22 MPG combined won’t win any efficiency awards, but that’s what owners of the 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T can expect. These people aren’t hyper-milers; they want luxury, practicality, and performance more than ultimate fuel savings. They accept that the Q5 requires premium fuel as the price to pay to drive a compact luxury SUV, a segment where all-wheel drive is common, which further impacts fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway show how the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission perform. The city MPG is adequate for daily commutes, but the Q5 faces strong competition here. Stop-and-go traffic uses up gas quickly, and the turbocharger’s boost isn’t as helpful. However, on the open road, the 27 MPG allows for comfortable cruising, and the eight-speed transmission helps keep the engine at its most efficient. This highway figure is better for those who take regular road trips, offsetting some of the city MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices for premium unleaded gasoline. Keep in mind that this is an estimate. Your actual fuel expenses will vary based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. Drivers who drive more miles, spend more time in stop-and-go traffic, or live in areas with higher fuel costs will likely spend more. See all Audi fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. You might see numbers slightly above or below the official estimates, depending on your driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all hurt fuel consumption. If you regularly use the Q5’s “Dynamic” driving mode, which sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer, your MPG will also go down. A more relaxed driving style, with gentle acceleration and an emphasis on coasting, can help you get numbers closer to the EPA’s projections. Owners who carefully track their fuel consumption and adjust their driving habits may even get more than 27 MPG on the highway on long trips.

How it compares

The 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T is in a specific part of the compact luxury SUV market, and its fuel economy reflects this. The BMW X3 xDrive28i, a direct competitor, gets a slightly better 24 MPG combined. The Acura RDX, another popular choice, delivers around 22 MPG combined, matching the Q5. Then there are vehicles like the Lexus NX 300h hybrid, which achieves MPG in the low 30s range. These differences matter to buyers who are prioritizing fuel efficiency, but Q5 buyers often want the Audi’s interior design and driving dynamics, accepting the slightly lower MPG. For details on Q5 MPG across all years, click here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating quickly to use less gas in your 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T. The turbocharged engine responds quickly to the gas pedal, so using a light touch when accelerating uses less fuel. Anticipate traffic and coast when you can, rather than constantly accelerating and braking.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires that don’t have enough air increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes, since temperature affects tire pressure.

Take out extra weight from your vehicle. Remove items from the cargo area and passenger area that you don’t need. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, which increases fuel consumption. Even small changes can add up to noticeable fuel savings.

Avoid idling when you can, since idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling for a long time, especially with modern engine technology.

If you’re on the highway, use cruise control to keep a consistent speed and improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps prevent unnecessary speed changes, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Use cruise control on flat roads and adjust your speed as needed to maintain a steady pace and get better MPG.