The 2024 Audi A3 2.0L gets a combined EPA rating of 32 MPG. It’s a good choice for drivers who want a premium car without spending too much on gas. It’s not a hybrid designed for maximum MPG, and it’s not a gas-guzzling performance car. This entry-level luxury sedan is well-balanced and targets urban professionals, young families, and anyone who values style, technology, and a composed driving experience, accepting slightly above-average fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The A3’s fuel economy is 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go conditions with frequent idling and acceleration. If you drive mostly in the city, this number shows real-world efficiency. The 37 MPG highway rating is more impressive and makes the A3 a comfortable and relatively economical car for long trips. Its smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) helps keep the engine at the right RPMs, improving efficiency at higher speeds. This makes the A3 appealing for commuters who drive in both the city and on highways, seeking to minimize fuel use on longer drives.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi A3 2.0L at $1,350. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs may vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and fuel price changes. However, this $1,350 estimate is useful for budgeting and comparing the A3’s costs with other cars. This figure helps buyers who appreciate luxury but also watch long-term expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a standard, real-world fuel economy can differ. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and heavy loads will reduce your MPG. However, using the A3’s driving modes, like “Efficiency” or “Eco,” and driving smoothly can help you get closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA estimates, especially on highways. Expect to see numbers within a few MPG of the official ratings, but remember that your results will vary depending on how you drive.

How it compares

The A3’s fuel economy compares favorably to other entry-level luxury sedans. For example, the BMW 228i xDrive gets a combined EPA rating of 28 MPG, which makes the A3 more efficient. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC is closer, with an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined. These differences can add up to real savings. Keep in mind that the quattro all-wheel-drive A3 has slightly lower fuel economy, a trade-off some buyers accept for better traction. Buyers should consult A3 MPG across all years to see trends over time and identify particular years that optimized economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the A3’s drive select modes. The “Efficiency” mode changes vehicle systems, including throttle response and transmission, to conserve fuel. Use this mode when cruising or when saving fuel is important, especially in city traffic.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Keeping the correct tire pressure, as shown on the doorjamb sticker, is an easy way to improve fuel economy and make your tires last longer.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel.

Reduce weight. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk. Extra weight increases the energy needed to accelerate, lowering fuel economy.

Plan trips well. Combine errands into one trip to reduce cold starts, which use more fuel. Use navigation apps to find direct routes and avoid traffic. Buyers concerned about saving gas should also compare all Audi fuel economy data to see other vehicles in the lineup.