18 MPG combined is what you get with the extended-length, body-on-frame luxury SUV class. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator L 2WD, with its strong 3.5L EcoBoost V6, isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards. It’s made to effortlessly haul families, luggage, and even tow a substantial trailer in comfort and style. Its buyers understand this trade-off, prioritizing space and capability over frequent fuel stops.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Navigator L 2WD will achieve 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the Navigator’s weight and large frontal area work against it. The highway number, though better, still lags behind lighter, more aerodynamic SUVs. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range, but moving this much vehicle requires a significant amount of energy. For families primarily driving within urban areas, the city MPG figure is likely the more relevant number to consider. Those who frequently embark on long road trips can expect to see figures closer to the highway estimate, assuming consistent speeds and minimal congestion.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the average annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator L 2WD is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national averages for fuel prices. Your actual fuel cost may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. The EPA calculation is done using regular unleaded gasoline. However, luxury vehicles like the Navigator typically benefit from mid-grade or premium fuel to maximize performance. Using a higher octane fuel will likely increase the annual fuel cost even further.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a benchmark for fuel economy, real-world results often vary. Expect the 2021 Lincoln Navigator L 2WD to deliver numbers slightly below the EPA estimates if you frequently engage in aggressive acceleration, tow trailers, or drive in heavy traffic. You may see numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the 21 MPG highway rating if you prioritize smooth and steady driving on the highway. Remember that factors such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can impact fuel efficiency. It’s a good idea to track your own fuel economy to get a more accurate picture of what to expect in your specific driving circumstances. Consider reading all NAVIGATOR MPG across all years to see figures reported by Navigator L owners.

How it compares

Compared to its direct competitors, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator L 2WD’s fuel economy is about the same as similar vehicles. The Cadillac Escalade ESV 2WD, for example, achieves a similar 17 MPG combined with its standard 6.2L V8. The Infiniti QX80 2WD, another body-on-frame option, gets just 15 MPG combined. Some European luxury SUVs offer better fuel economy, but often sacrifice cargo space or towing capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC, with its inline-six mild hybrid, achieves 20 MPG combined, but can’t match the Navigator L’s cavernous interior. The Land Rover Range Rover Long Wheelbase, while offering comparable luxury, also lags behind in fuel efficiency, achieving only 18 MPG combined with its supercharged six-cylinder engine. The buyer who chooses the Navigator L does so knowing they will be sacrificing fuel economy for the benefits of a traditional, full-size luxury SUV. To find all Lincoln fuel economy data, visit FuelEconomyHub.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel efficiency in the Navigator L. Its EcoBoost engine provides ample power, so there’s no need to floor the accelerator unless absolutely necessary. Smooth, gradual acceleration will help conserve fuel and reduce wear and tear on the engine and transmission.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the door jamb sticker. This small step can make a noticeable difference in your gas mileage.

Reduce idling time. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling for an extended period, especially with modern engine start/stop systems.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary items from the roof rack or cargo carrier. Extra weight and wind resistance increase fuel consumption. Keeping the vehicle as streamlined as possible will improve its efficiency, particularly on the highway. Consider removing a roof cargo box when not in use.

Consider the drive mode. The Navigator L often includes selectable drive modes, some of which prioritize fuel efficiency. Experiment with these modes to see if they make a noticeable difference in your fuel economy. The “Eco” or “Efficiency” mode typically adjusts engine and transmission settings to optimize fuel consumption, though this may slightly hurt performance.