Nissan Pathfinder vs Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced as a refined replacement for the Lincoln MKC, which had struggled to match the athleticism of its Ford Escape counterpart. Riding on the new C2 platform, the Corsair distinguished itself from Ford models with a unique design language shared with the Aviator and Navigator. Its exterior featured slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger appearance. Inside, the Corsair's cabin echoed the design of more expensive Lincoln SUVs, with a flowing dash and floating center touchscreen, though it lacked the same level of fit and finish. The Corsair offered trims like Standard, Reserve, and the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, each with a range of features from alloy wheels to a premium stereo system.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of design with cues from the Rogue and Armada, featuring a V-motion grille and LED headlights. Its robust aesthetic was achieved through a wider stance and a more planted look, with a design aimed at conveying capability and ruggedness. The Pathfinder came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each offering a variety of features like body-color door handles and chrome badging. The interior was designed for family flexibility, with options for second-row captain’s chairs and the ability to fit multiple car seats. The Pathfinder's interior was praised for its upscale feel, especially in higher trims, and offered a range of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provided 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exclusively with AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter providing brisk acceleration. The suspension was designed to absorb road imperfections, though some road noise was present. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined 266 hp, offering 28 miles of pure EV driving and 33 mpg combined in hybrid mode.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in FWD and AWD, the Pathfinder offered a range of drive modes, with AWD models featuring seven terrain options. The SUV achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined for FWD and 22 mpg for AWD. The Pathfinder's suspension provided a stable ride, and its steering was well-suited for a family vehicle. With a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the Pathfinder excelled in towing stability, aided by trailer sway control technology.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair featured a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage. However, the pronounced lip at the doorframe required caution when entering or exiting. The rear seats were reclining and sliding, offering impressive legroom for a compact SUV. Cargo space measured 27.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.6 cubic feet with them folded, with a power liftgate standard.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort with enhanced sound insulation and flexible seating arrangements. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide system allowed easy access to the third row, and the removable second-row center console added convenience. The Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The SUV accommodated three adults in the rear seat and provided ample space in the front and second rows, with heated and ventilated seats available.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added wireless charging, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus suite added adaptive LED headlights, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. The Corsair earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating with the Reserve II package.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim.