A combined 25 MPG is an average number for the 2018 Infiniti QX30 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl, a vehicle that is part hatchback and part crossover. It’s not a workhorse SUV hauling families and cargo; it’s a stylish, compact vehicle aimed at urban drivers who want a touch of luxury and all-weather capability, even if there’s a slight fuel economy drawback. QX30 buyers value design and brand recognition over absolute efficiency but still expect reasonable running costs.

City and highway performance

The 2018 QX30 AWD’s EPA ratings are 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the 2.0L turbocharged engine and seven-speed automatic transmission (AM7) are less efficient. The highway number is better, suggesting the QX30 can be a comfortable and relatively economical vehicle on longer road trips. While 30 MPG isn’t impressive on its own, remember this is an all-wheel-drive vehicle that needs premium fuel, so some compromise is expected.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Infiniti QX30 AWD at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline (as the QX30 recommends). The amount you spend on fuel will change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the grade of gasoline you choose. If you drive short distances in the city, expect to spend more. If you do a lot of highway driving and drive carefully, you might save a bit.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a useful comparison point, but real-world fuel economy varies. Some QX30 owners report MPG numbers that are close to the EPA estimates, but some things can change your results. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and extended idling will hurt fuel efficiency. Smooth driving, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help you get the best possible MPG. The QX30’s small fuel tank means you’ll visit gas stations more often than with larger SUVs, regardless of your MPG.

How it compares

The QX30’s fuel economy is in the middle of its class. The BMW X1 xDrive28i, another compact luxury crossover with standard all-wheel drive, gets 25 MPG combined (22 city/31 highway), almost the same as the QX30. The Audi Q3 quattro gets a slightly better 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. However, if you consider the front-wheel-drive versions of these vehicles, such as the BMW X1 sDrive28i (24 city/34 highway), the QX30 is not as good. A larger SUV like the Acura RDX SH-AWD, which offers more space and power, only gets 21 MPG combined (19 city/27 highway), showing the QX30’s efficiency in the luxury crossover group. For more information, check all Infiniti fuel economy data online.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Because the QX30 has a turbocharged engine, smooth acceleration and avoiding quick bursts of speed are important for maximizing fuel economy. The turbocharger gives a boost of power when needed, but it uses more fuel when you’re always asking for peak performance. Drive carefully and predict traffic to avoid sudden acceleration and braking.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure often (at least once a month) and make sure it’s at the levels listed on the driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. This is especially important in cold weather, as tire pressure goes down naturally.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Modern engines are efficient when running, but idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine, unless it’s very hot or cold, and you need to keep the inside temperature comfortable. Look at the QX30 MPG across all years to see how fuel efficiency changes.

Use the QX30’s drive mode selector, if it has one. Many models have an “Eco” mode that changes engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel efficiency. This mode usually reduces throttle response and shifts gears earlier, encouraging a more relaxed driving style. While it might reduce performance, it can help fuel consumption, mostly during city driving.