2023 LINCOLN CORSAIR

SALES HEAT UP FOR REFRESHED 

LINCOLN CORSAIR COMPACT SUV

The Corsair may be the smallest entry in the Lincoln’s all-SUV fleet, but latest sales figures show that it is punching well above its weight class.

According to figures reported by fordauthority.com, the 2023 Lincoln Corsair jumped 28 percent for the third quarter with its 7,852 units sold, finishing second to the Lexus NX, which led the compact sales segment with a whopping 17,647 sold from July through September.

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair still shows a decline in yearly totals of slightly less than 14 percent, thanks mostly to a production halt to correct some software issues with its digital instrument cluster, according to fordauthority.com.

With 17,483 units sold, the 2023 Lincoln Corsair remains a solid fourth behind the NX, Buick Envision, and Volvo XC40 in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The Corsair debuted as a 2020 model to replace the MDX in the Lincoln lineup and has gone through a refreshing for 2023. (Kudos to Lincoln for abandoning the annoying trend toward alpha-numeric nomenclature among luxury automakers.)

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair was given styling tweaks that include a redesigned grille and new exterior lighting and wheels and, on the inside, a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen featuring Sync4 tech features and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display.

But the big update is the availability of Active Glide, the first hands-free driving system offered in the segment, according to the company.

“We want the drive experience to be even more effortless and personal,” Michael Sprague, North America director, Lincoln. said in a release, “and the new Corsair will deliver that with advanced technology and new features.”

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair comes in three trim levels with the Grand Touring trim coming as a plug-in hybrid. Base and Reserve trims get a 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. (The 2.3-liter turbo 4 has been dropped.)

An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Base and Reserve trims while the Grand Touring PHEV comes with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Fuel mileage comes in at 21 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 24 combined for all-wheel versions like my test Reserve trim.. Front-wheel drive models have numbers of 22/30/25, according to the government.

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair PHEV with its standard AWD earns numbers of 78 MPGe on electric driving and 33 mpg combined with the 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine.

Here’s a huge bonus: the 2023 Lincoln Corsair runs on regular gas! 

Every Corsair gets the suite of features from Lincoln’s CoPilot360 2.1 system that includes auto high beams, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, intersection assist, and post-collision breaking, lane-keeping alert, blind-spot assist, driver alert, road edge detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering,  rear cross-traffic braking, and rear parking assist.

Included on my test vehicle were rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof with power shades, heated and ventilated driver and front passenger seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, a head-up display, active park assist, front parking aid, and rear parking sensors.

Options that boosted the starting MSRP ($45,75) to a final bottom line of $60,785 included 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 19s, premium leather seats, a roof rack,  and a Jet Package that adds special design touches to the exterior.  

What I liked about the 2023 Lincoln Corsair: It may be the smallest of the four SUVs that Lincoln offers, but it is big enough to handle routine chores like runs to Costco. The exterior is nicely done, and the inside is comfortable and appealing. The Reserve trim comes with a long list of standard features. It cruises smoothly and quietly. Second row seats can be adjusted to offer either more legroom or more cargo space.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Lincoln Corsair: Some tech features can be tricky to get to, though overall the infotainment functions are not overly complicated. Took a while to find the button to disable the guidance I no longer needed.

Would I buy the 2023 Lincoln Corsair? Most definitely. You can get the base trim for under $40,000 though the Reserve would be the preferred choice. Compact SUVs like the Corsair are a much better choice for urban environs over larger SUVs.

2024 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 450e 4MATIC

NEW PLUG-IN MODEL RELIEVES RANGE ANXIETY FEARS IN ELECTRIFIED GLE CLASS

An aggressive Mercedes-Benz television ad campaign pushes its electric vehicles and plans to go all-electric by the end of this decade “where market conditions allow,” according to the Germany luxury automaker.

But if a bit of range anxiety is holding you back — or you often take trips that extend past the typical range of today’s all-electric models, Mercedes has the solution.

