18 MPG combined is the price of admission to the 2020 Audi Q7 3.0L club. You’re not buying this SUV for Prius-like efficiency; you’re buying it for a combination of a refined and powerful engine, a luxurious interior, and the practicality of three-row seating. Fuel economy is a consideration, certainly, but it is not the most important factor for the typical Q7 buyer, who prioritizes capability and comfort over saving a few dollars at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway for the 2020 Audi Q7 with the 3.0L six-cylinder engine. Remember that these figures are based on standardized testing procedures, and your real-world results will vary depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and even the tires you’re running. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, while the highway number assumes consistent speeds on open roads. The Q7’s eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to optimizing these numbers. Aggressive acceleration will plummet the MPG, while a gentle foot on the accelerator and anticipating traffic flow can yield results closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Audi Q7 3.0L is $3,200. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, using the national average fuel price. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will depend on the actual price you pay for fuel, and where your driving falls between city and highway conditions. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles per year, or if fuel prices rise, your costs will be considerably higher. If you work from home most days you will spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but Q7 owners often report slightly different figures in real-world driving. Many owners see combined MPG figures in the 16-20 MPG range, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Highway driving can yield results closer to 23 MPG with careful driving. Towing obviously decreases fuel economy, and using the Q7’s sport mode and accelerating quickly also decreases fuel economy. You can see Q7 MPG across all years to further explore real-world owner experiences.

How it compares

The 2020 Audi Q7’s fuel economy is in the middle of the range for luxury SUVs with three rows. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, another inline-six powered rival, is rated at 21 MPG combined. A Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC achieves around 22 MPG combined. The Volvo XC90 T6 sits around 22 MPG combined as well. These competing vehicles offer similar levels of luxury and performance, so the Q7’s fuel economy might be a deciding factor for some buyers focused on less gas. Owners weighing the Q7 against these models can also check all Audi fuel economy data for a broader perspective on the brand’s range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Audi Q7 has an “Efficiency” drive mode. Use this whenever possible, especially on longer trips. It optimizes the engine and transmission settings for fuel conservation. It can slightly dull the car’s acceleration, so avoid running with this when you need quick bursts of speed.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel economy. Make sure that your Q7’s tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency. Keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements according to Audi’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Minimize accessory use when possible. Air conditioning places a significant load on the engine, decreasing fuel efficiency. Use it sparingly, particularly on shorter trips, opting for the ventilation system when appropriate. The same is true for other power-draining features, such as heated seats and headlights.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Carrying around heavy cargo that you don’t need will reduce fuel economy, especially in city driving. Take a few minutes to clean out any such items. Every extra 100 pounds reduces a car’s fuel economy by about 1%.