20 MPG combined in the 2021 Lincoln Aviator AWD with the 3.0L V6 isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards, but it’s what you should expect for a supremely comfortable, genuinely luxurious three-row SUV designed for easy cruising and confident all-weather performance. The Aviator isn’t for hyper-milers; it’s for those who want a refined driving experience, a whisper-quiet cabin, and distinctive styling more than saving every last mile from a gallon of premium fuel.

City and highway performance

The official EPA estimates put the 2021 Lincoln Aviator AWD at 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That 17 MPG city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the Aviator’s weight and turbocharged V6 work against it. However, the 24 MPG highway rating is more respectable, showing that the Aviator can deliver decent efficiency during steady-state cruising. The 10-speed automatic transmission is important here, keeping the engine at its best for both power and fuel conservation. Drivers who spend most of their time navigating urban environments will likely see numbers closer to that 17 MPG mark, while those who frequently drive longer highway journeys might get closer to the rated 24 MPG, maybe even exceed it with careful driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator AWD at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and it assumes gasoline is priced at the national average. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the amount of city versus highway miles driven. Some owners might find their fuel expenses lower than $2,200 if they primarily drive on the highway or are mindful of fuel-efficient driving techniques. On the other hand, those mostly stuck in city traffic with a heavy foot could easily exceed that estimate. Consider your driving style and typical routes when budgeting for fuel.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Aviator drivers should expect to see figures that change around the official numbers, based on driving style, traffic, and even weather. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will reduce fuel efficiency, as will extended idling in traffic. Cold weather can also hurt MPG, as engines require more fuel to reach operating temperature. Maintaining proper tire inflation and following the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule are essential for the best possible fuel economy. If you’re thinking about the Aviator, check owner forums and online communities to see the typical MPG reported by other drivers in similar conditions. The numbers you see there will give you added insight.

How it compares

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator’s fuel economy is competitive but not the best in its class. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its turbocharged inline-six, gets a slightly better 23 MPG combined. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, with its V6 engine, comes in around 21 MPG combined. Even the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, known for its efficiency, gets around 22 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC also manages 22 MPG combined. These differences can add up. Buyers drawn to the Aviator often want its luxury, spaciousness, and styling, making fuel economy less of a concern.

Potential owners can also compare AVIATOR MPG across all years to see efficiency trends in pre-owned options, and those researching the brand can view all Lincoln fuel economy data to see how the Aviator compares to the rest of the lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Aviator’s turbocharged engine delivers power, so there’s little need to constantly push it. Gentle acceleration and smooth braking improve fuel economy and lead to a more relaxed driving experience.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed is important for maximizing fuel efficiency, especially on long highway journeys. Cruise control helps you avoid unnecessary speed changes, resulting in smoother and more economical driving. Let the 10-speed automatic work; it’s designed to keep the engine in the most efficient gear for the given speed.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to what Lincoln recommends. The Aviator is a heavy vehicle, and properly inflated tires are essential for safety and efficiency.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start up quickly, so there’s no need to keep them running.

Consider using Lincoln’s drive modes. Look at the different drive modes, such as “Conserve” or “Eco” mode (if equipped). They may adjust engine and transmission settings to save gas. Experiment with these modes to see how they affect your MPG.