Against 399 other V6 cars rated 2018–2020, the Continental sits right on their 21.7 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.4L 6-cyl (1984–1985), does 23 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1984–1987), 17.8: $487 a year apart.
Every Lincoln Continental engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 6-cyl | 20.5 / 27.5 | 1984–1985 | $1,670 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 18 / 27 | 2017–2020 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 15.3 / 23.1 | 1988–1994 | $2,098 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 15 / 22.9 | 1995–2002 | $2,133 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22.5 | 1984–1987 | $2,157 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Charger gets 21 mpg, the Chrysler 300 21 mpg and the Kia K5 32 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2020 Continental.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2018–2020 | +$59 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,614 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Lincoln Continental gives up 9 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 18 in the city, $711 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Continental changed over the years
The Continental peaked in 2020 at 21 mpg (18 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 18 — 3 mpg apart, or $304 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2019 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2018 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2017 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2001 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1999 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 24 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1984 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 25 EPA ratings of the Lincoln Continental — 5 engines across 1984–2020. 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 $3,614. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Lincoln Continental get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Continental has averaged 18.9 mpg.
Is the 2020 Continental more efficient than the 2019?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which Continental year has the best gas mileage?
The 2020, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Continental get better gas mileage than the Dodge Charger?
About the same: 21 mpg for the 2020 Continental against 21 for the 2021 Dodge Charger.
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