The 2020 Lincoln Aviator RWD with its 3.0L V6 gets 21 MPG combined, that’s a middle ground. It’s the trade-off for the Aviator’s particular style of American luxury, a spacious, boldly styled SUV that values comfort and presence over pure efficiency. Buyers choosing this Aviator aren’t necessarily extremely focused on getting the best gas mileage; they want a refined, powerful vehicle that makes a statement and comfortably carries passengers and cargo. The fuel economy, while not the best in its class, is acceptable for the target customer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Lincoln Aviator RWD at 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Aviator’s weight and the frequent stops and starts of city driving. The 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6, while powerful, requires more fuel to move the vehicle from a standstill. On the other hand, the 26 MPG highway rating shows how the engine can cruise efficiently at steady speeds. The 10-speed automatic transmission also helps highway efficiency by keeping the engine in its optimal powerband. These numbers accurately show the kind of driving the Aviator is likely to encounter. Buyers might often transport children to school, go to the grocery store, and drive daily in urban areas. But they will also take longer road trips where the fuel economy will be improved.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator RWD is $2,100. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may differ based on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Of course, someone who drives much less than 15,000 miles per year will have lower fuel costs, while more aggressive driving will increase fuel consumption. The $2,100 estimate gives potential buyers a useful number to consider for the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard, but real-world MPG often differs based on driving style, terrain, and weather. Aviator drivers who often accelerate quickly or spend a lot of time in heavy traffic are likely to see fuel economy numbers below the official estimates. Conversely, those who drive smoothly and consistently and spend a lot of time on the open highway may see numbers close to, or even slightly better than, the EPA ratings. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even accessories like roof racks can all slightly affect fuel consumption. It’s important for owners to track their own fuel economy over time to get a realistic baseline for their individual driving.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator RWD is similar to other mid-size luxury SUVs, but there are differences. For example, the BMW X5 sDrive40i, another rear-wheel-drive six-cylinder model, gets a slightly better 23 MPG combined. The Acura MDX, while not as luxurious, delivers 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine. A similar-sized competitor, the Cadillac XT6 with its standard V6 achieves an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined, matching the Aviator. These small differences in MPG can be important to some buyers. But the Aviator often wins on style and perceived luxury, so the decision isn’t made on MPG alone. Compare all Lincoln fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are important for getting good fuel economy in any vehicle, and the Aviator is no exception. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and watch traffic to minimize hard braking, letting the vehicle coast when possible. This smooth and careful driving can reduce fuel consumption, particularly in city driving.

Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb to find the recommended tire pressure for your Aviator. Checking your tires every other time you fill up can maximize your AVIATOR MPG across all years.

Reduce idling. Too much idling, especially when the engine is cold, wastes fuel. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This simple thing can make a difference over time, especially in cities where idling is common.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo in the vehicle increases the engine’s workload and hurts fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, such as sports equipment or tools, to reduce the load and improve efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can save fuel on long highway drives. Watch traffic and turn off cruise control when needed for safety.