21 MPG combined. That’s what you can expect from the 2018 Audi Q7 with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While it might not win any hypermiling contests, Q7 buyers likely accept this figure as the price for a premium three-row SUV. These owners prioritize space, luxury, and the Audi brand over outright fuel efficiency. They need to haul kids and cargo, and sometimes drive in bad weather. For them, the Q7 offers a great package.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, showing adequate performance in both environments, though neither figure is particularly impressive. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the Q7’s weight and the inefficiencies of a gasoline engine affect fuel economy. The highway MPG, while better, still lags some competitors. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps make the most of the available power and, on the highway, helps keep the engine in its efficient range.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Audi Q7 2.0L at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and the national average fuel price when calculated. Remember that your fuel costs may vary based on driving habits, fuel type, and gas prices. Consider this a benchmark for comparing running costs against other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized measure, but real-world MPG often differs. Q7 owners often report figures close to the EPA estimates, but achieving the rated 25 MPG on the highway requires effort. Driving style, cargo weight, and tire pressure can all impact fuel consumption. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking, common in city driving, will lower the MPG. Understanding these factors is important for having realistic expectations.

How it compares

The 2018 Audi Q7 2.0L’s fuel economy is in the middle of the luxury three-row SUV segment. The Volvo XC90 T5 (22 MPG combined) often gets better results in real-world testing. The more powerful V6 Q7 has lower fuel economy ratings. The Acura MDX, also popular, achieves a similar 22 MPG combined rating. These small differences are often less important to buyers than interior design, brand reputation, and driving dynamics. Looking at all Audi fuel economy data, the Q7 is for those who need the size and prefer the brand. You can also explore Q7 MPG across all years to see how the model has changed.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps you get more miles per gallon. The 2.0L turbo engine responds well to a light foot on the accelerator, helping you avoid burning too much fuel during initial acceleration and mid-range power.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your Q7’s door sticker to determine the correct tire pressure, and check it regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Modern engines are efficient when running, but idling burns fuel without going anywhere. Avoid idling for too long, like when waiting in carpool lines or drive-throughs.

The Q7 has an eight-speed automatic transmission made for efficiency, but sometimes using the manual shift mode can lead to small improvements. Predicting hills or slowdowns and downshifting can stop the transmission from shifting unnecessarily.