The 2018 Audi TT Coupe quattro gets 26 MPG combined. While that won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, it reflects the car’s purpose. This car isn’t a basic commuter; it’s a stylish, fun coupe meant to be enjoyed. Buyers are more likely comparing it to other sports coupes rather than a Prius. They value performance and design and accept that fuel economy is reasonable for a sporty all-wheel-drive car.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The difference highlights how the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AM-S6) helps. Stop-and-go traffic lowers mileage in the city. But on the open road, the transmission shifts quickly and efficiently. The engine’s strong torque helps the TT get good highway fuel economy. The quattro all-wheel drive system also affects fuel economy by adding weight and friction compared to front-wheel drive.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Audi TT Coupe quattro at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, split 55/45 between city and highway, using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is just an estimate. What you actually spend on fuel will depend on how you drive, the roads you use most, and local fuel prices. If you drive mainly in cities, your fuel costs will likely be higher. If you mostly drive on the highway, they could be lower. How aggressively you drive and your tire pressure will also impact your actual fuel cost.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a helpful starting point, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Some TT owners report slightly lower MPG than the EPA combined rating, especially if they often drive it hard. The turbocharged engine makes you want to accelerate quickly, which uses more fuel. However, drivers who accelerate smoothly and keep a steady speed on the highway can often match or even beat the EPA highway estimate. To get the best fuel economy, know how you drive and adjust it accordingly.

How it compares

The 2018 Audi TT Coupe’s fuel economy is competitive compared to its rivals, but not the best. A similar BMW 230i xDrive coupe gets about 27 MPG combined, which is a little better than the TT. The Porsche 718 Cayman is a direct competitor when it comes to performance and price, and it usually gets around 24 MPG combined. The Nissan 370Z is less luxurious and more about raw performance, and it lands around 22 MPG combined. These comparisons matter to buyers in this category. Fuel economy isn’t the most important thing, but it’s still something to consider. The TT balances performance and efficiency reasonably well. You can find all Audi fuel economy data on our site, as well as TT MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Audi Drive Select system. The TT has different driving modes, including an “Efficiency” mode that changes the engine and transmission for better fuel mileage. This setting will make the throttle less sensitive and cause the transmission to shift earlier, which can cut down on gas consumption, most obviously during everyday driving.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Low tire pressure creates more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended level, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. This simple thing can make a noticeable difference.

Avoid aggressive driving. Accelerating quickly, braking hard, and driving at high speeds all lower fuel economy. Drive smoothly and predict traffic to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Maintaining a steady speed on the highway is also important for maximizing efficiency.

Don’t let the engine idle. Idling uses fuel without traveling any distance. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars, like the TT, are made to restart quickly, making this an easy way to save fuel.

Maintain your vehicle. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, keeps your engine running efficiently. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and performs better overall. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule.