Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the Aviator sits right on their 21 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2003, the 3L 6-cyl Plug-in hybrid (2020–2023), does 23 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.6L 8-cyl (2003–2005), 13.7: $1,133 a year apart.
Every Lincoln Aviator engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 22 / 25 | 2020–2023 | $1,670 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 25.7 | 2020–2026 | $1,829 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 11.7 / 17 | 2003–2005 | $2,803 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.8 mpg, the Lexus GX 17 mpg and the BMW X5 25 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2026 Aviator.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,382 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator gives up 7 mpg in town: 25 on the highway against 18 in the city, $597 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Aviator changed over the years
The Aviator peaked in 2023 at 22 mpg (20 city, 25.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 13 — 9 mpg apart, or $1,209 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2025 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2024 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2023 | 20 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2022 | 20 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2021 | 20 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2020 | 20 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 11 / 17 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2004 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2003 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Lincoln Aviator — 3 engines across 2003–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,382. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Lincoln Aviator get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2003 the Aviator has averaged 20 mpg.
Is the 2026 Aviator more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which Aviator year has the best gas mileage?
The 2023, at 22 mpg combined (20 city, 25.5 highway).
Does the Aviator get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 21 mpg for the 2026 Aviator against 29.8 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $540 a year more to run.
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