The 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, gets 23 MPG combined. It often carries families quietly before unleashing 494 horsepower. Its efficiency isn’t class-leading, but it’s a price many are willing to pay for luxury, one that prioritizes effortless power and a quiet cabin over extreme fuel savings.

City and highway performance

The Aviator Grand Touring’s EPA ratings suggest a slight preference for highway cruising, with 25 MPG versus 22 MPG in the city. This might seem counterintuitive for a hybrid, but the Aviator’s electric range, estimated at around 21 miles, plays a significant role. In urban environments, where speeds are lower and regenerative braking opportunities are more frequent, you’re more likely to operate primarily on electric power. However, on the highway, the gasoline engine kicks in more often, pushing the fuel consumption closer to its native levels. These numbers represent driving with a mix of electric and gasoline power. If you deplete the battery, the mpg will drop noticeably.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring at $1,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a specified percentage of those miles driven in the city versus on the highway, and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of time spent driving on electric power will all significantly impact the total amount you spend on fuel each year.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Drivers who consistently charge their Aviator and primarily take short trips can expect to see significantly better fuel economy than the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who rarely plug in or frequently embark on long road trips will likely experience fuel consumption closer to that of a non-hybrid SUV. The Aviator’s heavy weight and powerful engine reduce efficiency once the electric assistance declines.

How it compares

The luxury three-row SUV segment offers a range of fuel efficiency options. The Lexus RX 450hL, for example, achieves around 29 MPG combined, a significant improvement over the Aviator. However, the Lexus offers a different driving experience, prioritizing hybrid efficiency above outright power and performance. The Volvo XC90 Recharge, another plug-in hybrid, lands somewhere in between, offering better electric range than the Aviator but with a similar overall MPG rating of about 27 MPG combined. Even the non-hybrid Acura MDX manages around 22 MPG combined, highlighting that the Aviator’s fuel economy is not competitive among its peers. Owners of the Aviator accept these figures in exchange for the Lincoln’s potent performance and unique aesthetic, knowing they can always access all Lincoln fuel economy data to compare models before buying.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Frequent charging is critical to maximizing the Aviator Grand Touring’s fuel efficiency. Plugging in whenever possible, even for short periods, will help maintain a full battery and minimize gasoline consumption, especially in city driving.

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are essential for efficient driving in any vehicle, but especially in a hybrid. Avoid aggressive acceleration and brake gradually whenever possible to maximize regenerative braking and capture energy back into the battery. Even using the different drive modes can help, experiment with the “Pure EV” mode to maximize electric mileage and better understand the AVIATOR MPG across all years.

Optimizing tire pressure can also help improve fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Removing any unnecessary cargo can help to improve fuel efficiency, especially during city driving. Every pound adds up, and a lighter vehicle requires less energy to move.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoiding congested areas and opting for routes with smoother traffic flow can help to minimize stop-and-go driving, which is particularly taxing on fuel economy. When possible, take the highway and use cruise control, but anticipate stops appropriately to maximize regenerative braking.