The plug-in version of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC offers the convenience of extended mileage when your battery is depleted with a gasoline engine taking over seamlessly.

And you still have the convenience and frugality of electric driving. The plug-in (or PHEV) goes about 48 miles before that gas engine kicks in which should cover most of your daily driving chores.

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gas engine pu
ts out 248 horsepower and  295 pound-feet of torque by itself. The electric motor is rated at 134 hp but an impressive 325 pound-feet of torque.

Combined horsepower and torque checks in at 381 hp and 479 lb.-ft, which scoots the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, according to the company.

That’s about a half-second slower than the gas-only GLE 450 4MATIC but over a second quicker than the base GLE 350 4MATIC with its 4-cylinder engine.

A 9-speed shiftable automatic is the standard transmission, earning the 2024 Mercedes GLE 450e 4MATIC an EPA rating of 58 MPGe or 24 miles-per-gallon operating with gasoline only. (Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive also is standard.)

The government estimates annual fuel cost at $1,700 and fuel savings of $1,250 over a 5-year period.

In addition to the hybrid drivetrain, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC benefits from all the updates the GLE lineup receives for 2024, including a new front bumper and grille, modified rear bumper, and restyled wheels for the exterior. Inside is the second generation of the company’s MBUX infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch widescreen digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch widescreen touchscreen display with navigation, a center console touchpad to operate infotainment functions, “Hey, Mercedes” voice control, heated front seats with lumbar support, selectable ambient lighting, power sunroof, LED headlamps and taillamps, and safety features like Attention Assist, active brake assist, parking assist with surround view, and blind-spot assist.

That’s all covered by a starting MSRP of $69,500, but you’re not likely to get off that “cheap.” Want special paint like the cardinal red metallic on my test 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC? Add on another $1,750. A beige and black leather interior adds $1,650.

Other packages like Driver Assistance (active lane change assist, brake assist with cross traffic function, Pre-Safe Plus, etc.), Pinnacle Trim (premium Burmeister Sound, head-up display, heated/cooled front cupholders, etc.), a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch 10-spoke wheels, a power adjustable second row, soft close doors, and illuminated aluminum running boards ran the bottom line of my test model to $86,770 including the $1,150 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC: The plush, spacious cabin seats five comfortably and provides a quiet, smooth ride. Cargo space is generous though the optional third-row seat would seriously cut into the available 33.3 cubic feet. All-electric range is outstanding for a PHEV, and Edmunds.com coaxed 60 miles on its test drive over the advertised 48. The surround view camera is invaluable when maneuvering in tight spaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC: The touchpad that can be used to adjust infotainment functions can be touched accidentally and make a switch you don’t really want. Steering wheel buttons are.suited for the the fingers of a 5-year-old. Fortunately, functions also work off the “Hey, Mercedes” voice command..

Would buy the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC? I would go for this over the fully electric vehicle (which isn’t offered on this vehicle) because of the gasoline engine to relieve range anxiety. The downside is that many of the desirable features come as options that run up the final total. That said, with the starting MSRP for the PHEV is the same as for the gas-powered V6 GLE 450 version, it pays to go with the former.

2023 FORD BRONCO SPORT

FORD BRONCO SPORT TAILORED 

FOR OFF-ROADING ENTHUSIASTS

The Ford Bronco Sport debuted as a 2021 model to give buyers a more affordable and compact option than its larger Bronco sibling that revived the nameplate the same year to end a 15-year production hiatus.

Initially offered in five trims including a First Edition model, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport also gets a new trim level with Heritage and Heritage Limited models joining Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands in the portfolio.

It is especially targeted for off-roading ventures but is comfortable in city environs as well.

Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage models get a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine while the Heritage Limited, which this review is base on, and Badland versions get the optional 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine.

The larger engine boosts horsepower and torque to 250 hp and 275 pound-feet over the smaller’s 181/190 numbers so it’s worthwhile stretching your budget if you are able.

Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The government puts fuel mileage at 21 miles-per-gallon city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for the 4-cylinder, which makes it only slightly thirstier than the smaller 3-banger (25/28/26).

