Compared: 2024 Lincoln Corsair vs. 2024 Acura RDX

It's luxury versus performance for these two takes on the high-end SUV.

Brennan Sullivan | 
Oct 22, 2024 | 3 min read

Bright blue Acura RDX in a split image atop a white Lincoln CorsairAcura | Lincoln

Lincoln and Acura both make premium compact SUVs, but they emphasize different aspects of the high-end experience. Acura's RDX tends toward the sporty side, while Lincoln's Corsair is an exercise in luxury. Here are some of the differences and similarities between these two vehicles in terms of price, features, and fuel economy.

White Lincoln Corsair parked in front of a modern building.Lincoln

The Corsair Costs Less to Start

Lincoln offers the Corsair in three trim levels. The base Premiere starts at just over $40,000 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive (FWD). If you go up a level for around $45,000, you can get the Corsair Reserve, which adds an enhanced LED lighting package, roof rails, and leather-trimmed seats.

The Grand Touring puts the starting number above $55,000, but its standard plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD) help justify the price. AWD is available on the two lower trims for an additional cost.

Blue Acura RDX parked on pavement with mountains in the background.Acura

The Acura RDX carries a higher starting price, with the entry-level model at just around $46,000 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Acura bundles features into packages rather than trim levels, such as the $48,000 Technology package, which adds leather seating and a wireless charging pad, and the $51,000 A-Spec, which adds suede upholstery and a sleek appearance package.

The roughly $56,000 A-Spec Advance tops the RDX range and boasts several sporty upgrades, such as bolstered bucket seats and active suspension dampers. All models come standard with AWD. The RDX has no hybrid powertrain option in its arsenal.

White Lincoln Corsair parked in profile in  front of a modern building. Lincoln

The Lincoln Offers More Standard Features

The Lincoln scores several points when it comes to features, particularly inside the cabin, starting with its 13.2-inch center console screen, larger than Acura's 10.2-inch display. While the Acura does have some nice touches, such as a standard power moonroof, the Corsair comes standard with navigation.

Blue Acura RDX parked beneath a semicircle of yellow mesh metal.Acura

The Corsair is rated to tow up to 3,000 pounds, depending on the trim level, which is more than the 1,500-pound limit of the RDX. That said, the RDX has a slight cargo advantage, with 58.9 cubic-feet of storage space behind the front seats versus the Corsair's 57.6 cu-ft.

White Lincoln Corsair parked on gray bricks.Lincoln

The Corsair Wins on Fuel Economy

The Corsair's two drivetrain options don't affect the vehicle's overall fuel economy much, with the FWD-equipped variant achieving an average of 22/30/25 mpg in city/highway/combined driving while its AWD sibling sits a bit lower at 21/28/24 mpg.

The EPA hasn't yet reported estimates for the Corsair's plug-in hybrid model. The 2023 edition scored 33 mpg combined in hybrid gasoline-electric operation and 78 MPGe when operating on battery power, with an estimated electric-only range of up to 27 miles.

Blue Acura RDX driving through a warehouse environment.Acura

The Acura RDX AWD comes in at 21/27/23 mpg in the lower-trim levels and 21/26/23 mpg in the A-Spec models.


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Brennan Sullivan

Brennan Sullivan is a writer and lifelong car fanatic. With an appreciation for all makes and models, Brennan is particularly passionate about the rich history of the automotive industry. In his spare time, he's the caretaker of a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, and a Golden Retriever named Willow.


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