17 MPG combined is what you get with the 2020 Audi SQ7. No one buying this 500-horsepower SUV is prioritizing fuel efficiency; they’re buying quick acceleration, a luxurious cabin, and subtle visual cues. The SQ7 doesn’t sip fuel, it gulps it down, and owners accept this. This isn’t a vehicle bought with logic, it’s bought with emotion.

City and highway performance

The SQ7’s EPA ratings are 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Those city figures show what happens when moving a 5,200-pound SUV from stoplight to stoplight, tempted to use the twin-turbo V8. Highway driving is better, but the SQ7’s power means you’re rarely just coasting. Drivers in cities with stop-and-go traffic should expect mileage closer to the EPA’s city rating, while those who drive more on the open road might see figures closer to, or even slightly above, the highway estimate. Achieving the EPA’s combined rating requires a conscious effort to drive conservatively, which goes against the SQ7’s nature.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2020 Audi SQ7. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. The SQ7 requires premium gasoline, which adds to the cost. Someone who accelerates quickly in a city with high fuel prices can easily exceed $4,000 per year, while someone who drives mostly highway miles and drives conservatively might stay closer to the EPA’s estimate. It’s a sliding scale determined by driving style and location.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG for the SQ7 depends on driving style. Drivers who try to maximize MPG can probably achieve the EPA estimates, but nobody buys an SQ7 to drive that way. Expect something closer to 13-17 MPG in mixed driving. Short trips will yield poor results as the engine struggles to reach optimal operating temperature. Highway cruising at consistent speeds will offer the best fuel economy, but resist the urge to pass every car. The SQ7 encourages aggressive driving, but your wallet will not like it.

How it compares

The SQ7’s fuel economy is not a strength when compared to other luxury SUVs. A BMW X5 M50i, with its similarly powerful twin-turbo V8, achieves a combined EPA rating of 18 MPG. A Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe manages 20 MPG combined, showing what mild-hybrid systems can offer. Even the less powerful, six-cylinder Audi Q7 achieves a more respectable 20 MPG combined. These differences might not seem huge, but they add up over time, and they show who the SQ7 is for: those who prioritize performance over cost. See all Audi fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize short trips. The SQ7, like most large engines, consumes more fuel when cold. Combining errands into a single longer trip will burn less fuel overall than taking multiple short trips. Let the engine warm up gradually before accelerating quickly; rapid acceleration before the engine is at operating temperature wastes gas.

Watch your driving habits. The Audi Virtual Cockpit provides real-time fuel consumption data, so use it. Smooth acceleration and consistent speeds are more efficient than jerky driving. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. This is important for a heavy vehicle like the SQ7.

Consider using “Efficiency” mode. The Audi Drive Select system lets you choose different driving modes. Selecting “Efficiency” mode will optimize the engine and transmission for fuel economy, though it will slightly reduce throttle response. Explore SQ7 MPG across all years to learn more.