The 2022 Audi Q5 S line quattro, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets 25 MPG combined, which places it in the middle of its class of luxury compact SUVs. It’s not a hybrid that sips fuel, and it’s not a gas-guzzling performance car either. It’s a balanced compromise, acceptable to Q5 buyers who value style, technology, and a comfortable driving experience more than the best possible fuel mileage. They want a vehicle that looks good, handles confidently in all weather, and offers a premium interior, and they’re willing to trade some MPG for those features.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Audi Q5 S line quattro will achieve 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the 2.0L turbocharged engine and its seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7). The city MPG is respectable for an SUV with standard all-wheel drive, due to the stop-and-go nature of city driving. The 28 MPG highway figure is fine for longer trips, but it isn’t amazing; some competitors get slightly better mileage on the open road with more advanced engine technologies or different tuning.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Audi Q5 S line quattro at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs might change depending on your driving, fuel type (premium is recommended), and local gas prices.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy loads can reduce MPG. Gentle acceleration, steady highway speeds, and correct tire inflation can improve fuel economy. Owners who monitor their fuel consumption often find their numbers are close to the EPA estimates, a little lower in the city and sometimes matching or exceeding the highway figure on long trips. The quattro all-wheel-drive system, while good for traction, increases weight and complexity, which affects efficiency.

How it compares

The Audi Q5 S line quattro competes in a strong segment. The BMW X3 xDrive30i, for example, is rated at 24 MPG combined, almost identical in fuel consumption. The Acura RDX SH-AWD gets 23 MPG combined, a bit less than the Q5. Some buyers might think about the Lexus NX 350 AWD, which has a similar 25 MPG combined, but a different driving feel. Fuel economy is not the only thing that matters, brand prestige, interior quality, and technology are also part of the decision. You can view all Audi fuel economy data to see how the Q5 rates against other models. Also, be sure to look at Q5 MPG across all years to compare to other model years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Watch traffic to avoid heavy braking and acceleration. The Q5’s engine can tempt you to use its power, but smooth acceleration saves fuel. Cruise control on the highway keeps a constant speed and saves gas.

Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them at the recommended levels. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. The Q5’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) helps with this.

Avoid idling. Modern engines quickly warm up, so there’s no need to idle for long, especially in warm weather. Turn off the engine if you’re waiting for more than a minute.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, requiring more energy to move. Remove items you don’t need daily from the trunk and rear seats.

Try Audi Drive Select to choose an “Efficiency” driving mode, if equipped. This mode adjusts engine and transmission settings for better fuel economy. The throttle might be a bit less responsive, though.