18 MPG combined might seem low, but that’s the fuel economy for the 2020 Audi Q8 3.0L 6-cyl. It’s a luxurious and sporty SUV that emphasizes style, performance, and technology more than high fuel efficiency. Q8 buyers understand this trade-off; they often value the Audi brand and are willing to pay for the experience. They require a capable all-weather vehicle with plenty of cargo space, and saving money on gas isn’t their top priority.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Q8 at 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect typical stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds. The city MPG is especially telling since the Q8’s weight and the inefficiency of internal combustion during acceleration reduce mileage. On the open road, the engine runs more efficiently, but the Q8’s aerodynamic profile and permanent all-wheel drive mean the highway MPG is respectable, not outstanding. See Q8 MPG across all years for more information.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Audi Q8 3.0L 6-cyl at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price during the calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the fuel you use (premium is recommended), and local fuel prices. However, the $3,200 estimate gives you an idea of the financial cost of owning a Q8.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures offer a standard comparison, but real-world MPG varies by driving style, traffic, and weather conditions. Q8 owners who drive mostly in urban areas will likely see figures close to, or below, the 17 MPG city estimate. Owners who mainly drive on the highway might achieve numbers closer to, or slightly above, the 21 MPG highway rating. Aggressive acceleration and frequent use of the Q8’s Sport mode will decrease fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2020 Audi Q8’s fuel economy is competitive but not the best in its class. The BMW X6 xDrive40i, with a similar engine, achieves a slightly better 22 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC also outperforms the Q8 with 21 MPG combined. Even the Porsche Cayenne, known for performance, achieves 20 MPG combined in its base model. These differences can add up, affecting the overall cost. The Q8 buyer probably compares these vehicles and understands that slightly lower fuel efficiency might be the price of brand preference, styling, or features. See all Audi fuel economy data to compare with other models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Q8 isn’t a hybrid, but you can improve its MPG. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Q8’s powerful engine is tempting, but gentle pedal inputs reduce fuel use.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires raise rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure found on the driver’s side doorjamb improves fuel economy.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you’ll be stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Use the Q8’s drive select modes. “Efficiency” mode prioritizes fuel economy by optimizing engine and transmission settings. It might slightly reduce performance but can noticeably improve fuel consumption, especially on the highway.

Service your vehicle regularly. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the maintenance schedule, including oil and air filter changes and spark plug replacements, to ensure peak performance and fuel efficiency.