The 2018 Lincoln MKX AWD with the 3.7L V6 gets 19 MPG combined. This is about what you’d expect, and a reason someone shopping for this SUV isn’t looking at a hybrid. The MKX, later renamed Nautilus, is for buyers who want a plush ride, a quiet cabin, and a traditional American luxury experience more than top-tier fuel efficiency. They prioritize a strong engine and a smooth-shifting automatic over a complex drivetrain designed to squeeze out every last drop of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Lincoln MKX AWD are 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the MKX’s weight and larger engine mean more fuel consumption. The highway number is better, helped by the automatic transmission’s ability to settle into a lower-RPM cruising gear. Achieving 23 MPG on the highway requires a light foot; accelerating hard to pass will quickly lower fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Lincoln MKX AWD at $2,300. This assumes 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving, the fuel you use, and gas price changes. Short trips in cold weather will likely increase fuel consumption, while steady highway driving might lead to better mileage.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized tests, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Many 2018 Lincoln MKX AWD owners report figures close to the EPA estimates, but driving style is significant. Hard acceleration and braking will hurt fuel economy. Maintaining a steady speed on the highway and watching traffic flow can help you reach, or slightly beat, the EPA’s 23 MPG highway rating. Regularly watching your MKX’s fuel economy via the trip computer can show you how your driving affects fuel consumption. Before buying, check MKX MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2018 Lincoln MKX is in the middle of its class. The Lexus RX 350 AWD gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined, for slightly better fuel economy. The Cadillac XT5 AWD also gets 22 MPG combined. Meanwhile, the Audi Q5 2.0T quattro achieves 25 MPG combined thanks to its smaller, turbocharged engine, a powertrain prioritizing efficiency. However, each of these vehicles offers a different driving experience and interior. The MKX buyer might trade a few MPGs for the Lincoln’s more traditional luxury feel and strong V6 engine. If this isn’t you, check all Lincoln fuel economy data to find better fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration. The MKX’s 3.7L V6 responds quickly to the gas pedal, but accelerating fast burns much more fuel. Accelerate gently from a stop and keep a steady speed when you can.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, cutting down on unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, and improving fuel economy on long drives. Modern adaptive cruise control systems improve efficiency by automatically changing speed to keep a safe distance.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce idling. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles can restart quickly.

Ensure proper maintenance. Regular maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacements helps the engine run its best. A clean air filter allows good airflow, while fresh oil reduces friction and improves engine efficiency.