The 2019 Audi TT Roadster quattro, with its 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy rating of 26 MPG. While not the best in its class, this is acceptable for a stylish, performance-oriented roadster that emphasizes driving pleasure and sporty handling over maximizing gas mileage. Buyers in this category are usually more interested in top-down driving and an engaging experience than saving every bit of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Audi TT Roadster quattro gets 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The strong torque from the 2.0L engine, along with the quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AM-S7), provides responsive acceleration around town. On the open road, the TT Roadster is comfortable, offering respectable fuel economy for a vehicle designed for spirited driving. Drivers who often deal with stop-and-go traffic might find the city MPG a little low, and those who enjoy weekend trips on the highway will appreciate the better highway rating.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi TT Roadster quattro is $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average price for premium gasoline, which is the recommended fuel for best performance in this car. Your actual fuel costs can change based on your driving, the price of gas where you live, and how much you drive. The $1,700 figure gives you a good reference for comparing fuel costs between the TT Roadster and others in its class.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are standardized, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Drivers who accelerate quickly or frequently use “Sport” mode might see lower MPG than advertised. However, those who drive more conservatively and mainly use the TT Roadster for highway driving may get fuel economy closer to, or even a little better than, the EPA’s 31 MPG highway rating. Ambient temperature, tire pressure, and cargo weight can affect fuel efficiency. Checking TT MPG across all years can show you what other TT owners have experienced.

How it compares

The Audi TT Roadster is in a specific category, and its fuel economy is similar to other cars like it. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i, another sporty roadster, gets an EPA rating of 28 MPG combined. The Porsche 718 Boxster, which focuses more on performance, gets around 24 MPG combined with its base engine. The Mercedes-Benz SLC 300, which is no longer being made, was rated at 26 MPG combined, the same as the TT Roadster. These figures are important to the TT Roadster buyer who wants an open top experience without spending too much on fuel, even if fuel costs aren’t their main concern. You can also see all Audi fuel economy data to compare to any other model in the lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Correct tire pressure is important for getting the best gas mileage. Make sure your tires have the pressure listed on the door jamb sticker. Tires with too little air increase resistance, which lowers fuel economy and wears down tires faster. Checking and changing tire pressure regularly can make a real difference.

Avoid accelerating too fast and braking hard. The Audi TT Roadster’s turbocharged engine provides plenty of power, but quick acceleration uses more fuel. Accelerating gently and predicting traffic will help the engine run more efficiently and lower fuel usage. Cruise control on the highway can help keep a steady speed and improve gas mileage.

Don’t let the engine run when the car isn’t moving. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines can restart quickly, and letting the engine idle wastes fuel and increases emissions. This is especially true in cities with lots of traffic.

Select the right drive mode. The Audi TT Roadster usually has drive modes like “Comfort,” “Dynamic,” and “Efficiency.” Use “Efficiency” mode when you can, since it adjusts the engine and transmission for better fuel economy. “Dynamic” mode improves performance but also uses more fuel.

Keep up with regular maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance make sure the engine runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more cleanly, which results in better fuel economy and fewer emissions. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service schedule.