California drivers have long dealt with high gas prices, but the 2025 gas tax increase is pushing fuel costs to new heights. As the state continues to prioritize carbon reductions and infrastructure investment, those still relying solely on gasoline vehicles are feeling the financial pinch.
In the midst of this, luxury-minded Bay Area drivers are turning to alternatives that deliver power, prestige, and efficiency—without sacrificing style or comfort. That’s where the 2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) comes in.
This sleek and sophisticated compact SUV offers electric capability for city driving, gas range for longer trips, and the full luxury experience you’d expect from Lincoln. In this blog, we’ll explore what the gas tax increase means for you, why plug-in hybrids are a brilliant solution, and how the Corsair PHEV offers an elegant escape from rising costs—while giving you the best of both worlds.
1. California’s 2025 Gas Tax Hike: What to Know
On July 1, 2025, California’s excise tax on gasoline increased from 59.6 cents per gallon to 61.2 cents per gallon, as part of its annual inflation adjustment under Senate Bill 1. Combined with federal excise tax and other state fees (like the Cap-and-Trade and Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs), Californians now pay roughly 90–95 cents per gallon in total fuel taxes.
Why Is This Happening?
The tax revenue helps maintain roads, bridges, and public transportation—but it also serves another purpose: pushing drivers to adopt cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
That means:
- More costs for gas drivers
- More incentives for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle owners
- A clearer path to emissions-free travel
If you’re looking for a way to reduce your tax exposure, cut fuel bills, and still enjoy your drive, the Corsair Grand Touring PHEV is a compelling choice.
2. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): The Best of Both Worlds
Many Californians want to go electric—but aren’t quite ready to fully commit due to range anxiety, charging logistics, or long-distance needs. That’s where PHEVs offer a smart middle ground.
What Is a PHEV?
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) uses an electric motor and a gas engine. The electric battery can power short daily commutes (usually 25–40 miles) with zero gas, while the gas engine provides extended range when needed.
PHEV Benefits in California:
- Avoid gas tax on daily electric miles
- Qualify for Clean Vehicle Rebates
- Use HOV lanes solo (with decal)
- Charge at home or public stations
- No range anxiety—gas backup is always there
The Corsair Grand Touring PHEV is a perfect solution for San Jose and Silicon Valley professionals, families, and luxury commuters who want efficiency without compromise.
3. Introducing the 2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
The Corsair Grand Touring is the plug-in hybrid trim of Lincoln’s smallest and most agile SUV. It delivers whisper-quiet electric driving, a plush cabin, advanced technology, and elegant styling—perfectly tailored to Bay Area life.
Powertrain:
- 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 plug-in hybrid engine
- 266 total system horsepower
- All-wheel drive standard
- Lincoln Drive Modes including EV-only
- EPA-estimated 28 miles of electric-only range
- 430+ miles total range (gas + electric)
That means many drivers in Santa Clara or Sunnyvale can complete their entire weekday commute without using a single drop of fuel—yet still have the flexibility for weekend road trips up the coast or into the mountains.
4. Beat the Gas Tax with Daily Electric Driving
Let’s break down how much you can avoid in taxes and fuel costs by using the Corsair PHEV’s electric mode.
Example Commute: 25 miles round-trip daily
- 5 days/week = 125 miles
- All electric miles = zero gas tax paid
- Annual gas tax savings = $200–$400+, depending on driving habits
Plus, you save on:
- Fuel costs (electricity is cheaper than gas)
- Maintenance (fewer oil changes, less brake wear)
- Time (skip the gas station altogether)
The Corsair Grand Touring offers premium freedom in your daily routine—especially when paired with a Level 2 home charger.
5. Stylish Inside and Out
Lincoln is known for luxury, and the Corsair PHEV exemplifies that reputation with a modern design that turns heads in downtown San Jose or at Saratoga brunch spots.
Exterior Features:
- Refined grille with blue Grand Touring accents
- Full-width LED taillamps
- 19- or 20-inch wheels (available)
- Optional Jet Appearance Package with blacked-out details
Interior Luxury:
- Premium synthetic or leather seating
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic Vista Roof® (available)
- 12.3″ digital cluster & 13.2″ center touchscreen
- Ambient lighting with customizable colors
- Lincoln Embrace welcome lighting and chimes
Every drive in the Bay Area feels elevated—whether you’re headed to a Tesla meeting or picking up your kids at school.
