHEV (61 MPGe, 26 mpg, and 23 miles of range on electric power). However, the Lexus NX 450h+ is better; the NX can manage 84 MPGe, 36 mpg, and has an all-electric range of 37 miles.

The 14.4-kWh battery in the 2023 Corsair Hybrid can be replenished in 10-11 hours with a 110-volt Level 1 charger. With a 240-volt Level 2 charger, that time decreases to three to four hours.

Climb inside the 2023 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid interior, and there are some welcome updates to take in. A larger 13.2-inch touchscreen interface makes operating the infotainment system more of a pleasure. It runs Sync 4 software and comes with Lincoln Enhance software updates. This touchscreen complements a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Lincoln-specific graphics, a nice touch since much of the car's tech is shared with Ford models.

A newly available feature is the Auto Air Refresh function. This active air monitoring system can filter out particles from tobacco smoke, smog, pollen, and atmospheric dust so that the air inside the cabin remains cleaner. A head-up display, wireless charging, and heated rear seats are available.

Two new interior themes - Smoked Truffle and Eternal Red - are now available to customize the cabin. Regardless of which color you choose, the seats in the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid are upholstered in classy Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather.

Although the new Lincoln Corsair Hybrid crossover already had a decent selection of driver-assist technologies last year, the major update for 2023 is the available ActiveGlide 1.2 system. This enables hands-free driving at speeds of up to 80 mph and introduces many new features.

Lane change assist can perform a lane change by simply tapping the turn signal, and it can also suggest a lane change if it senses that it's necessary. Predictive speed assist will identify sharp curves ahead and automatically adjust the car's speed, while in-lane repositioning will not only keep the Corsair in its lane but also make small adjustments if it detects the presence of a large vehicle in an adjacent lane, just as an attentive driver would do. Finally, intersection assist will help to avoid a collision with a pedestrian when making a turn. This is linked to blind-spot assist, which will gently nudge the steering wheel if it identifies hazards like motorcyclists.

Cargo space in the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid measures 26.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.2 cubes behind the first row. These numbers are reasonable, although the gas-only Corsair has a little more space in its trunk.