The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus AWD with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets 22 MPG combined, putting it squarely in the middle of the luxury crossover pack, and that’s perfectly alright for its target buyer. This isn’t a vehicle chasing hybrid bragging rights. It’s designed for comfortable cruising, a smooth ride, and the confidence of all-wheel drive, prioritizing relaxed driving over fuel savings. People who buy this Nautilus accept that while fuel economy is a consideration, it’s not the defining characteristic they’re seeking.

City and highway performance

The 20/25 MPG split between city and highway driving reflects the Nautilus’s real-world strengths and weaknesses. In the city, stop-and-go traffic taxes the small-displacement turbo engine, forcing it to work harder to move the Nautilus’s considerable weight. However, the eight-speed automatic transmission helps to keep the engine in its optimal power band.

Out on the open road, the Nautilus settles into a more efficient rhythm. The tall overdrive gears allow the engine to loaf along at lower RPMs, boosting highway mileage. These numbers aren’t class-leading, but they’re respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus AWD 2.0L comes out to $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is simply an estimate.

Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the actual price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving habits and consistently higher-than-average fuel prices will push that $2,000 figure up considerably. However, for drivers who primarily stick to moderate driving and average fuel prices, the $2,000 estimate provides a reasonable benchmark.

Real-world expectations

Manufacturer-provided and EPA numbers are useful baselines, but they rarely reflect what you’ll see on your own instrument panel. In the real world, expect to see fuel economy fluctuate based on several factors. Cold weather saps efficiency, as does frequent use of the air conditioning during hot months. Driving style plays a huge role. Lots of hard acceleration and braking will drop your mileage numbers, as will carrying extra weight in the vehicle.

Maintaining proper tire inflation and keeping up with scheduled maintenance will help you to stay closer to the EPA estimates. Some drivers may even exceed the combined 22 MPG figure with a disciplined approach to driving efficiently.

How it compares

Luxury crossovers offer a range of fuel-sipping solutions. Consider the Lexus RX 350 AWD, which achieves a slightly better 22 MPG combined, matching the Nautilus. The Acura RDX SH-AWD earns 23 MPG combined.

For buyers prioritizing efficiency, these represent slightly more frugal options. Looking at other domestic competition, the Cadillac XT5 AWD has a similar number, at 21 MPG combined. What’s important is to weigh these differences against the specific attributes that draw buyers to the Nautilus: its smooth ride, distinctive Lincoln styling, and comfortable interior. If those Lincoln characteristics are important, a slight MPG disadvantage may be acceptable.

For a broader view, see NAUTILUS MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to squeezing every mile out of each gallon. The 2.0L turbo is responsive enough, but avoid stomping on the accelerator to merge or pass. Smooth and steady wins the fuel economy race. The Nautilus’s eight-speed automatic is designed to shift efficiently, so let it do its job.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burning more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the recommended levels, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, and the fuel saved by avoiding idling adds up over time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes fluctuations in fuel consumption. Cruise control allows you to set your speed and let the car manage the throttle, promoting smoother and more efficient driving. Remember to disengage it in heavy traffic or inclement weather.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel economy. Keep your engine properly tuned, change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and ensure that your air filter is clean. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and burns less fuel, and don’t forget to check all Lincoln fuel economy data for other model comparisons.