Owners of the 2018 Audi Q3 quattro 2.0L get 23 MPG combined. It’s not the best, but it’s what buyers get for the Q3’s luxury, small size, and all-wheel drive. People buy this car for its premium features and ability to navigate city streets, not just for saving gas. They want a comfortable, stylish crossover that can handle different weather.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the 2018 Audi Q3 quattro gets 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go traffic uses more fuel, so the city number is lower because the Q3’s turbocharger and all-wheel-drive system work harder. The highway number is better, showing the Q3 can be reasonably efficient when cruising. These numbers should be considered knowing the Q3 is a city car and not meant for long, gas-saving trips. The automatic S6 transmission is designed to maximize the 2.0L engine’s power, which contributes to its good on-road performance, but also to the modest MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says it costs $2,500 per year to fuel the 2018 Audi Q3 quattro. This is figured by driving 15,000 miles a year and using the national average fuel price when the EPA tested it. If you live where gas is more expensive, or drive more than 15,000 miles a year, it will cost you more. If you drive less or get cheaper gas, it could cost less. Still, $2,500 is a good number to use when planning your fuel budget.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are standard, but real-world gas mileage changes. Expect to see different MPG numbers depending on how you drive, traffic, and using things like air conditioning. Driving fast and braking hard will lower your gas mileage. And leaving the car running while stopped, or being in stop-and-go traffic for a long time, will also lower your miles per gallon. Owners often report different numbers than the EPA, so think of these numbers as guidelines, not promises.

How it compares

When looking at other cars, the 2018 Audi Q3’s gas mileage is about average. The BMW X1 gets 25 MPG combined, which is a little better. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 also gets around 26 MPG combined. The Infiniti QX30 gets 25 MPG combined, making it another slightly better option for saving gas. These small differences can add up over time. The Q3 has quattro all-wheel-drive, which is important for buyers who live where it snows. For more information, you can look at all Audi fuel economy data. You can also see Q3 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important. Making sure the tires on your 2018 Audi Q3 quattro are properly inflated, the air filters are clean, and the engine oil is fresh can help gas mileage. These things help the engine run easier and lower rolling resistance, which improves MPG. Follow the service schedule from the manufacturer for the best performance.

Drive smoothly and don’t accelerate hard. The Q3’s turbocharged engine gives you plenty of power, but using it carefully helps save fuel. Watch the traffic, keep a steady speed, and don’t brake or speed up quickly. The Q3 is powerful, so you don’t need to floor it.

Don’t let the engine run when stopped. Letting the engine run while you’re not moving uses gas without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly without wearing out as fast, so this is an easy way to save gas. The start/stop feature also helps drivers save gas while idling.

Reduce the use of accessories that strain the engine and drivetrain. Air conditioning, especially on high, uses a lot more fuel. Using the air conditioning on low can lower the amount of energy used. And carrying extra weight in the car lowers efficiency.