The 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T gets a combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG, which places it in the middle of the competitive compact luxury SUV class. This isn’t a vehicle bought only to save gas; Q5 buyers want a combination of premium features, refined design, and fun driving, and accept decent, but not amazing, fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T gets 23 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the performance of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides strong, responsive power for driving in cities. Stop-and-go city driving does decrease fuel efficiency. The highway number of 27 MPG is better for long trips, allowing for a comfortable driving range, but fuel economy drops at higher speeds if you accelerate quickly. The engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, which is generally smooth and responsive but can sometimes hesitate when driving slowly, slightly affecting fuel economy in slow city traffic.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will change depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of gasoline used. Many Q5 owners choose premium fuel to improve performance, which increases the annual fuel cost. This $2,300 figure is a good benchmark to compare the Q5’s long-term ownership costs against its rivals.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a standard comparison, actual fuel economy often varies. Driving fast, accelerating often, and idling for a long time can all lower fuel efficiency. But, driving smoothly, predicting traffic, and braking less can help Q5 drivers get closer to the EPA estimates. Weather, tire pressure, and how much the vehicle is carrying can also change fuel consumption. A Q5 with passengers and cargo, driven in cold weather with low tire pressure, will use more fuel than a vehicle with only a driver in good conditions. Before you buy, check Q5 MPG across all years, and think about a used vehicle for saving money.

How it compares

The 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T competes with other compact luxury SUVs, each having different fuel economy. The BMW X3 xDrive30i, also using a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, has a similar combined EPA rating of 25 MPG. The Lexus NX 300, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, gets around 24 MPG combined. The Acura RDX, with its slightly larger 2.0-liter turbo, gets around 23 MPG combined. The Q5’s MPG figures are nearly the same as its main competitors. The Volvo XC60 T5, with its turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine, has a similar rating. Choosing between these often depends on factors other than fuel economy, like design, interior, and how they drive. Head to all Audi fuel economy data to see other models’ MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Audi Drive Select system. The Q5 has driving modes, including an “Efficiency” mode. This mode changes how the engine and transmission work to save fuel. Selecting this mode will change how the throttle responds, when the transmission shifts, and even the climate control to use less gas. For daily driving, it’s an easy way to increase your MPG.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your Q5’s tire pressures at least monthly and make sure they are at the recommended levels on the doorjamb sticker. A tire pressure gauge can save you money on fuel.

Predict traffic and don’t accelerate too fast. The Q5’s turbocharged engine is fun to drive, but accelerating quickly and braking hard lowers fuel efficiency. Keeping a steady speed and knowing what the traffic will do allows for smoother driving; this reduces how much fuel you use. Look ahead to avoid braking suddenly, which wastes energy.

Don’t idle for too long. Idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopping for a while, like waiting for someone, think about turning off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, so the fuel saved from turning off the engine when stopped for a long time can add up.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, preventing unintended acceleration and deceleration which lowers fuel economy. It works best on flat highways with little traffic, as the system can react suddenly to road or traffic changes, reducing how much fuel you save.