23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy prizes, but for the 2017 Audi Q3 quattro, it’s an acceptable tradeoff. This isn’t a hypermiling hatchback; it’s a compact luxury crossover, designed for urban professionals and small families who prioritize style, features, and all-weather security over maximum efficiency. The Q3 buyer appreciates the surefootedness of quattro all-wheel drive and the premium feel of the cabin, and they’re generally willing to trade a few MPGs to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Audi Q3 quattro are 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (S6), provides adequate power for everyday driving, but it’s not exactly a fuel-sipping combination. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban commutes, where frequent acceleration and deceleration take their toll. The highway number is more respectable, hinting at the Q3’s ability to cruise comfortably on longer trips, though even this figure lags some competitors. It’s important to understand that the relatively low city MPG is largely due to the Q3’s all-wheel-drive system, which adds weight and frictional losses compared to front-wheel-drive rivals. The six-speed automatic, while smooth, also lacks the efficiency of more modern eight- or nine-speed units.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Audi Q3 quattro at exactly $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. It gives potential buyers a clear understanding of the ongoing running costs associated with the vehicle. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and fluctuations in fuel prices. For example, aggressive driving will significantly increase fuel consumption, while a predominantly highway commute would likely result in a lower annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see figures hovering around the EPA estimates, perhaps slightly lower in the city and potentially a bit higher on the highway, provided you drive conservatively. Factors like traffic congestion, weather conditions, and the use of air conditioning can all impact your MPG. If you have a heavy foot, or if your daily commute is primarily stop-and-go traffic, expect your real-world MPG to be closer to the 18-19 MPG range in the city. Conversely, consistent highway cruising at moderate speeds might yield closer to 30 MPG. Careful driving habits become even more crucial to achieving optimal fuel economy. The Q3 also has various drive modes that can alter certain drive dynamics to achieve optimal fuel economy. These include Comfort, Dynamic and an “Efficiency” mode.

How it compares

The 2017 Audi Q3 quattro faces stiff competition in the luxury compact crossover segment, and many rivals offer better fuel economy. For example, the BMW X1 sDrive28i (front-wheel drive) boasts a combined MPG of 25, and the Acura RDX achieves 23 MPG combined (slightly edging out with more cargo capacity). Even the Lexus NX 300h hybrid manages around 31 MPG combined. The Q3 buyer is likely aware of these differences, but chooses the Audi for its styling, brand image, or the added security of all-wheel drive in regions with challenging weather. The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC provides comparable all-wheel drive performance with a combined 26 MPG rating that pulls ahead of the Q3 with superior mileage. When shopping, be sure to look at Q3 MPG across all years to get a full understanding of what to expect.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds consume significantly more fuel. Drive smoothly and predictably, anticipating traffic flow and avoiding unnecessary surges.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart easily, and idling wastes fuel.

Use the air conditioning sparingly. The AC compressor puts a strain on the engine. When practical, open the windows or use the ventilation system instead, especially at lower speeds. On highways, using AC is more efficient than driving with the windows open due to aerodynamic drag.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially heavy objects, to improve efficiency. Remember that while the Q3 is small, passengers add weight, which in turn affects MPG.

You can find all Audi fuel economy data to compare this model with others of the same brand.