The 2016 Audi Q3 quattro with its 2.0L turbocharged engine gets 23 MPG combined. It’s not amazing fuel economy, nor is it terrible, but it is what you get for a compact luxury crossover with standard all-wheel drive and the Audi name. Buyers in this segment often want style, safety, and stability more than ultimate fuel savings, and the Q3 delivers on these.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Q3 gets 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures show how the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission work. The 2.0L turbo offers plenty of low-end torque, helping with quick acceleration, but you use more gas in urban driving. On the open road, the Q3 cruises comfortably, and the engine runs at lower RPMs, resulting in the slightly better highway figure. Of course, aggressive driving will lower both city and highway numbers, while driving gently will get you closer to the EPA estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Audi Q3 quattro 2.0L 4-cyl at about $2,500 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline, which this engine needs. Remember these are estimates. Your fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the number of miles you drive each year. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles, adjust the $2,500 figure to get a better estimate of your fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 2016 Q3 often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, but consider traffic, terrain, and driving style. Short trips in stop-and-go traffic will likely result in lower MPG than the city estimate. Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds may push the actual MPG closer to, or even above, the 28 MPG highway figure. Expect some variation, but careful drivers can expect to average around 23 MPG combined.

How it compares

The 2016 Q3’s fuel economy is average compared to its competitors. The BMW X1 xDrive28i, another compact luxury crossover with standard all-wheel drive, gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC, has similar engine displacement, but manages a combined 26 MPG. Even the Lexus NX 200t AWD, with its more aggressive styling, gets around 24 MPG. It is important to compare. It helps buyers understand the trade-offs between fuel efficiency, performance, and brand reputation. If less gas is a top priority, other options might be better. You can also examine Q3 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2016 Audi Q3 benefits from smooth acceleration. Avoid sudden speed and heavy braking, because these use more fuel. Anticipate traffic and keep a consistent speed whenever possible to make the most of the turbo’s efficiency.

Proper tire inflation is important for safety and fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Also consider winter tires, they can worsen consumption.

Remove extra weight in your vehicle. Extra cargo adds load and increases fuel consumption. Remove anything you don’t need, especially heavy objects in the trunk. This won’t create huge gains, but reducing weight will slightly improve efficiency.

The Q3’s automatic transmission upshifts smoothly and early. Pressing the pedal hard tells the car you want maximum acceleration, and it will delay upshifts. Drive efficiently by pressing the throttle lightly and letting the transmission shift to a higher gear as quickly as possible. This works well on level roads or gentle inclines, which suits the Q3’s smooth power delivery.

Perform regular maintenance on your 2016 Q3 to ensure best performance. This includes changing the oil, replacing air filters, and keeping the engine tuned. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel. See all Audi fuel economy data.