The 2020 Lincoln Continental with all-wheel drive and the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 gets 20 MPG combined. If you want the best possible fuel efficiency, this is not your car. This Continental caters to buyers who want a plush, comfortable, American take on luxury, with a smooth ride and strong power instead of excellent fuel economy. They accept the fuel costs as the price for the Continental’s relaxed opulence.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go traffic uses more fuel, as the Continental’s weight and the all-wheel-drive system impact efficiency. On the open road, the turbocharged engine’s strong torque allows for relaxed cruising, contributing to slightly better gas mileage. Even on the highway, don’t expect hybrid-like efficiency, the Continental prioritizes comfort.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Lincoln Continental AWD 2.7L is $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG rating, and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs can change based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel used. Still, $2,200 is a good number to consider. It highlights that the Continental’s thirst for fuel is a real part of owning it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy will change. Drivers who accelerate hard or drive in city traffic might see numbers below the EPA estimates. Drivers who accelerate gently, avoid idling, and drive on the highway could get close to or slightly better than the EPA’s 25 MPG highway rating.

How it compares

The Continental’s fuel economy is lower than some competitors’ numbers. The front-wheel drive Lexus ES 350 gets 26 MPG combined. The all-wheel drive Cadillac CT5 with its 2.0-liter turbo gets a combined rating of 25 MPG. This difference matters to buyers who want luxury without sacrificing efficiency. Some may cross-shop it with the Genesis G80 because of its strong value, but the G80 AWD with the 2.5T engine only achieves 22 MPG combined, making the Continental look reasonable in comparison.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Accelerate gently. The 2.7-liter V6 delivers ample torque, so there’s no need to stomp on the gas pedal. Gradual acceleration will help minimize fuel consumption, especially in city driving. Avoid unnecessary idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Excessive idling burns fuel without covering any distance.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and extend tire life.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on long highway drives. Be mindful of traffic conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary to maintain a safe following distance.

Consider a fuel additive. Some fuel additives can help clean fuel injectors and improve combustion. Consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic for recommendations on fuel additives for your Continental. You can check all Lincoln fuel economy data to see trends over time.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combine errands into a single trip and avoid peak traffic hours when possible. Efficient trip planning can minimize stop-and-go driving and reduce overall fuel consumption. To explore more details, examine CONTINENTAL MPG across all years.