20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s the reality check delivered by the 2023 Lincoln Aviator AWD with its 3.0L V6. This isn’t a fuel-sipping hybrid; it’s a luxurious, three-row SUV designed for effortless cruising and confident performance, and its fuel consumption reflects that. Aviator buyers are typically more concerned with a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and a commanding presence than with saving gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Aviator AWD at 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect stop-and-go traffic versus sustained speeds on the open road. The city number, in particular, is influenced by the Aviator’s size, weight, and the inefficiencies of internal combustion engines during frequent acceleration and deceleration. The 24 MPG highway figure is more palatable, suggesting the Aviator can achieve respectable efficiency during long road trips, particularly when using cruise control and avoiding aggressive driving.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator AWD is approximately $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. However, $2,200 provides a reasonable benchmark for budgeting purposes. It’s a hard cost to ignore, but for Aviator buyers, it’s often considered the price of entry into the world of premium SUVs. Compare this to all Lincoln fuel economy data and you’ll see this number is a natural result of the Aviator’s size and engine.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized measurement, real-world MPG can fluctuate significantly. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and carrying heavy loads will all diminish fuel economy. Conversely, adopting a smoother driving style, maintaining proper tire inflation, and minimizing cargo weight can help you approach or even exceed the EPA estimates. Factors like weather conditions and terrain also play a role; expect slightly lower MPG in cold weather or when driving in hilly areas.

How it compares

The Lincoln Aviator exists in a competitive segment, and understanding its fuel economy relative to rivals is important. The Acura MDX SH-AWD manages 19 MPG combined, offering slightly better efficiency. The BMW X5 xDrive40i achieves 23 MPG combined, demonstrating the efficiency gains possible with BMW’s engineering. The Cadillac XT6 AWD comes in at 21 MPG combined. These numbers matter to buyers who are cross-shopping and want to understand AVIATOR MPG across all years while keeping an eye on the competition. The Aviator buyer is willing to trade a few MPG for Lincoln’s distinctive design language and emphasis on plush comfort, accepting that luxury and performance come with a cost at the pump.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Aviator’s 3.0L V6 benefits from gentle acceleration. Avoid flooring the accelerator unless necessary. The smooth power delivery of the engine allows for relaxed cruising, and by resisting the urge to unleash its full potential all the time, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in fuel economy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. A simple tire pressure check can make a tangible difference.

The Aviator is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission designed to optimize fuel economy. Allow the transmission to shift smoothly and avoid abrupt changes in throttle position, which can trigger unnecessary downshifts and increased fuel consumption. Let the technology work for you.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall load, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove items you don’t need to carry regularly to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. This can be especially helpful if you commonly carry extra equipment or supplies.

Consider using Lincoln’s selectable drive modes. Eco mode can optimize engine and transmission settings for enhanced fuel economy. By activating this mode during everyday driving, you can subtly alter the Aviator’s performance to prioritize efficiency without sacrificing overall comfort and convenience.