The Lincoln Navigator is one of the luxury brand’s better-known vehicles, and it has plenty going for it. However, it’s a gigantic SUV, so its fuel economy isn’t the best. Here’s a look at the Lincoln Navigator’s gas mileage and which model years eco-conscious customers should consider. 

A glance at this gargantuan SUV’s history

Though large, luxurious SUVs are quite commonplace today, this wasn’t the case not long ago. Indeed, the ’90s didn’t have many grand, gigantic SUVs. However, one full-size luxury SUV available back then was the Lincoln Navigator. It premiered for the 1998 model year, and it was one of only a few vehicles in its segment.

Compared to the modern Navigator, the 1998 version didn’t offer much. But it still boasted enough luxury to lure buyers. The Navigator is now in its fourth generation, and it continues to sell well.

However, the Great Recession revealed a problem with large vehicles like the Navigator. Consumers care about fuel economy, and big vehicles tend to be gas guzzlers.

So, what gas mileage does a Lincoln Navigator get?

In its early years, the Lincoln Navigator had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 mpg combined, Consumer Reports says. That’s not great gas mileage. The 2007 model marked the beginning of the Navigator’s third generation, and it brought improvements. But many models still hovered around 14 mpg.

However, the 2015 to 2017 models boasted a refresh. According to Consumer Reports, the update included replacing the Navigator’s standard V8 engine with a turbocharged V6. And after the 2017 model year, Lincoln gave the Navigator some major changes but kept that V6. One of the perks of that smaller engine was better fuel economy.

Instead of getting 14 mpg with the V8, the Navigator packing a V6 gets about 18 mpg combined. The newer V6 gets almost 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Therefore, eco-conscious used car shoppers should look for a Navigator from the 2015 model year or later. 

An overview of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator

Because the 2021 Navigator still uses the same turbocharged V6 since the 2015 model, its fuel economy hasn’t changed much. However, Lincoln has made quite a few upgrades. After all, the Navigator starts at about $76,000, and it can easily reach six figures with options. That money pays for myriad opulent features.

Off the bat, because it’s a full-size SUV, it provides plenty of space. Adults can sit comfortably even in the third-row seats, and everyone can bring ample cargo too. The Navigator offers up to 120 cubic feet of cargo room with its second and third rows folded down, and it can tow up to 8,700 pounds. And, of course, because it’s a Lincoln, leather abounds throughout the cabin.

As for features, even the standard 2021 Lincoln Navigator offers plenty. It comes with a 10-inch touchscreen display, a premium stereo system, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and other tech features. And advanced safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning, to name just a few.

But despite the Lincoln Navigator’s strengths, its Achilles heel remains its gas mileage.