The 2023 Ford Bronc Sport Heritage Limited has a nicely designed interior  with leather/synthetic leather upholstery and lots of standard convenience features.

These include Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of features like navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert and lane-keeping assist, and the FordPass Connect system that adds remote start and recall notifications among other alerts.

Interior features include rubberized flooring and cargo floor (handy after adventures on muddy trails), cruise and audio controls, a 110-volt outlet, under-seat storage, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, an 8-inch display screen with app links,, an illuminated entry system, and USB ports.

An easy fill capless fuel filler, LED foglights, rear liftgate glass with wiper, LED headlights and taillamps, unique side badging, bash plates and tow hooks, and a unique white front grille with distinctive red “Bronco” lettering are among other standard features.

Keyless entry and push-button start gets you under way quickly and smoothly, and paddle shifters give you the option of manual gear selection

Among “no charge” offerings on my test 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited were the Robin’s Egg Blue paint scheme, rear parking sensors, wireless charging pad, dual zone climate control, HD radio with 10 speakers, remote start, power and a power moonroof.

All told that rang the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited in at $46,400 including the $1,595 destination and delivery charge. That’s a pretty good jump from the under $30,000 starting price for the base trim.

What I liked about the 2023 Fort Bronco Sport Heritage Limited: The 4-cylinder engine has plenty of pep for daily driving. The interior is roomy, and the infotainment functions are user-friendly. Overall, the vehicle is well-equipped, making it easy to avoid options that add to an already hefty starting MSRP. There is plenty of room for storage behind the backseat (32.5 cubic feet) and it more than doubles (65.2) with the second-row folded.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited: Fuel economy trails that of most of its competitors. The front seat offers plenty of legroom (42.4 inches) but the back is a bit snug (36.9 inches). It may have been the shoes I was wearing that caused it, but my foot had a tendency to slip off the accelerator pedal, which is on the small side.

Would I buy the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited? I’m not fond of the Robin’s Egg Blue exterior but North Carolina Tar Heels fans no doubt would love it. The off-road capability is wasted on me not because I don’t get little opportunity to hit the trail. This and the Everglades edition deserve a look if you are seeking off-pavement adventures. Production lives up to its “limited” moniker with under 2,000 in production so the Badlands model likely works out as the default model if off-roading is your primary desire.

 

FORD OFFERS HANDS-FREE DRIVING WITH BLUE CRUISE IN LIGHTNING EV PICKUP 

For quite some time now I have taken a both-hands-on-the-wheel approach when it comes to driving. I have more confidence when my hands are in the 3 o’clock-9-o’clock positions in most conditions, taking advantage of convenient nodules some models have on steering wheels to help me place my thumbs on the wheel.

It used to be the 2-10 position was recommended, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the change because the 2-10 position can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped with air bags. NHTSA actually recommends positions between 7 and 8 o’clock for your left hand and 4 and 5 for your right, but I like to move them up a little on the wheel.

With this in mind, I have been reluctant to see what “hands-free” driving is all about, though it is a feature often highlighted in car and truck ads you see on TV these days. The only time I ever thought about taking my hands off the wheel was if I was in a race car headed for an unavoidable crash into a race track wall, which is a situation I never will be in.

But I decided I should check out the hands-free mode on the Ford F-150 Lightning I was cruising in on Florida’s Turnpike recently. The turnpike is one of the divided highways that Ford’s “Blue Cruise” marks for operation. Interstate highways are other common hands-free zones across the U.S.

My reaction?

It’s a bit nerve-wracking at 70 mph.  No, allow me to amend that. A lot nerve-wracking.

Of course, unlike in TV commercials I have seen promoting the hands-free experience I did not clap my hands in rhythmic cadence but kept them lightly on the steering wheel.

That is recommended anyway for safety purposes and it became immediately clear why when I was confronted by several traffic barrels indicating a lane closure. I simply re-affirmed my grip on the steering wheel and smoothly guided the Ford F-150 Lightning into the adjacent lane.

