The 2020 Lincoln Continental AWD with the 3.0L V6 engine gets 19 MPG combined. This isn’t a great number, and anyone considering this configuration likely knows that fuel efficiency isn’t a priority. This Continental prioritizes easy driving, confident all-weather traction, and a quiet, luxurious experience. These qualities are often more important than fuel economy for its target customer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Lincoln Continental AWD 3.0L show different results for city and highway driving. The city MPG is 16, which is expected given the engine size and the car’s weight. If you drive frequently in stop-and-go traffic, expect to fill up the tank often. The highway MPG is better, reaching 24. The Continental is well-suited for long trips, where its smooth six-speed automatic transmission and relaxed engine power are most apparent. The highway efficiency makes it a reasonable choice for road trips, but even then, you’ll likely stop for gas more often than with a newer, turbocharged four-cylinder sedan.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Continental configuration at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% city and 45% highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Your actual costs may vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you buy (premium is recommended), and local fuel prices. If you mainly drive in the city or accelerate quickly, expect to spend more. However, consistent highway driving and gentle acceleration could lower your fuel expenditure. This number is an important data point for potential buyers, as it helps them factor fuel costs into the overall cost of owning the car.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a starting point, but real-world MPG often varies. Factors like driving style, road conditions, and climate control affect fuel consumption. Owners of the 2020 Lincoln Continental AWD 3.0L often report numbers close to the EPA estimates. Gentle acceleration and consistent highway speeds tend to produce results near 24 MPG. Aggressive driving or long periods of idling will lower the average, potentially into the low teens in city traffic. It’s important to have realistic expectations. This is a powerful luxury sedan, not a hybrid, and how you drive it will impact your MPG.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2020 Lincoln Continental AWD 3.0L should be compared with its competitors. The Cadillac CT5-V, with a similar engine and performance, gets around 17 MPG combined. The Genesis G80 3.5T AWD, a strong contender in the luxury sedan class, gets around 20 MPG combined. The Lexus ES 350, known for its reliability, is slightly better at 26 MPG combined. To examine all Lincoln fuel economy data and how it compares, consider that the Continental prioritizes a smooth, powerful driving experience over outright fuel efficiency. Some buyers are willing to accept this trade-off for its unique mix of luxury and performance. For further comparison, you can also view CONTINENTAL MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and predictable acceleration is important in a car with a large engine. Avoid sudden bursts of speed or aggressive passing. Lincoln designed this car for easy power delivery, not racing. Letting the engine build power gradually minimizes fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Keep proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing MPG. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended settings. You can usually find a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. It’s a simple step that can yield noticeable gains.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for long periods wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine and restart when ready to move. Modern starters can handle the increased frequency of starts, especially in city driving.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Too much cargo in the trunk or rear seats adds weight to the car, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need regularly to lighten the load and improve MPG, especially on longer trips. Every pound matters.