19 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2018 Lincoln Continental with its 3.0L turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency isn’t the main reason people buy this Continental. This is a large, comfortable sedan designed for easy cruising, and that smooth power comes at a cost. This car is for a driver who wants a relaxed, confident experience instead of trying to get the best possible gas mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic. That 3.0L V6 needs fuel to deliver its 400 horsepower and smooth acceleration. The highway number is better, suggesting the Continental’s purpose as a long-distance cruiser. On the highway, the engine settles into a more efficient zone. If you drive in hilly areas, with headwinds, or drive aggressively, you may see those numbers go down a bit.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Lincoln Continental AWD 3.0L is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and fuel prices based on national averages. Gas price changes will affect this number directly. Individual driving habits are also important. Someone with a longer commute in stop-and-go traffic will probably have a higher annual cost than someone who mainly drives the Continental for weekend trips.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently get the EPA’s numbers, especially in mixed driving. Owners on forums report numbers around 17-21 MPG in combined driving. Hard acceleration and frequent short trips will hurt fuel economy, as will long periods of idling. The Continental’s weight is also a factor. It’s a heavy sedan, and that weight takes energy to move.

How it compares

The 2018 Continental’s fuel economy puts it in a certain range compared to competitors. The Cadillac CTS with its 3.6L V6 and all-wheel drive has similar performance, but gets slightly better EPA ratings, around 22 MPG combined. A BMW 540i xDrive can get around 24 MPG combined thanks to its more modern engine technology, though it is sportier. The Genesis G80 3.3T AWD is another competitor, with similar fuel economy ratings to the Continental. People who like the Continental often want its distinctive styling and traditional American luxury feel instead of the sportier or more technologically advanced cars from Europe. To compare CONTINENTAL MPG across all years, look across the years to see how much it has changed.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t accelerate too hard. The Continental’s turbocharger gives plenty of low-end torque, but pushing the gas pedal down often will greatly reduce fuel economy. Accelerate smoothly to help keep the engine in its most efficient range. Look ahead and guess how traffic will flow so you don’t have to brake and accelerate more than necessary.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with not enough air increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and make sure they are at the recommended levels, usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Right tire pressure not only helps MPG, but also makes it safer.

Reduce extra weight. The Continental is already pretty heavy, so don’t keep unnecessary items in the trunk or backseat. Every extra pound reduces fuel economy. Even small weight reductions can add up and lead to improvements over time.

Think about your driving mode. Lincoln has different driving modes that affect how the throttle responds and how the transmission behaves. Try the “Normal” or “Comfort” modes for everyday driving, and save “Sport” mode for when you want to the engine’s full power. This mode often holds gears longer and downshifts more aggressively, which results in lower MPG.

Keep up with regular maintenance. An engine that is well-maintained works better. Follow Lincoln’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter replacements. A clean air filter lets the right amount of air flow to the engine, and fresh oil reduces friction and improves lubrication. If you look at all Lincoln fuel economy data, you’ll see consistent MPG across the range, showing reliable engineering.