23 MPG combined might seem strange for the 2020 Audi RS3 2.5L 5-cyl. This isn’t a sensible hatchback trying to appear sporty; it’s a snarling, turbocharged engine barely contained in a compact sedan body. The target customer isn’t prioritizing fuel efficiency; they want performance and are willing to pay for it, both for the car and for the premium gas it requires.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS3 gets 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure is more telling. Stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to rapidly accelerate will reduce that number quickly. The highway figure is more achievable if you resist using the immense power for passing. The RS3’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (AM-S7) transmission tries to optimize economy in automatic mode, but aggressive driving will override that. Drivers who stay in the city, or have a lead foot, can expect less than the EPA reports, while long road trips might yield slightly better fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates you’ll spend $2,500 per year fueling your 2020 Audi RS3. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving annually, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, driving type, and fuel price changes. The RS3 requires premium gasoline, which costs more than regular unleaded. The $2,500 figure is important for potential RS3 buyers, showing the ongoing cost beyond the purchase price.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to always match the EPA’s numbers, especially if you drive the RS3 hard. Most RS3 owners prioritize driving excitement over maximizing fuel mileage. Spirited driving, which the RS3 encourages, means frequent gas station visits. User forums suggest a combined average of about 20 MPG is more realistic. Some owners, especially those who track their cars or live in cities, report even lower numbers. If fuel consumption is a major concern, the RS3 MPG across all years won’t be impressive.

How it compares

Compared to its direct competitors, the 2020 Audi RS3 has typical fuel economy for high-performance compacts. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, another all-wheel-drive performance sedan, gets about 23 MPG combined. The BMW M2 Competition, with its inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive, gets around 20 MPG combined. The Subaru WRX STI, a rally-bred alternative, gets an EPA estimated 19 MPG combined. These small differences probably aren’t significant to buyers. These are performance vehicles, and efficiency is rarely the main factor. Buyers interested in comparing to all Audi vehicles can explore all Audi fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the RS3 isn’t designed for maximum fuel economy, you can still improve your mileage. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The RS3’s turbocharged engine responds quickly, so a light foot helps. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed. The less you accelerate and decelerate, the more efficient you’ll be.

Audi recommends that drivers should select the drive mode that fits their needs on any given adventure. The Audi Drive Select system’s “Efficiency” mode adjusts throttle response and transmission mapping to prioritize fuel conservation. It won’t make the RS3 a Prius, but it can reduce fuel consumption during normal driving.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels on the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the overall mass, requiring more energy to accelerate the vehicle.

Consider the fuel you’re using. Premium fuel is recommended, but you can experiment with different brands and octane levels, while staying within Audi’s recommendation, to see if you notice fuel economy differences in your driving locations and conditions.