22 MPG combined is an acceptable, if unremarkable, figure for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus AWD equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. This isn’t a vehicle purchased by hypermilers, and Lincoln knows it. The Nautilus buyer prioritizes a smooth, comfortable ride, a hushed cabin, and a generally quiet experience over squeezing out every last mile from a gallon of premium fuel. They’re accepting of adequate fuel economy in exchange for the luxury features and relaxed demeanor that define the Nautilus character. It’s a trade-off they willingly make.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2021 Nautilus AWD 2.0L at 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The five-MPG difference suggests the engine performs best in steady-state cruising. Stop-and-go traffic, with its constant need for acceleration and deceleration, takes its toll on the smaller displacement engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to mitigate this by keeping the engine in its optimal rev range, but physics are physics; a turbocharged engine working hard in dense urban environments will inevitably consume more fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus AWD 2.0L is $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual costs will vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices, but $2,000 provides a reasonable benchmark for budgeting. Keep in mind that the Nautilus generally specifies premium fuel, which impacts this figure. You can see NAUTILUS MPG across all years to understand how changing fuel costs and your commute impact your budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized comparison tool, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who frequently accelerate quickly or live in areas with hilly terrain may see numbers below the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who prioritize smooth, deliberate driving and spend more time on the highway could find themselves exceeding the 25 MPG highway figure. The Nautilus’s all-wheel-drive system, while beneficial in inclement weather, also adds weight and can slightly decrease fuel efficiency compared to a front-wheel-drive model. Remember to track your own fuel consumption over time to develop a realistic understanding of your vehicle’s performance in your specific driving conditions.

How it compares

The Nautilus exists in a competitive segment, and fuel economy is one piece of the puzzle. The Acura RDX SH-AWD, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, posts slightly better EPA numbers at 21 city / 27 highway MPG. The Lexus NX 300h AWD hybrid achieves significantly higher fuel economy, rated at 31 city / 28 highway MPG, but at the cost of a different driving experience. The BMW X3 xDrive30i, also equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, delivers an EPA-estimated 23 city / 29 highway MPG. These differences might not sway the core Nautilus buyer, who likely prioritizes Lincoln’s distinctive styling and emphasis on comfort, but they are data points worth considering. You can find all Lincoln fuel economy data on this website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to aggressively accelerate away from stoplights. Smooth, gradual acceleration is far more fuel-efficient than stomping on the accelerator pedal. The Nautilus’s turbocharged engine delivers ample torque at low RPMs, so there’s no need to push it hard to get up to speed.

Maintain a constant speed on the highway whenever possible. Use cruise control on long stretches of open road to minimize unnecessary speed fluctuations. The Nautilus’s adaptive cruise control system can further enhance efficiency by automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level specified on the door placard.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate sitting for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and prolonged idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. Lincoln’s automatic start-stop system, if equipped and engaged, handles this automatically.