16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s what you get with the 2018 Lincoln MKT Limo AWD with the 3.5L V6. This isn’t a vehicle purchased to save the planet, it’s a specialized tool. The MKT Limo works primarily in livery and executive transport, with passenger space, comfort, and an upscale image as priorities. Fuel economy is less important, though it does affect the operators’ profits.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving common when ferrying clients through cities. The highway MPG is better, but remember that this figure represents ideal conditions. Expect that number to drop at sustained high speeds or with a full load. The MKT Limo is large and heavy, and the all-wheel-drive system is always diverting power, which impacts efficiency. The six-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and reliable, isn’t as fuel-efficient as the eight or ten-speed units in many newer vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Lincoln MKT Limo AWD at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes the national average fuel price at the time of estimation. Expect that figure to increase if you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or if you are in an area with higher fuel costs. Commercial users should monitor their fuel consumption to accurately budget operating expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy in the MKT Limo can change a lot based on driving habits, load, and terrain. A lead-footed driver will see far worse figures than someone who anticipates traffic and drives smoothly. Passenger and luggage weight has a considerable impact. Hilly terrain further stresses the engine and consumes more fuel. Expect to see MPG figures below the EPA estimates, especially if the vehicle operates mainly in urban environments or is frequently loaded to capacity. Operators tracking real-time MPG using the vehicle’s trip computer or a third-party app will get a more accurate understanding of their true fuel costs.

How it compares

The MKT Limo’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect compared to other vehicles in similar roles. For example, a similarly-sized Cadillac XTS Livery Package (discontinued after 2019) with its 3.6L V6 also got around 17-18 MPG combined. Larger SUVs sometimes used for executive transport, like the Chevrolet Suburban, usually offer lower fuel economy, often in the 14-16 MPG range with all-wheel drive. Newer hybrid limousines offer much better fuel economy (some exceeding 30 MPG combined), but they cost much more to buy. Operators must weigh the long-term fuel savings against the upfront cost. You can review MKT MPG across all years to consider alternatives.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Aggressive acceleration and braking hurt fuel economy in any vehicle, but the impact is bigger in a heavy limousine. Aim for gradual acceleration and anticipate stops to minimize hard braking. Properly inflated tires can also make a noticeable difference. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level.

Excessive idling consumes a lot of fuel. If waiting for passengers, avoid idling for long periods, especially with the air conditioning running. Consider climate control settings too. Running the air conditioning on maximum cool increases fuel consumption a lot. Using the automatic climate control and setting the temperature a few degrees higher can reduce the load on the engine without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Proper maintenance is important for fuel economy. Regularly scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups will keep the engine running efficiently. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more completely and reduces emissions. Use the recommended grade of gasoline too. Using a lower octane fuel than specified by the manufacturer can reduce engine performance and fuel economy.

Consider trip planning and route optimization. Combining multiple shorter trips into a single longer trip can reduce overall fuel consumption. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and avoid traffic. This can save time and fuel, improving the profitability of each run. Don’t forget to check all Lincoln fuel economy data while planning your fleet’s future.