21 MPG combined is the fuel economy you can expect from the 2022 Audi SQ5. It’s not going to win any awards for low fuel costs, but the SQ5’s target buyer likely won’t care, or might even welcome it. This isn’t a vehicle for maximizing gas mileage. It’s for drivers who prioritize performance and a premium experience, accepting the fuel consumption as part of owning a sporty crossover.

City and highway performance

The SQ5, with its eager 3.0L turbocharged V6, shows different fuel consumption in different driving situations. The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city, due to frequent stops and starts of urban commuting. On the open highway, the SQ5 does a bit better, with an estimated 24 MPG. This is mostly from the consistent speeds and less need to accelerate hard that highway driving allows. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic (S8) also helps efficiency at cruising speeds, keeping the engine at the right RPMs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Audi SQ5 at roughly $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will change based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and actual miles driven. Drivers with a lead foot, or who live where premium gasoline is expensive, should expect to pay more. It is a useful benchmark for comparing the SQ5’s running costs to other similar vehicles. You can also check all Audi fuel economy data to see how other models compare.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard for comparison, but real-world fuel economy can be different. SQ5 drivers who often drive aggressively, or who live in hilly areas, may see lower average fuel economy than the EPA estimates. However, those who mainly drive on the highway and drive gently may get numbers closer to, or even a bit above, the EPA’s 24 MPG highway estimate. The SQ5’s fuel consumption depends a lot on driving style and the environment.

How it compares

The SQ5 has a particular place among performance compact SUVs. Its main competitor, the BMW X3 M40i, has similar performance with an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. The Porsche Macan S, another good choice for drivers, gets a comparable 19 MPG combined. The SQ5 stands out because of its mix of performance, luxury, and daily usability. It isn’t the most fuel-efficient, since even the Genesis GV70 3.5T manages 21 MPG combined. The comparison shows that buyers are making a conscious choice: choosing performance and luxury over the lowest possible fuel costs. See SQ5 MPG across all years to see how models have changed.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The SQ5 is made for performance, but there are still ways to get better fuel efficiency without losing the fun of driving. Pay attention to how far you press the accelerator pedal. The SQ5’s turbocharged engine responds quickly to hard acceleration, but gentle acceleration will save fuel, especially around town. Don’t accelerate too fast from a stop and try to keep a steady speed when you can.

Use the SQ5’s drive select modes. Choosing the “Efficiency” mode will change the engine and transmission settings to save fuel. This mode might make the throttle respond slower, but it can help on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic where performance matters less.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with too little air increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures often and keep them at the recommended levels, which are on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. Extra cargo adds weight, which makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel. Take out anything that you don’t need, especially heavy things in the trunk or cargo area.