Against 365 other V6 cars rated 2019–2021, the Navigator L trails their 21.6 mpg average by 3.6 mpg, about $355 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2011, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2015–2021), does 17.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.4L 8-cyl (2011), 13: $772 a year apart.
Every Lincoln Navigator L engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 15.6 / 20.9 | 2015–2021 | $2,182 | |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 11 / 16 | 2011–2011 | $2,954 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 30 mpg, the Lexus GX 16 mpg and the BMW X5 20.5 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2021 Navigator L.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2021) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2019–2021 | +$355 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,694 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator L gives up 5 mpg in town: 21 on the highway against 16 in the city, $571 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2021) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (31%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Navigator L changed over the years
The Navigator L peaked in 2021 at 18 mpg (16 city, 21 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2011 at 13 — 5 mpg apart, or $821 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2020 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2019 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2018 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2017 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2016 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2015 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2011 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Lincoln Navigator L — 2 engines across 2011–2021. 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 $3,694. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2021 Lincoln Navigator L get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2011 the Navigator L has averaged 17 mpg.
Is the 2021 Navigator L more efficient than the 2020?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Navigator L year has the best gas mileage?
The 2021, at 18 mpg combined (16 city, 21 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Navigator L get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 18 mpg for the 2021 Navigator L against 30 for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, about $853 a year more to run.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.