Then I turned off the system and took over responsibility myself. Hands-free driving may seem cool, but I’m not ready for it yet.

I covered the basics for the Ford F-150 Lightning in a review posted a year ago but in simple terms it is an all-electric version of Ford’s best-selling full-sized F-Series pickup. Ford was not the first to come out with an EV pickup but it had the advantage of already having the best-selling model on the market when it did.

The Ford F-150 Lightning was popular at its introduction but with the news that Tesla was going to bring its Cybertruck EV to market later this year sales took a sharp drop. Ford confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that it was cutting a production shift of 700 workers for the F-150 Lightning at its Dearborn plant.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t all that much different from the debut 2022 model though driving range with the standard battery getting a slight bump up to 240 miles.

New Platinum Black and Flash editions are being added for 2024. This brief updade, however, is based on the original Lightning. Flash models get the extended ranger battery pack (320 miles) that boosts horsepower and torque to 580 hp and 775 pound-feet, respectively, resulting in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of 3.2 seconds.

The Lightning is sold only with a Crew Cab with a 5.5-foot bed that has a handy retractable step-up for easy access.

MSRP for the new 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black trim approaches six figures but only 2,000 are scheduled for production, according to reports. The Flash model starts at just under $70,000. Base Pro models start at just over $50,000.

What I liked about the Ford F-150 Lightning: Running boards are standard on a the Platinum trim to ease access to the spacious, comfortable cabin. Throttle response is immediate, making the Lightning ever quicker that the F-150 Raptor R. Trunk space in the front is handy for smaller cargo loads. 

What I didn’t like about the Ford F-150 Lightning: There’s a fairly steep learning curve with the numerous tech features. It can be distracting to work your way through the various modes to get to the function you need. I did not experience this personally but range is considerably reduced when towing.

Would I buy the Ford F-150 Lightning? All you want from a Ford F-150 comes in an all-electric drivetrain that does have the usual drawbacks when it comes to charging times and towing. Anyone having to do long-distance towing on a regular basis are advised to go with the usual gas-powered pickup.

2023 CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2

REDESIGNED COLORADO PACKS 
MANY FEATURES IN LARGER PACKAGE

Still slightly smaller than its sibling Silverado, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has grown some since its introduction as a compact pickup for the 2004 model year.

A midsize truck now, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is more of a work horse than those of earlier generations and is a good option for the budget conscious who need more capability than a compact offers but can’t afford, or want, a bulky full-size pickup.

Fully redesigned, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado comes in five trim levels but only one engine and cabin offering. The V6 and diesel powertrains available in earlier Colorado models have been discontinued and a 2.7-liter turbo charged 4-cylinder is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with five selectable drive modes.

Depending on the trim level, tow-haul, off-road, terrain (for off-road rock crawling), and Baja (for high-speed desert running).complement the normal setting.

The only cabin choice is a 4-door crew cab that fits five passengers comfortably. With the standard short (5-foot) bed, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 that served as my test model measures 212.7 inches long and 76.4 inches wide (excluding mirrors), which is about 5.6 inches longer and 8.7 inches wider than the first Colorado model that replaced the compact Chevy S-10 around two decades ago.

At 73.8 inches in height, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is about half-a-foot taller than the debut model.

Dimensions for other trims — the base WT (or Work Truck), LT, Trail Boss, and ZR1 — vary slightly by less than an inch from the ZR2.

ZR2 models also get a power boost up from the 4-banger engine to 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque while other trims make do with 237 hp and either 259 or 390 lb.-ft.

Designers gave major upgrades to the the cabin for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR with a new center console and a new 11.2-inch touchscreen for infotainment features standing out. Legroom is a generous 45.2 inches up front but a tighter 38.3 inches in the second row.

Standard convenience features include an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and push-button start.

Notable exterior features include rocker panel protection, a spray-on bedliner, heated exterior mirrors, LED headlamps and fog lights, red recovery hooks, and a trailering equipment package (max towing capacity is a healthy 7,700 pounds).

