23 MPG combined requires context when discussing the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus FWD with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This isn’t a sports car or a hybrid. It’s a comfortable, well-appointed luxury SUV designed for drivers who prioritize a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and American elegance. Buyers understand that fuel efficiency isn’t the main goal, but reasonable consumption matters.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Nautilus 2.0L FWD achieves 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the stop-and-go realities faced by many Nautilus owners, who use their vehicles for daily commutes and errands. Lincoln has tuned the eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, predictable shifts, prioritizing relaxed driving over aggressive acceleration. The highway number demonstrates the engine’s ability to deliver acceptable fuel economy during longer trips, making the Nautilus a suitable choice for road trips and weekend getaways, even if it isn’t especially thrifty. These figures are achievable if you resist the urge to constantly use the turbocharger’s power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0L FWD. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a nationally representative mix of city and highway driving, using the EPA’s estimate for average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, location, and fluctuations in gas prices, so consider all Lincoln fuel economy data to see if another model might better suit your specific needs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark. However, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Driving style has a significant impact, and so do the terrain and prevailing weather conditions. Regular maintenance, including properly inflated tires and timely oil changes, plays a critical role. A heavy foot or consistent short trips in cold weather will reduce your MPG below the EPA estimates. Gentle acceleration, avoiding unnecessary idling, and sticking to steady highway speeds can help you approach or slightly exceed the stated figures. The conservative tuning of the engine and transmission means most drivers will see numbers reasonably close to the EPA’s.

How it compares

In the competitive mid-size luxury SUV segment, the Nautilus’s fuel economy is in the middle. For example, the Acura RDX, similarly equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, achieves a slightly better 28 MPG combined. The Lexus RX 350 FWD lands a similar 25 MPG combined, while the BMW X3 sDrive30i achieves an EPA combined of 25 MPG. The Volvo XC60 B5 FWD also earns 25 MPG combined. Understanding the NAUTILUS MPG across all years allows prospective owners to see if other model years have improvements or declines. While these alternative vehicles may offer a mile or two more per gallon, the Nautilus offers distinctive styling, a spacious interior, and a focus on comfort. This comparison is essential for shoppers weighing fuel costs against other luxury features and benefits.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Nautilus’s driver-selectable modes. The “Normal” drive mode generally offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, while “Conserve” mode prioritizes fuel economy by adjusting throttle response and transmission shift points. Using “Conserve” mode, especially during highway driving, can improve mileage.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure, which can be found on the door jamb, reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. Even a slight drop in pressure can negatively impact MPG, so check and adjust as needed.

Avoid extended idling. Modern engines are designed to operate efficiently even when started and stopped frequently. Idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Plan your trips strategically. Combining errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which are less fuel-efficient than driving an already warmed-up engine. Avoiding peak traffic hours also reduces stop-and-go driving, which significantly impacts fuel economy.