The 2024 Lincoln Corsair and BMW X3 are competitors in the compact luxury SUV segment. Not only do they square off against each other, but they also face rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, and more.
To stand out in this class, a vehicle must have a few special attributes. These could be cutting-edge onboard technologies, razor-sharp handling, or a strong record for resale and reliability. The best of the bunch combine several of these aspects and make for especially smart choices.
Having put countless miles on the Corsair and X3 during road tests, we wanted to see which of the two comes out victorious in a head-to-head comparison.
Let’s examine the highlights of the Lincoln Corsair and BMW X3.
2024 Lincoln Corsair
Pricing for the 2024 Lincoln Corsair starts at $40,385, including delivery charge. There are three trims: Premiere, Reserve, and Grand Touring. Because the Grand Touring is a plug-in hybrid, we review it separately.
The Premiere and Reserve are motivated by a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. A refresh last year brought with it an updated front-end design and the addition of a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The 2024 Corsair arrives with no notable changes.
Lincoln Corsair Highlights
Sliding second row: This is a fantastic feature, particularly for those transporting taller folks. Rear legroom is already a strong suit of the Lincoln Corsair, yet its sliding second row can move forward and back by about six inches. In moments it can create more passenger room or extra cargo volume.
Hands-free driving: BlueCruise is offered starting on the entry-level Premiere trim in the Collection III option package. This hands-free highway driving aid can be used on more than 130,000 miles of roadway throughout North America. We’ve found it to be user-friendly and a convenient stress reliever during long trips.
Hushed cabin: One aspect of the Corsair that defines this Lincoln SUV is how quiet the cabin remains in all sorts of driving environments. The ride is soft, though not floaty, and the whole package creates a calm and relaxing driving experience.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corsair models near you.
2024 BMW X3
The BMW X3 starts at $47,895, including delivery charge. This generation of X3 dates back to the 2018 model year, and the 2024 model arrives with no significant changes. A total redesign is coming for the 2025 model year, so keep that in mind.
Despite being one of the more senior members of the compact luxury SUV field, the X3 is still handsome and has the sharp driving manners expected of a BMW. It also has a practical side, thanks to its large cargo hold and airy cabin.
BMW X3 Highlights
Outstanding drivetrains: We think many SUV shoppers will be fine sticking with the standard 248-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine used in the X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i (the former is rear-wheel drive, the latter AWD). It scoots the X3 from 0-60 mph in six seconds and returns an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined. For more firepower, however, there’s the turbocharged inline-6 that comes in the X3 M40i and mighty X3 M.
Outrageous X3 M: This is like driving a sports car decked out in SUV clothing. Fitted with the Competition Package, the X3 M’s turbocharged inline-6 churns out 503 hp. The exhaust note is addictive, and the 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds is crazy quick. The Lincoln Corsair cannot match this kind of performance.
Powered tailgate: Okay, not every X3 drive is going to feel like you’re racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Even the bonkers X3 M will sometimes need to make a grocery run. One practical aspect of the X3 is that all models come with a powered rear tailgate.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X3 models near you.
Similarities
The Lincoln Corsair and BMW X3 have more in common than SUV shoppers might expect. Each one provides adult-friendly seating and above-average cargo space. They also have nearly identical fuel economy, and both score a 5-star rating in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Conclusion
Putting things into Park in this comparison, it’s time to pick a winner. We love the Zen-like atmosphere that comes with driving the Lincoln Corsair. It’s not a road rocket and surprise; it’s not meant to be one. Let’s not overlook that it starts about $7K less than the BMW X3, plus it’s the only one of the two with available hands-free driving tech.
While it’s in its twilight model year, the BMW X3 still shines thanks to its athletic handling, powerful engines, and high-quality cabin. Even better, it doesn’t sacrifice day-to-day usability in the name of sporty performance.
We think it holds a slim edge over the Corsair, though only if an SUV shopper is willing to spend extra cash on that BMW badge.
| 2024 Lincoln Corsair | 2024 BMW X3 | |
| Starting Price | $40,385 | $47,895 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 248 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 22 city/30 highway/25 combined | 23 city/29 highway/25 combined |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter 4-cyl. PHEV (Grand Touring)/AWD | Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 inches | 112.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 181.4 inches | 185.9 inches |
| Width | 74.3 inches | 74.4 inches |
| Height | 64.1 inches | 66.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.1 feet | 39.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.5 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.2 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 36.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.3 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 27.6 cubic feet | 28.7 cubic feet |