Safety features include Chevy’s Safety Assist, system, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and front pedestrian and bicyclist warning.

All that is included in the starting MSRP of $46,800.

Extras like a ZR2 Convenience Package, driver seat memory settings, heated steering wheel, perforated leather seats, ventilated front seats, blind-spot zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, wireless charging, sunroof, HD surround vision, and adaptive cruise control ran the final total on my test 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to $52,130 including the $1,495 destination and delivery charge.

The ZR1 starts at just over $41,000. Other trims are priced in the $30,000 range.

What I liked about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: The ride is comfortable, and the upgraded turbo-4 in the ZR2 trim packs good punch. Infotainment functions are numerous and operate off a user-friendly touchscreen. HD surround vision is a nice feature when you are in crowded parking lots.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: A running board would be a great help for shorter passengers to get in and out. Not many options are offered if you want to customize your pickup.

Would I buy the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2? I’m not a truck guy,  but the Colorado is a good alternative for Chevy fans if a Silverado is outside your budget. If you are seeking a compact pickup, however, the Colorado has grown out of that market.

2023 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PHEV

SANTA FE PLUG-IN ALLOWS YOU TO TIPTOE 
INTO THE ELECTRIFICATION REVOLUTION

If you are leaning to joining in the trend to electrified vehicles for your next purchase but are holding back because of an acute case of range anxiety, a plug-in model may be the cure you are looking for..

Technically classified as PHEVs, options like the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in provides an all-electric driving experience over a limited range (30 miles according to the EPA) with a gasoline engine kicking in after that to extend that distance to 440 miles.

The South Korean automaker introduced the Plug-in version of the Santa Fe lineup last year to pair up with the standard gas-electric Hybrid version introduced the year before and the long-standing gas-only models that date back to 2001.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV comes in two trim levels.  Both the SEL trim and the Limited, which this review is based on, feature an electric motor and a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline that combined produce 261 horsepower, which is a jump of 35 hp over the 226 for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV.

Torque for the Plug-in is 224 pound-feet, a jump of 29 lb.-ft. over the HEV drivetrain. By itself, the turbo-4 is rated at 178 hp and 195 lb.ft.

EPA ratings for the Plug-in are 76 MPGe when the gas engine and electric motor are operating in tandem and 33 miles-per-gallon in gasoline-only mode.

Hyundai has blessed the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in with a fairly long list of features that on the SEL included a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, an electric parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, blind-spot warning, forward collision assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, hillstart assist, push-button start, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, hands-free power liftgate, 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual automatic climate control, Smart (adaptive) cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and more.

The upgraded Limited trim gets a parking collision assist system with reverse parking collision avoidance, leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, an 8-way power front passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, and a Harman Kardan premium audio system, and a surround-view monitor.

New standard features added for 2023 on Santa Fe Limited models are Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist that takes some of the stress out of long trips, 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation, and dynamic voice recognition.

Such features and a nicely designed, comfortable interior give the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Limited a premium feel. There is little to quibble about when it comes to its interior.

Starting MSRP for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited is $48,005 included freight charges of $1,335. That’s a jump from the $44,205 for the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited.

The SEL trim for the 2023 Huyundai Santa Fe Plugin starts at $43,745 including destination and delivery.

What I liked about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited: It has a classy exterior and a roomy, well-appointed interior with lots of user-friendly tech features. With only two rows of seating, the rear cargo area is very accommodating. The ride is quiet and comfortable. Legroom in the second row is a generous 39.5 inches. All-wheel drive is a plus.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited: It would be nice if the plug-in offered a bit more in way of electric only driving range, say in the range of approaching 40 miles instead of the current 30. I would prefer a standard shift knob over the push-button selector on the console.

Would I buy the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited? If you have a convenient place to plug it in for overnight and your daily commutes are fairly short, the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV is a great buy. Stretching your budget for the Limited trim over the SEL pays benefits.