The 2022 Audi SQ8 4.0L 8-cyl gets 17 MPG combined. This number isn’t a surprise for many looking at this car. It’s not bought for saving fuel, but to make a statement. This performance SUV has refined styling and is bought by people who want fast acceleration, a luxurious interior, and the prestige of the Audi brand more than great gas mileage. The SQ8 is about the driving experience, and they are ready to pay more when they fill up.

City and highway performance

EPA ratings estimate 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how urban driving with frequent stops affects fuel consumption, where the SQ8’s weight and turbo lag reduce efficiency. The highway number of 21 MPG is better, but still not outstanding. The engine uses cylinder deactivation to try and improve efficiency at cruising speeds, but the SQ8’s shape and weight limit how much fuel it saves. Gently pressing the accelerator helps you get close to 21 MPG on long trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Audi SQ8 is $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with about 55% city and 45% highway driving, and assumes current national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will change based on how you drive, where you live, and gas prices. If you often use full-throttle and drive aggressively, expect that $3,400 figure to rise. Driving carefully can help lower it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are an estimate, real-world MPG often differs. SQ8 owners can expect to get between 14-18 MPG in mixed driving. Short trips, heavy traffic, and often using the SQ8’s performance will lower the average. Long drives at consistent speeds will be closer to the EPA’s 21 MPG estimate, but strong winds and hills can hurt fuel consumption. How you drive is the biggest factor in the SQ8’s real-world fuel economy, and those who often tap into its power will see numbers closer to the city estimate.

How it compares

The SQ8’s fuel economy is normal for its class of high-performance SUVs. The BMW X6 M, with its 600-horsepower twin-turbo V8, gets an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, another powerful choice, gets about 16 MPG combined. Even the Porsche Cayenne S, which has less power, only gets 19 MPG combined. Those buying an SQ8 probably consider these models and know that fuel efficiency takes a back seat to performance. They accept this tradeoff for the fun of driving and the status of owning one of these SUVs. See all Audi fuel economy data for more information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the SQ8 wasn’t made to save gas, there are ways to improve fuel economy. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard. The SQ8’s power is tempting, but it greatly reduces fuel efficiency. Driving smoothly is key to getting better MPG in any car, especially one with a strong engine and a performance drivetrain.

Effectively use the Audi Drive Select system. The “Efficiency” mode changes the engine and transmission settings to save fuel. It makes the throttle less responsive, shifts gears sooner, and can even disconnect the engine in some situations to allow the car to coast. While it might reduce the SQ8’s performance, it can make a difference on longer drives.

Check tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase resistance, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check the correct tire pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb and make sure all tires are inflated properly. Using nitrogen can help maintain more consistent pressure.

Reduce weight and drag. Remove any unnecessary items from the car, because extra weight affects fuel economy. Avoid using roof racks unless needed, as they increase drag and reduce MPG, especially at highway speeds. You can research SQ8 MPG across all years.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoid traffic and pick routes with consistent speeds and fewer stops. Navigation apps with real-time traffic updates can help you find and avoid slowdowns, improving fuel efficiency. Planning can often save you time and money.