After discontinuing the MKZ and Continental, Lincoln seems to be transitioning into a full-SUV brand this year. Lincoln is a luxury automobile brand owned by Ford. Previously, Lincoln offered a little more than other Blue Oval automobile companies. But lately the brand has been trying to differentiate its offerings, as 2021 Lincoln Continental, Aviator, and Navigator enter the market.
If you’re planning to buy a Lincoln care in 2021, keep reading, as we’ll delve deep into the new releases by Lincoln this year you should keep an eye on.
Why did the 2021 Lincoln Continental Get Canceled?
During the mid-2020, Lincoln announced that it would be cancelling the production of 2021 Lincoln Continental, its full-luxury medium to large-sized sedan lineup. The decision comes amid the brand’s vision of transitioning to a full-SUV lineup.
The sale of SUVs is on the rise. Lincoln itself has witnessed a dramatic increase in the demand for their SUVs. On the other hand, the demand for premium sedans is reaching all-time lows. The company states that they’re seeing declining sales of premium sedans, which has inspired their decision to drop 2021 Continental Lincoln.
No 2021 Lincoln Continental; Now What?
If you were eagerly waiting for the release of 2021 Lincoln Continental, there’s certainly some disappointment for you. If you are determined to buy a premium sedan, you can check out other cars in the same range and category. These include Acura RLX, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Genesis G90, and more.
However, if you are flexible when it comes to your choice of cars, you can try the upcoming series of Lincoln SUVs. As many Lincoln fans are disappointed by the discontinuation of the 2021 Lincoln Continental, the brand is making it up by releasing new models of its SUVs. The next section delves deep into the best Lincoln SUVs you can buy in 2021.
2021 Lincoln Cars to Watch Out for
If you want to buy a Lincoln car in 2021, here are some of the best picks for you.
1. Lincoln Corsair
Lincoln Corsair is a crossover and compact SUV. It shares traits with its close buddy Ford Escape; however, it’s road presence and performance are more upscale. The car comes in three models, with each containing a different powertrain. You can also have a plug-in hybrid.
What makes the Corsair stand out is the luxury features inside the cabin. Though you might need to opt for expensive packages, the features are impressive and can add to your experience as a car owner.
Two turbocharged four-cylinder engines power the vehicle. You can either opt for four 250 hp 2.0-liter engines or 280 hp 2.3-liter engines. When compared, both engines produce an identical performance, though key rivals like GLC300 and Q5 feel slightly more satisfying. That said, the Corsair is by no means average, and you can further elevate your experience by opting for a plug-in hybrid model with a 2.5-liter cylinder engine.
Price: $37,100 to $51,385 (Grand Tutoring)
2. Lincoln Nautilus
If you’re looking for the timeless Lincoln experience, the Nautilus can be an ideal pick for you. The car’s suspension is tuned for comfort, making it ideal for long drives on all kinds of roads. If you’re in search for something for relaxed Sunday drives, the Nautilus sits right there with the Cayenne, Levante, and SQ8.
Talking about the engine, the entry-level model comes with a 250 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It has eight-speed automatic transmission and you can have it with a front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The car manages to go from zero to 60-mph in 6.8 seconds, which is faster than Lexus RX350 but slightly slower. But all in all, it’s a perfect pick for those looking for an SUV that combines power with comfort and luxury.
Price: $43,495 (Standard) to $66,085 (Black Label)
3. Lincoln Aviator
Coming to the flagships, the Lincoln Aviator is an SUV almost everyone has heard about. Lincoln has combined a stylish exterior and plush cabin with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine to produce an elegant combination of power and luxury. You can use the plug-in hybrid to increase the power to up to 494 hp.
Even though the Aviator doesn’t match the athleticism of Volvo XC90 and BMW X5, it has an edge when it comes to driver comfort, the interior, and luxury features. The car rocks a 400-hp twin-turbo engine – the most powerful in the midsize luxury SUV segment. And as discussed, you can enhance it to up to 494 hp.
Price: $52,090 (Standard) to $88,520 (Black Label Grand Touring)
4. Lincoln Navigator
The last but definitely not the least, Lincoln Navigator is the crown jewel for Lincoln’s SUV lineup. The long-wheelbase body style, along with three rows of setting, makes the Navigator the perfect family SUV. And let’s not forget the genuine leather, metal accents, and wood trim that puts it right on the top with Cadillac Escalade and BMW X7.
It isn’t fair to compare the Navigator with the Mercedes GLS class, as it’s priced around $50,000 less than the GLS models. However, when it comes to on-road refinement, the Escalade and X7 seem to have an edge.
Talking about the engine, the Navigator comes with a single engine-and-transmission combination. It has 450 hp and 10-speed automatic shuffles. It comes in two models – the standard-wheelbase Navigator and long-wheelbase model. Both have an identical performance. However, the vehicle is only ideal for straight-line performance. If you’re looking for something that unleashes your love for enthusiastic driving, the Navi may not be the best pick.
Price: $77,480 (Standard) to $102,620 (Black Label)
Wrap Up: 2021 Lincoln Continental Alternatives
While Lincoln has decided to discontinue the 2021 Lincoln Continental, it’s making things up with its new range of SUVs. If you’re someone who loves SUVs, Lincoln is undoubtedly a brand you should keep an eye on.
So, which one among the Lincoln SUVs did you like the most?