The 2020 Audi A4 quattro 2.0L gets a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 27 MPG, a figure that suits its target audience. These are buyers who value performance, technology, and prestige, and are willing to make some compromises to get it. Fuel economy is a factor, but not the defining one, in their purchase. It’s more within the zone of acceptable, rather than aspirational, efficiency.

City and highway performance

While the combined 27 MPG figure provides a good overview, understanding the city and highway ratings offers a more detailed picture. The A4 quattro achieves 24 MPG in city driving, a respectable number for a turbocharged engine powering all four wheels. This speaks to the A4’s efficient engine management and relatively light weight for its class. On the highway, that number climbs to 32 MPG, reflecting the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds. The seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) plays a crucial role here, keeping the engine in its optimal rev range for fuel conservation during long-distance travel. These numbers aren’t groundbreaking, but they’re respectable for a sports sedan with all-wheel drive, and reflect where Audi chose to spend its engineering budget.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Audi A4 quattro 2.0L at exactly $2,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and uses the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline. Buyers should note that fluctuations in gasoline prices will directly impact this figure. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually, your fuel expenses will vary proportionally. To get a more accurate estimate for your personal situation, consider tracking your actual mileage and fuel consumption over a month or two.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a great starting point, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Factors like driving style, traffic conditions, terrain, and even tire pressure can affect the numbers you see on your dashboard. Expect some deviation from the official ratings, especially if you drive aggressively or spend most of your time in stop-and-go traffic. However, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and consistent speeds will likely find their fuel economy closer to the EPA estimates. The A4’s driving character also affects real-world economy, it’s a car that encourages you to explore the upper reaches of the tachometer, sometimes at the expense of MPG.

How it compares

The A4’s fuel economy positions it competitively within its segment. For example, the BMW 330i xDrive, its closest rival, achieves a similar 28 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC, another key competitor, gets 26 MPG combined. These differences, while present, are marginal and unlikely to sway a purchase decision on their own. Instead, buyers will weigh factors like styling, handling, technology, and brand prestige more heavily. However, for buyers also considering front-wheel drive models, the A4’s fuel economy picture changes. The front-wheel drive A4 achieves a notable 31 MPG combined, a difference worth considering for drivers who don’t require all-weather capability. Looking at A4 MPG across all years shows the progression of fuel economy and allows comparison of similar models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take care when accelerating from a standstill. The A4’s turbocharged engine is responsive, but rapid acceleration consumes fuel quickly, particularly up to 30 MPH. Ease onto the throttle and let the turbocharger spool up gradually to minimize fuel usage during initial acceleration. By keeping the car in the lowest possible gear for any given speed, the engine isn’t being forced to work any harder than is necessary.

Use the A4’s drive select modes carefully. The “Efficiency” mode optimizes various vehicle settings for reduced fuel consumption, including throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control operation. While spirited driving is part of the A4 experience, switching to “Efficiency” mode during extended highway cruises or in congested city traffic can yield noticeable fuel savings. If the vehicle isn’t being used to its full potential, don’t operate it as if it is.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. This simple maintenance task can easily improve fuel efficiency by a few percentage points.

Avoid unnecessary idling, particularly in cold weather. Modern engines do not require extended warm-up periods. Idling consumes fuel without providing any benefit. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, simply turn off the engine. The A4’s quick restart system makes it easy to resume driving as soon as you’re ready. Check all Audi fuel economy data to compare idling rates to other brands.

Plan your routes strategically to minimize stop-and-go traffic. Congestion not only reduces fuel economy, but can also be stressful. Using navigation apps to find the most efficient routes, even if they’re slightly longer in distance, can save time and fuel in the long run, this is often accomplished passively, just keep the navigation active and you’ll be surprised how often it makes small suggestions.