The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus FWD, equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, achieves a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG, which won’t set any records for efficiency. However, this is within the expected range for a mid-size luxury SUV designed for a comfortable and quiet ride, not aiming for Prius-like fuel efficiency. Nautilus buyers prioritize a smooth engine, a plush interior, and modern technology, and the 2.0L turbo provides a satisfying combination of performance and reasonable fuel consumption for that objective.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for this Nautilus configuration suggest 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the frequent stops and starts common in urban driving, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating, which reduces fuel efficiency. The 26 MPG highway estimate is more optimistic. While attainable when consistently cruising at moderate speeds, it will likely decrease with frequent passing, aggressive driving, or maintaining the higher speeds typical on modern interstates. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel economy by keeping the engine in its most efficient range, but the Nautilus’ weight and focus on comfort prevent it from achieving truly impressive highway numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus FWD 2.0L at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This figure serves as a baseline, but individual expenses may vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the fuel grade chosen. The EPA calculations assume regular unleaded fuel. The Nautilus doesn’t require premium fuel, but some owners believe it results in slightly improved performance, although it will increase fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing, real-world MPG often differs. Expect numbers slightly below the EPA estimates, particularly with primarily city driving or frequent short trips. Cold weather can also significantly affect fuel economy. Careful drivers can match or slightly exceed the EPA highway estimate, but aggressive acceleration and high-speed cruising will lower your MPG closer to the city rating. Keeping accurate records of fuel consumption helps understand what to expect from your Nautilus under your typical driving conditions.

How it compares

The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0L FWD’s fuel economy is in the middle of its class. The Lexus RX 350 FWD, as an example, has EPA ratings of 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, resulting in 23 MPG combined, matching the Nautilus. The Cadillac XT5 with the 2.0L turbo engine gets 22 city / 29 hwy, offering slightly better highway fuel economy. The Volvo XC60 T5 FWD achieves 23 city / 30 highway, greatly outperforming the Nautilus on the highway.

This matters to Nautilus buyers because they expect the vehicle to be reasonably competitive, even though they aren’t necessarily looking for class-leading fuel efficiency. For shoppers who want to compare all Lincoln fuel economy data, the Nautilus provides a good compromise between luxury and efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are essential for maximizing fuel efficiency in any vehicle, including the 2020 Nautilus. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and anticipate traffic to minimize hard braking. This is essential with the turbocharged engine, as aggressive acceleration uses more fuel. Smooth, consistent driving allows the turbocharger to operate more efficiently, improving overall MPG.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Correctly inflated tires improve fuel economy and enhance handling and extend tire life.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo increases the vehicle’s load, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need, particularly heavy objects in the trunk or cargo area. Even small things add up, impacting your MPG over time.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption. Avoid excessive speeding, as fuel efficiency drops dramatically at higher speeds. The Nautilus is designed for comfortable cruising, and cruise control helps achieve the best possible MPG in those situations.

Consider using the Nautilus’ “Drive Modes.” Some models offer selectable drive modes that prioritize fuel efficiency. Experiment with these modes to see which settings provide the best balance of performance and fuel economy for your driving style. Also, the NAUTILUS MPG across all years can vary depending on market options and equipment.