23 MPG combined is acceptable for the 2020 Audi TT RS. To be clear, people buy Audi’s snarling, all-wheel-drive coupe for its razor-sharp handling, unmistakable design, and the drama of its turbocharged five-cylinder engine, not for saving fuel. That engine is the very reason this car exists. Fuel economy is simply a cost of admission to a very exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The official EPA figures list the TT RS at 19 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the RS’s quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is always working. The engine, while tractable at low RPMs, isn’t exactly loafing, and the all-wheel-drive system adds rotational mass that reduces efficiency. The highway figure is surprisingly respectable. The tall gearing of the transmission allows the engine to cruise comfortably at lower RPMs, maximizing fuel economy when covering longer distances, even if the driver engages the turbo for passing maneuvers more often than they should.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Audi TT RS is $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended, of course), and the fuel prices in your area.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the TT RS is driver-dependent. If you drive it hard, exploiting the engine’s 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, you’ll likely see numbers closer to the city rating, possibly even lower. If you drive with restraint, using a light foot and anticipating traffic, you may approach the highway estimate. Most TT RS owners admit they prioritize performance over fuel savings, which skews their average downward. Most owners report an average in the low- to mid-20s.

How it compares

The Audi TT RS has few direct competitors, and those that exist approach performance with different priorities. The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 offers similar performance and handling, but achieves only around 22 MPG combined with its flat-six engine. The BMW M2 Competition, while now discontinued, was another possible competitor, delivering a more muscular driving experience, at about 20 MPG combined. If you were to cross-shop cars, you would see that the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, a four-door coupe with a potent turbocharged four-cylinder, achieves a more respectable 23 MPG combined, but it lacks the distinctive character and outright performance of the TT RS’s five-cylinder engine. See all Audi fuel economy data for a broader perspective. This TT RS’s numbers are typical for the performance niche it fills. Consider also the TT MPG across all years to get a longer-term perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last mile out of each gallon might not be the top priority for a TT RS owner, some strategies can help improve fuel economy without sacrificing too much performance. Avoid aggressive acceleration. The turbocharged engine is sensitive to throttle input, and rapid acceleration will quickly deplete the fuel tank. A smoother, more progressive driving style will yield noticeable improvements.

Take advantage of the car’s drive select modes. Audi’s drive select offers different profiles that affect engine mapping, transmission behavior, and steering feel. Selecting “efficiency” mode will optimize these parameters for lower fuel consumption, although it may dull the throttle response somewhat.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. Turn off the engine when stopped for more than a minute, especially in congested traffic. The TT RS’s quick-start system makes restarting easy.

Finally, use the highest octane fuel grade recommended by Audi. While the engine can run on lower octane fuel, using premium fuel ensures optimal engine performance and efficiency, potentially offsetting the higher fuel cost.