6. Intuitive Technology for Modern Living
In the tech capital of the world, your vehicle should feel just as connected as your phone—and the Corsair delivers.
Tech Highlights:
- SYNC® 4 with voice recognition
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (wireless)
- Navigation with EV charging locations
- Available Revel® audio system
- Lincoln Way™ App with remote start and charge monitoring
You’ll also get intelligent trip planning, energy usage stats, and the ability to monitor your vehicle from your phone—perfect for busy Bay Area professionals.
7. Safety Comes Standard
Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360™ 2.1 suite of driver-assist technologies is standard on the Grand Touring PHEV, helping you navigate crowded freeways, narrow San Francisco streets, or foggy Hwy 17 drives with confidence.
Safety Features:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- 360-degree camera (available)
Whether you’re headed to work in Palo Alto or wine tasting in Livermore, you’ll feel secure behind the wheel.
8. Eligible for Clean Vehicle Incentives
Even though federal EV tax credits now exclude some PHEVs based on final assembly, leased Corsair Grand Touring models still qualify for up to $7,500 in lease incentives, which dealers like Stevens Creek Lincoln can apply directly to your monthly payment.
Available Programs:
- Federal $7,500 lease credit
- California CVRP rebate (up to $2,000)
- Bay Area Air Quality Management EV rebates
- PG&E Clean Fuel rebate (up to $1,000)
- Solo HOV lane access (with green decals)
These stackable benefits make the Corsair PHEV a smart financial move—especially in a high-cost area like San Jose.
9. Compare: Corsair Grand Touring vs. Other Luxury SUVs
| Feature | Lincoln Corsair PHEV | BMW X3 xDrive30e | Lexus NX 450h+ | Audi Q5 PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Range (est.) | 28 miles | 18 miles | 37 miles | 23 miles |
| Total System HP | 266 HP | 288 HP | 304 HP | 362 HP |
| AWD Standard | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Federal Lease Incentive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting MSRP | ~$53,000 | ~$50,000 | ~$58,000 | ~$59,000 |
The Corsair offers an ideal blend of luxury, range, and affordability, all wrapped in Lincoln’s serene, comfortable ride quality.
10. Designed for Bay Area Living
Santa Clara and San Jose drivers demand vehicles that:
- Fit into tight parking spots
- Handle heavy traffic calmly
- Offer prestige and refinement
- Perform well in all seasons (AWD)
- Save money on fuel and taxes
The Corsair Grand Touring is designed for exactly that. It’s small enough to navigate city traffic, yet elegant enough to stand out in Menlo Park or downtown Palo Alto.
11. Ownership Experience: Quiet Flight
Lincoln calls its design philosophy “Quiet Flight,” and the Corsair PHEV embodies that ethos with:
- Smooth electric acceleration
- Whisper-quiet cabin materials
- Intuitive controls
- Massage seats (available)
- Peaceful, stress-free commuting
It’s not just about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s about arriving renewed, not drained.
12. Why Buy from Stevens Creek Lincoln
As the Bay Area’s premier Lincoln retailer, we understand luxury customers and how to personalize your Corsair Grand Touring experience.
What We Offer:
- Large Corsair PHEV inventory
- EV charging consultation
- Transparent lease and financing options
- Concierge service pickup/drop-off
- Factory-trained Lincoln EV technicians
📍 3565 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117
📞 (408) 521-1302
🌐 www.sclincoln.com
Final Thoughts: Tax Hikes Are Coming. Your Luxury Drive Doesn’t Have to Pay for It.
California gas taxes aren’t going down. Gas prices are unpredictable. But your cost of driving doesn’t have to be. The 2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEV helps you beat the system—elegantly.
- Drive electric most days
- Enjoy extended range when needed
- Avoid gas taxes
- Embrace true Lincoln luxury
Test Drive the 2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring at Stevens Creek Lincoln
Plug into performance, comfort, and refinement. Your electric luxury SUV is waiting.
