18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any efficiency awards, but for the 2017 Lincoln MKT Livery AWD with the 3.7L V6, it represents a trade-off. This isn’t a vehicle bought by consumers obsessed with saving gas. It’s a tool, a mobile office, an executive lounge on wheels. The MKT Livery is purchased by transportation companies, chauffeuring services, and hotels catering to clients who want space, comfort, and a quiet ride more than saving every possible drop of gasoline. They accept the fuel economy number because it’s the price they pay for the experience it provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the MKT Livery at 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving, idling, and low-speed maneuvering that are part of its job. The highway number, while better, still reflects the MKT’s substantial weight and full-time all-wheel-drive system. The 3.7L V6 works hard, but it has to move a heavy vehicle designed for carrying passengers and their luggage in comfort while navigating urban environments and long airport runs.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, you can expect to spend approximately $2,450 per year on fuel for the 2017 Lincoln MKT Livery AWD. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the actual price of gasoline in your area, and the amount of idling the vehicle experiences.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world MPG for the MKT Livery can change. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, carrying heavy loads, and prolonged idling can all hurt fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you get numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Operators familiar with the MKT and its driving characteristics can generally expect something close to the EPA figure, possibly even exceeding the highway rating in good conditions. Review MKT MPG across all years to view owner reported MPG information.

How it compares

The MKT Livery’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect when comparing it to other large, comfortable vehicles. For example, a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV with 4WD gets an EPA-estimated 17 MPG combined. A Chrysler 300C with its 5.7L V8 achieves around 19 MPG combined. Some newer, smaller SUVs like the Acura MDX (around 22 MPG combined for AWD models) offer better fuel economy numbers, but they don’t have as much interior space or the limousine-like experience that the MKT Livery provides. The MKT Livery fits within Lincoln’s luxury SUV lineup, as can be seen by looking at all Lincoln fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the MKT Livery’s purpose, some fuel-saving strategies are more practical than others. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as the MKT’s weight means it takes more energy to accelerate quickly. Smooth, gradual inputs will minimize fuel consumption during city driving.

Check and maintain proper tire inflation regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. See the tire placard on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Minimize idling time when you can. The MKT’s relatively large engine consumes a lot of fuel when idling, especially in stop-and-go traffic. If you expect to stop for a while, turn off the engine when it’s safe and makes sense to do so.

Plan your routes to avoid unnecessary mileage and traffic congestion. Using navigation systems and traffic apps can help you find the most direct and least congested routes, saving time and fuel.

Make sure the vehicle gets regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently, maximizing fuel economy and extending the lifespan of the vehicle.