20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ AWD with the 3.0L V6, it’s what you can expect to get. This isn’t a car chosen for its frugality. It’s selected for understated luxury, confident performance, and the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive. The buyer isn’t chasing maximum MPG; they prioritize a relaxed, powerful driving experience and are willing to accept the fuel consumption that comes with it. They value effortless cruising and the security of all-wheel drive in inclement weather far more than squeezing out an extra mile per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2019 Lincoln MKZ AWD 3.0L achieves 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects how much gas you’ll use in stop-and-go traffic, where the V6’s ample power can lead to harder acceleration and more frequent braking. The highway number is better, showcasing the engine’s ability to cruise comfortably at higher speeds. However, even on the open road, remember that the MKZ’s turbocharger, while delivering impressive torque, is more likely to be engaged. This impacts fuel efficiency as you use it for passing and accelerating.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ AWD 3.0L at $2,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. This figure is just an estimate. Your actual costs will vary depending on how many miles you drive, your driving style, and the prevailing fuel prices in your area. Drivers who primarily commute in congested cities could easily exceed this estimate, while those who frequently take long highway trips might see slightly better economy.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG is often different. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and cold weather can all negatively impact fuel economy. The 2019 MKZ AWD 3.0L, with its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, is more sensitive to these factors than a less powerful, front-wheel-drive car. Owners report that achieving the EPA’s 26 MPG highway figure is possible with careful driving, but consistently reaching the 17 MPG city rating may be challenging, especially in areas with heavy traffic congestion. Always check MKZ MPG across all years for owner-reported data.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury sedans in its class, the 2019 Lincoln MKZ AWD 3.0L’s fuel economy isn’t particularly impressive. For example, the Acura TLX SH-AWD with the V6 achieves a combined 23 MPG, while the Lexus ES 350 boasts a combined 26 MPG in front-wheel-drive format. Even other all-wheel-drive competitors, like the BMW 330i xDrive (28 MPG combined) or the Audi A4 quattro (27 MPG combined), offer noticeably better fuel economy. This gap is significant and shows the priorities of the Lincoln buyer: they are consciously choosing power and AWD confidence over outright fuel efficiency. These buyers might also consider the MKZ Hybrid, should maximizing fuel economy enter the decision-making process. For all Lincoln fuel economy data, this site is a great resource.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration: The 3.0L V6 is eager to provide power, but each heavy footed acceleration costs you dearly in fuel. Anticipate traffic and accelerate smoothly and gradually to save gas.

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