A combined fuel economy of 26 MPG from the 2016 Audi Q5 Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl is a trade-off for buyers who want luxury and a prestigious brand more than ultimate fuel savings. It’s not a Prius competitor; it’s a Q5, Audi’s capable compact SUV, with hybrid technology to improve efficiency without sacrificing the driving experience its buyers expect.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Q5 Hybrid gets 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the electric motor work together in the eight-speed automatic transmission (S8). In town, the electric motor helps, especially when starting and driving at low speeds. This reduces how much the gasoline engine is used in stop-and-go traffic, resulting in decent city MPG. On the highway, the Q5 Hybrid drives steadily and comfortably, and the 30 MPG highway number makes it a reasonable choice for longer trips, but not exceptional. This suits drivers who mostly drive in cities but sometimes take weekend trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Audi Q5 Hybrid is $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices when the calculation was done. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. However, this gives a standard way to compare the Q5 Hybrid to other vehicles in its class. For example, you can examine all Audi fuel economy data for a broader view.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standard testing, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Driving hard, accelerating quickly often, carrying extra weight, and using air conditioning a lot can all hurt fuel efficiency. Owners who drive gently, keep tires inflated correctly, and don’t carry extra weight are more likely to get fuel economy closer to the EPA estimates. Many drivers see slightly lower numbers in mixed driving, so expect those results. Think about how much you value performance and driving experience when looking at real-world results for this SUV, and perhaps research Q5 MPG across all years for additional insight.

How it compares

The 2016 Audi Q5 Hybrid’s fuel economy is in the middle for compact luxury SUVs. Non-hybrid Q5 versions get lower fuel economy. The 2016 Acura RDX gets around 22 MPG combined with its V6, and the BMW X3 xDrive28i gets similar numbers to the Acura RDX. The Lexus NX 300h hybrid, a direct competitor, often gets slightly better fuel economy, around 31 MPG combined, which may attract buyers looking for the best MPG. The Q5 Hybrid is a mix of Audi’s features and a slight fuel economy advantage over its non-hybrid versions. Buyers choose the Q5 Hybrid for its driving experience and brand even though other hybrid models have better fuel saving.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Q5 Hybrid’s regenerative braking system. Slow down early and coast when you can, allowing the system to recover energy and recharge the battery. This can greatly improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Braking gradually is better than braking hard to get the most from regenerative braking.

Watch the driver information system, which shows real-time fuel economy and energy use. This can help you change your driving and find ways to improve efficiency. Knowing when the electric motor is helping the engine will help you improve your efficiency.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the right pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes, since pressure can change.

Reduce extra weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo puts more strain on the engine, which lowers fuel efficiency. Take out anything you don’t need to carry all the time, like sports equipment or tools.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed can help improve fuel economy on long drives. Watch out for hills, since the system may downshift too much to maintain speed, using more fuel. Think about changing your speed manually on hills.