22 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD. It’s not a Prius, it’s a sports sedan. This car is for drivers who want power and the security of all-wheel drive, even if it means using more premium fuel. These drivers want a luxury sports sedan with performance, and are okay with the fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Q50 Red Sport AWD are 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is lower because the engine encourages quick acceleration, so drivers may tap into the power more often in stop-and-go traffic. The highway MPG is more acceptable, but still lags behind some competitors. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, is engineered for responsiveness, favoring lower gears for faster acceleration, which affects fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA projects an annual fuel cost of $2,650 for the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD. This is based on 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and the national average premium fuel price at the time of testing. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and how often you use the turbochargers.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and long periods of idling will decrease MPG. Drivers who enjoy spirited driving can expect numbers closer to the city rating. Drivers who use the car mainly for highway commuting and avoid constant passing may see numbers close to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 26 MPG highway estimate. Your driving style impacts your fuel bill.

How it compares

The Q50 Red Sport AWD’s fuel economy is in the middle of its class. The BMW 340i xDrive, for example, gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined, while providing similar performance and luxury. The Audi S4, with its quattro all-wheel-drive system, gets around 24 MPG combined, in between the two. The Lexus IS 350 AWD, known for its reliability, gets 22 MPG combined, the same as the Q50 even though it has less horsepower. Buyers who choose the Q50 are considering performance, styling, and value, not just fuel efficiency. Comparison shopping is important for any buyer in this segment.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid using the engine’s full potential constantly. The twin-turbo V6 responds quickly, but every hard acceleration decreases fuel efficiency. Maintain a consistent speed when possible, and anticipate traffic to avoid braking and accelerating too much.

Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, so the engine works harder and uses more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. This can improve your fuel consumption. Consider low-rolling resistance tires when you need new tires.

Reduce the use of accessories that require engine power, like air conditioning. While comfort matters, running the A/C constantly, especially on high, puts a load on the engine. Use the climate control system carefully, and open the windows or sunroof when possible.

Keep your car maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance keep your engine running efficiently. A neglected engine will work harder and burn more fuel for the same performance. See your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule.

Choose a different driving mode. Some Q50 models have selectable drive modes, including “Eco” or “Standard” mode that improves fuel efficiency by changing throttle response and transmission shift points. These modes temper the engine’s response and encourage more efficient driving. See all Infiniti fuel economy data for comparisons, and explore Q50 MPG across all years.