The 2023 Audi RS3 2.5L 5-cyl gets a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG, which isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but that’s not the point. This is a high-performance machine engineered for thrills, not necessarily for saving at the pump. Its fuel consumption reflects the potent combination of its unique five-cylinder engine and rapid-fire transmission; these elements contribute directly to its ferocious acceleration and overall driver engagement.

City and highway performance

The RS3’s EPA ratings break down to 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go realities of urban driving, where the car’s eagerness to leap off the line can definitely impact fuel consumption. Expect this number to drop further if you’re frequently exploiting the car’s launch control or engaging in spirited driving around town. The highway figure of 29 MPG is more achievable in steady-state cruising. However, even on the open road, the temptation to dip into the power reserves for overtaking or simply enjoying the exhaust note will invariably drag that number down. The automatic, AM-S7, is tuned for fast shifting and performance driving. This leads to less-than-ideal fuel efficiency when trying to drive frugally.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Audi RS3 at $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price (at the time of testing). Of course, individual fuel costs can vary significantly depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. Given the RS3’s high-performance nature, it requires premium fuel, something to consider when calculating your potential running costs. The $2,500 cost suggests this is not an inexpensive vehicle to run.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, the reality for most RS3 owners will likely deviate. This is a car that begs to be driven hard, and exploiting its capabilities inevitably affects fuel consumption. Expect to see lower numbers in mixed driving conditions, especially if your daily commute involves heavy traffic or frequent short trips. Those who primarily use the RS3 for weekend fun or track days will likely see even lower fuel mileage. Consider visiting RS3 MPG across all years to see how efficiency changes across model years. The point is not to scare you, but it is best to be realistic about fuel consumption as it is very dependent on driving style.

How it compares

The RS3 is not alone in its high-performance segment, and its fuel economy should be viewed in that context. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, another compact performance sedan, achieves a slightly better 23 MPG combined, but often requires more expensive servicing. The BMW M2, which prioritizes sporty handling with rear-wheel drive, is rated at 19 MPG combined. Even within Audi’s own lineup, the S3, a slightly less powerful but still very capable sibling to the RS3, manages a better 27 MPG combined. For those focused on all all Audi fuel economy data, the choice will come down to priorities: ultimate performance versus improved fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the RS3 is not designed for maximum fuel savings, some strategies can help to marginally improve efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking when possible. Smooth, deliberate inputs will always yield better results than abrupt maneuvers.

Use the Audi Drive Select system to choose a more efficient driving mode, such as “Comfort” or “Efficiency”. These modes adjust the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel economy over performance. This will make the car less eager to perform but can bring marginal fuel savings.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels found on the door jamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the overall load, requiring the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need for daily driving.

Consider shorter trips in a different vehicle if practicality allows. A small economical car or even a bicycle is a good choice for local journeys. This will reduce wear and tear on the RS3 and save fuel in the process.