23 MPG combined is the price of admission for playing in the 2024 Audi RS 3’s sandbox. This isn’t a green car, and it’s not meant to be. It’s a snarling, all-wheel-drive performance machine draped in a relatively compact sedan body. The focus here is on delivering thrills, not maximizing miles per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS 3 achieves 19 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. That 19 MPG city figure shouldn’t come as a surprise. The RS 3’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, while a masterpiece of engineering and auditory delight, isn’t particularly happy puttering around town. It wants to be unleashed. Expect frequent trips to the gas station if your daily commute involves stop-and-go traffic and short distances.

The highway number, however, is somewhat more respectable. While not stellar, 29 MPG makes long road trips bearable, though you’ll still be stopping more often than you would in a more pedestrian sedan. Ultimately, these numbers reflect the car’s performance bias, a trade-off the typical RS 3 buyer willingly accepts.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi RS 3 is $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate.

Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, location, and current fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent track days, and living in an area with high fuel costs will undoubtedly push that $2,500 figure upwards. It’s a number to be aware of, but likely not a deterrent for someone drawn to the RS 3’s performance capabilities.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. With the RS 3, expect to see figures that fluctuate based on your driving style. Drive it hard, and you’ll likely see combined MPG dip into the high teens or low twenties. Drive it conservatively on the highway, and you might approach, or even exceed, the EPA’s 29 MPG estimate.

The RS 3’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission influences fuel economy as well. In automatic mode, it will upshift quickly to keep the engine in a fuel-efficient range. However, selecting manual mode and using the paddle shifters encourages higher revs and more frequent acceleration, which will invariably impact fuel consumption. Consider consulting online owner forums or fuel tracking apps to gain more insight into the real-world MPG experiences of other RS 3 drivers.

How it compares

Compared to its direct competitors, the RS 3’s fuel economy is about average for the segment. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, for example, is rated at 23 MPG combined, mirroring the RS 3 exactly. The BMW M2, a rear-wheel-drive coupe alternative, achieves 22 MPG combined, a slight disadvantage.

Even the less powerful BMW M235i Gran Coupe, with its four-cylinder engine, only manages 26 MPG combined. This parity highlights the inherent trade-offs in this category of performance vehicles. Buyers are typically prioritizing performance and handling over outright fuel efficiency. They accept the fuel economy compromises in exchange for the adrenaline rush and driving satisfaction that these cars provide. You can view all Audi fuel economy data to explore other Audi models with varying MPG figures or examine RS MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the RS 3 isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are still steps you can take to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing all the fun. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The RS 3’s powerful engine and responsive brakes are tempting, but smooth, controlled inputs save fuel.

Use the car’s drive select modes to your advantage. Selecting the “Efficiency” or “Comfort” modes will alter the engine mapping and shift points, prioritizing fuel economy over outright performance. This is particularly useful for highway cruising.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel unnecessarily.

Consider removing excess weight from the vehicle. Unnecessary cargo in the trunk adds weight, requiring the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Lightweight wheels and tires can also marginally improve fuel economy.