Against 161 other V6 cars rated 2025–2027, the Navigator trails their 20.9 mpg average by 2.9 mpg, about $296 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2015–2027), does 18.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.4L 8-cyl (1998–2014), 14.1: $613 a year apart.
Every Lincoln Navigator 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 | 15.9 / 22.3 | 2015–2027 | $2,110 | |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 12.2 / 17.5 | 1998–2014 | $2,723 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.5 mpg, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 22.7 mpg and the Lexus GX 17 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2027 Navigator.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2027) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2025–2027 | +$296 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,290 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2027 Lincoln Navigator gives up 7 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 16 in the city, $730 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2027) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Navigator changed over the years
The Navigator peaked in 2023 at 19 mpg (17 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 12 — 7 mpg apart, or $1,179 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2027 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2026 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2025 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2024 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2023 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2022 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2021 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2020 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2019 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2018 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2017 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2016 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2015 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2014 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2013 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2012 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2011 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2010 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2008 | 12 / 18 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2007 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2006 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2005 | 11 / 17 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2004 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2003 | 11 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2002 | 11 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2001 | 11 / 15 | 1 | $3,200 | |
| 2000 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1999 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1998 | 12 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 30 EPA ratings of the Lincoln Navigator — 2 engines across 1998–2027. 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 $4,290. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2027 Lincoln Navigator get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1998 the Navigator has averaged 15.9 mpg.
Is the 2027 Navigator more efficient than the 2026?
Yes: 18 against 17 mpg combined, about $126 a year less to run.
Which Navigator year has the best gas mileage?
The 2023, at 19 mpg combined (17 city, 23 highway).
Does the Navigator get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 18 mpg for the 2027 Navigator against 29.5 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $831 a year more to run.
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