With the 2022 Lincoln Aviator’s rear-wheel-drive model, you can expect to get 21 MPG combined, with its strong 3.0L six-cylinder engine. While not the best in its class, this number is an acceptable trade-off for many Aviator drivers who want a smooth ride, a luxurious cabin, and lots of power over the best fuel efficiency. This isn’t a vehicle purchased by those solely chasing MPG; it’s for those who value a mix of luxury and capability, where fuel economy is considered important, but less important than other factors.

City and highway performance

The Aviator RWD gets 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number shows what it’s like to move a vehicle of this size and weight through stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is better, showing the benefits of the Aviator’s 10-speed automatic transmission and relatively aerodynamic design at higher speeds. Drivers who mostly drive on the highway might see numbers close to the EPA’s estimate, while city drivers might consistently get less. The engine’s power also matters; using the accelerator heavily will greatly affect fuel consumption, especially when accelerating.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator RWD at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the price of gas in your area, and how much time you spend idling. This $2,100 gives you a way to compare the Aviator’s expected running costs with other vehicles you might buy.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world fuel economy can change based on driving style, terrain, and weather. If you often drive fast or on hills, expect numbers a bit below the EPA estimates. If you often the car’s performance modes, which focus on power instead of efficiency, you will also get less gas mileage. You can keep your tires inflated, get regular maintenance, and avoid idling too much to get closer to the EPA’s numbers, and drivers who watch their driving and adjust can potentially improve their Aviator’s fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator’s 21 MPG combined is about average for mid-size luxury SUVs. The Volvo XC90 B5 gets around 24 MPG and is slightly more fuel-efficient. Some performance SUVs, like the BMW X5 xDrive40i, get similar fuel mileage to the Aviator, while having more power. An Acura MDX gets around 22 MPG combined, and is a close alternative to the Aviator for fuel economy. All all Lincoln fuel economy data can be found on this website. This comparison is important for shoppers looking at different models. Choosing between brands often depends on features and performance which can be compared to the AVIATOR MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

You can improve the Lincoln Aviator’s gas mileage with some driving habits. Avoid accelerating too fast and braking hard, because both use more fuel. Watch the traffic and keep a steady speed when you can. Smooth use of the accelerator and steering wheel will help improve fuel efficiency.

Try using the Aviator’s selectable drive modes. The “Excite” mode gives you the engine’s full power, but the “Conserve” mode focuses on fuel economy by changing how the throttle and transmission respond. Using this mode when driving on the highway or in the city can slightly improve MPG.

Regular maintenance helps improve fuel efficiency. Keep your Aviator’s tires inflated, since tires with low pressure create more resistance and reduce MPG. A well-maintained engine runs better, so follow the service schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and other maintenance tasks.

Take extra weight out of the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, which increases fuel consumption. Remove items you don’t always need to reduce the load and improve gas mileage, and this particularly matters for those who use their Aviator for both commuting and family trips.