An upscale small crossover SUV that saves gas in daily driving but can still do long trips without recharging.

If you've been looking for a small SUV that delivers on luxury and excellent fuel economy, the Lincoln Corsair could be exactly right for you. This crossover is based on the popular Ford Escape, and if you get the Grand Touring edition, you get a convenient plug-in hybrid drivetrain and extremely valuable fuel economy.

Here's how it works: the Corsair plug-in hybrid can recharge on any household 120-Volt circuit overnight. It'll recharge even faster if you invest in a 240-Volt level 2 charger. With a full charge, you can drive the Corsair up to 28 miles on electricity alone, before using a drop of ever-more-expensive gasoline. Once your 28 miles are used up, the Corsair switches on the gas engine and drives like a standard hybrid.

The great thing about the Corsair's PHEV driveline is that most people drive less than 28 miles a day. According to Metro, the average daily mileage driven in the Portland and Vancouver areas is less than 22 miles. With a PHEV like the Corsair, most people could eliminate gasoline from their daily commute, but they would have the gas engine available for longer trips. If you forget to charge or can't charge overnight, it's not a problem.

I drove the Ford Escape PHEV a few months ago, and I really enjoyed it. It's quite a bit cheaper than the Lincoln, and the difference is really found in the luxury appointments inside the vehicle. The Lincoln comes with comfortable leather-covered seats that are heated and ventilated. The Corsair comes with its own 4G/LTE data receiver and all the advanced dashboard tech, and it's quiet on the road. You have a 12.3-inch all-screen driver's display, and an 8-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash. With an available option pack, you can also enjoy a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats.

Advanced driver tech is also available through the Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, which adds a 360-degree camera, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, and steering assistance.

But the real reason to check out the Lincoln Corsair is the driving experience. Forget about the hybrid for a moment, and just experience the Corsair as a vehicle. It's pleasant to drive, comfortable, and offers good performance. The electric drive is quiet and smooth, and the transition to gas-hybrid is equally smooth. The Corsair rides like a bigger SUV, but it's easy to maneuver and park.

The Corsair is certainly not the least expensive compact SUV you could buy, or even the least expensive PHEV SUV. If you're on a budget, do shop the Ford Escape PHEV, but if you can afford the upgrade, the Lincoln Corsair is a delightful vehicle, and it can make gas price anxiety disappear.

2022 Lincoln Corsair

Base price: $50,930

Price as tested: $61,730

Type: Compact SUV

Engine: 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid (266 hp, 280 lbs-ft)

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission

EPA estimated mileage: 33 MPG/78 MPGe

Overall length: 180.6 inches

Curb weight: 4588 pounds

Final assembly: Louisville, Kentucky