22 MPG combined is what you get for performance in the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD. It’s not a hybrid pretending to be a sports sedan; it’s a focused machine made to give you exhilarating acceleration and confident handling, and its fuel consumption shows that’s the priority. Buyers usually understand the tradeoff between raw power and trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates put the Q50 Red Sport AWD at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows stop-and-go traffic, where the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 has to constantly accelerate its weight. The highway number is where aerodynamic drag starts to matter more. Using cruise control and keeping a steady speed will help achieve the EPA-estimated highway MPG, but using that power for passing will cut into your fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD to be $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Fuel costs will change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel you use. While the Red Sport doesn’t need premium fuel, many owners say it maximizes performance and might even give a bit more efficiency.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a baseline, but real-world MPG for the Q50 Red Sport AWD can change based on how you drive. Aggressive acceleration, using the sport driving mode, and idling will reduce fuel economy. In contrast, driving conservatively, predicting traffic, and minimizing hard braking can help you get close to or exceed the EPA estimates. The Q50’s quick-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient range when driven carefully, but it’s still made for performance, not frugality.

How it compares

Compared to rivals, the Q50 Red Sport AWD’s fuel economy is what you expect for the class. The BMW M340i xDrive, a competitor, gets a combined 25 MPG, a slightly better balance of performance and efficiency. The Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan has similar numbers, around 22 MPG combined, depending on the year. The Acura TLX Type S, with its turbocharged V6 and SH-AWD system, is also close to the Q50, with a combined MPG around 21. Buyers considering these cars want luxury, performance, and technology, and that requires more gas. For those looking for more efficient options, all Infiniti fuel economy data is available, and you can also compare Q50 MPG across all years to see if a different model year suits you better.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Go easy on the throttle, especially when you start accelerating. The Q50 Red Sport’s twin-turbo V6 gives a surge of power, but controlling the throttle will help avoid using too much fuel. Using the standard drive mode instead of Sport or Sport+ can improve your MPG in everyday driving.

Make sure your tires are inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure and keep it at the recommended level on the doorjamb sticker.

Don’t idle. Modern engines are efficient at restarting, and idling wastes fuel. Turn off the engine if you’re stopping for more than a minute or two. This matters in the city when waiting at traffic lights.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove extra cargo from the roof or trunk, as this increases wind resistance and reduces fuel economy. Emptying the trunk of golf clubs and other things you don’t use much can give you incremental gains over time.