21 MPG combined is the reality for anyone considering a 2019 Audi SQ5. It’s the price for a luxury performance SUV that delivers a thrilling driving experience alongside everyday practicality. This isn’t a vehicle bought by hypermilers; it’s for drivers who value brisk acceleration, confident handling, and a premium badge and are willing to pay accordingly at the pump.

City and highway performance

The SQ5’s EPA estimates break down to 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The urban number reflects the engine’s thirstiness during stop-and-go driving where the turbocharger is frequently spooled up to provide that instant torque. Out on the open road, the 24 MPG highway figure is more respectable, aided by the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, aggressive passing maneuvers or higher speeds will quickly diminish that figure. Understanding the split between city and highway MPG is critical for prospective buyers whose commutes skew heavily in one direction.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi SQ5 is $2,750. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also uses the national average fuel price which fluctuates. Owners who drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually, or who live in areas with higher or lower fuel prices, can expect to see variations in their actual fuel costs. It’s an EPA generated figure, not a reflection of what an individual driver will spend.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2019 SQ5 can vary depending on driving style, road conditions, and even the type of fuel used. Drivers with a heavy foot should anticipate MPG figures closer to the city rating, while those who prioritize smooth acceleration and consistent highway speeds can realistically achieve numbers closer to or even slightly exceeding the EPA highway estimate. Towing, even occasionally, will also significantly impact fuel consumption, given the added strain on the engine. Keep in mind that this is a performance SUV, and driving it like one extracts a penalty at the pump.

How it compares

The SQ5 competes in a crowded segment, and its fuel economy isn’t class-leading. A comparable BMW X3 M40i, with its similarly potent turbocharged inline-six, posts EPA ratings of 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 offers a similar blend of performance and luxury but has an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Even the Porsche Macan S, another performance-focused SUV, manages roughly equivalent numbers with an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. For some buyers, these differences are negligible, but for others watching their costs, exploring SQ5 MPG across all years as well as shopping other brands, is important. A buyer primarily prioritizing fuel efficiency might instead consider a non-performance version of these SUVs, such as the Audi Q5, which offers significantly better MPG numbers but lacks the SQ5’s performance edge. All all Audi fuel economy data can be found on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The SQ5’s powerful engine begs to be unleashed, but resisting the urge to constantly floor the accelerator will yield improvements in fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consumes more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, typically found on a sticker located on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Use the vehicle’s drive select modes strategically. The SQ5 offers various drive modes, including an “Efficiency” or “Comfort” mode, which optimizes the engine and transmission settings for fuel economy. Use these modes when performance isn’t a priority, such as during highway cruising or leisurely city driving.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods, such as when waiting in a parking lot, consumes fuel unnecessarily. If you anticipate a wait longer than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines do not require a prolonged warm-up period, even in colder weather.

Consider using premium fuel. While the SQ5 might not strictly require premium fuel, it’s designed to perform optimally with it. Using lower-octane fuel could potentially reduce performance and fuel economy, as the engine’s computer may retard timing to prevent knocking.