21 MPG combined is the fuel economy for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator RWD with its 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6. This isn’t a number that will win any awards for less gas, but for the typical Aviator buyer, someone seeking a refined, powerful, and spacious three-row SUV, it’s a compromise they’re likely willing to make. The Aviator prioritizes a smooth ride, luxurious interior, and effortless acceleration, and those qualities have an associated cost at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Aviator RWD achieves 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine working harder in stop-and-go traffic, combating the vehicle’s weight and frequent acceleration.

On the open road, the 10-speed automatic transmission settles into higher gears, allowing the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, resulting in the more favorable highway number. Keep in mind that aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, and heavy loads will significantly impact these figures, pushing them lower.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator RWD is $2,100. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, split roughly 55% city and 45% highway, using national average fuel prices prevalent at the time of the estimate. It’s critical to remember that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel expenses will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices.

Drivers who primarily operate within city limits, or those with a heavier foot, will likely exceed this figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing, real-world fuel economy often deviates. The Aviator’s twin-turbo V6 encourages spirited driving, and its luxurious appointments can lead to heavier use of energy-consuming features like climate control. Expect that driving in colder weather can further decrease MPG.

Keep in mind that consistent, smooth driving habits will bring you closest to the EPA estimates, but achieving that 26 MPG highway figure requires conscious effort and resisting the urge to tap into the engine’s substantial power.

How it compares

The Aviator’s fuel economy places it in the middle of the pack among its competitors. The Acura MDX, for example, gets 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined in its standard FWD configuration. The BMW X5 sDrive40i (RWD) achieves around 21 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined. The Volvo XC90 B5 FWD, with its turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine, fares better at 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined, a key consideration for buyers prioritizing efficiency. These differences matter to buyers cross-shopping in this class, and illustrate that while the Aviator offers a blend of luxury and performance, it’s not the most economical choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Lincoln Aviator’s twin-turbo V6 is responsive, but also sensitive to throttle input. Practice gentle acceleration and avoid abrupt starts and stops to conserve fuel. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed will reduce the need for frequent acceleration, improving overall MPG.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, for optimum performance.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Extra cargo, especially heavier items, adds strain on the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need on a regular basis from the trunk and passenger areas to lighten the load.

Consider using Lincoln’s selectable drive modes. The “Normal” or “Conserve” modes can optimize engine and transmission settings for improved fuel economy. While “Excite” mode offers more aggressive performance, it also consumes more fuel.

Schedule regular maintenance. Keeping your Aviator in optimal running condition through routine servicing, including oil changes and filter replacements, contributes to better fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance ensures the engine operates smoothly and efficiently.

For more information, see all Lincoln fuel economy data, and AVIATOR MPG across all years.