18 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator 2WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, it’s what you get. This isn’t a vehicle for those prioritizing efficiency above all else. It’s a full-size luxury SUV designed to haul families, tow trailers, and provide a comfortable presence on the road. 18 MPG represents a compromise for buyers who need its capabilities and appreciate its space and features.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Navigator 2WD break down to 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Considering its curb weight and aerodynamic profile, these figures are more palatable than they might seem. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the EcoBoost engine works harder to get the Navigator moving. The highway MPG shows what’s possible when the engine settles into a stable cruising speed. The six-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel efficiency at higher speeds, but is still working hard given the large, heavy vehicle.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator 2WD is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using current national average fuel prices. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. However, it provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Navigator’s fuel costs to other vehicles in its class.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized measure of fuel economy, real-world results can vary. Owners should expect fluctuations based on driving style, load, and terrain. Aggressive acceleration and frequent towing will decrease fuel economy significantly. Carefully driving and minimizing cargo weight can help you approach the EPA’s estimates. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is designed to deliver strong performance, and resisting the urge to tap into that power frequently will be key to maximizing fuel efficiency. Check NAVIGATOR MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2015 Lincoln Navigator 2WD exists in a competitive segment where fuel economy is often secondary to features and capabilities. The Cadillac Escalade, another popular full-size luxury SUV, achieves similar fuel economy numbers with its 6.2L V8 engine, around 17 MPG combined for the 2WD model. The Infiniti QX80, with its 5.6L V8, also delivers fuel economy in the same range. The Lexus LX 570, known for its reliability, posts combined MPG numbers down near 15.

For buyers in this segment, a difference of 1 or 2 MPG may not be a deal-breaker because they value the space, towing capacity, and luxury appointments more than the savings at the pump. Those concerned about fuel efficiency might consider the smaller Lexus GX or foreign makes. Compare all Lincoln fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration is critical. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine delivers plenty of torque, so there’s no need to stomp on the gas pedal. Gentle acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, minimizing fuel consumption.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb. This is a simple and effective way to improve fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Navigator is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying unnecessary cargo. Removing extra weight reduces the engine’s workload, resulting in better fuel economy. Remove any items from the cargo area that you don’t need daily.

Plan your trips strategically. Combining errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which consume more fuel. A cold engine requires more fuel to reach its optimal operating temperature. Plan your routes efficiently to reduce cold starts and improve fuel economy.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control can help optimize fuel efficiency on long highway drives. It prevents unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can waste fuel. Be mindful of traffic conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary to maintain a safe following distance.