17 MPG combined. That’s not winning any fuel economy awards. The Audi SQ7 4.0L 8-cyl isn’t bought by people chasing Prius-level frugality. It’s bought by families who need three rows, appreciate blistering acceleration, and want a badge that reflects success. They understand the trade-off between performance and fuel consumption, and they’ve knowingly signed up for it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Audi SQ7 at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. That disparity reflects the nature of the SQ7’s engine: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Around town, stop-and-go traffic forces the engine to constantly accelerate and decelerate, negating any opportunity for efficiency. On the open road, however, the SQ7’s automatic transmission can settle into higher gears, keeping the engine at lower RPMs and allowing for glimpses of that 21 MPG figure. But even on the highway, a heavy foot will quickly erase any fuel-saving gains.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi SQ7 at $3,400. 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, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits and the prevailing gas prices in your area. If you drive more aggressively, live in a city with heavy traffic, or if gasoline prices are higher than the national average, expect to pay considerably more.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world SQ7 MPG often deviates, usually downward. Achieving the stated 21 MPG on the highway requires disciplined driving and consistent speeds. Frequent bursts of acceleration, a common temptation with 500 horsepower on tap, will drastically reduce fuel economy. City driving in congested areas can easily drop below the 15 MPG mark. Owners who regularly tow or haul cargo will also see a decrease in fuel efficiency. Consider these factors when evaluating the SQ7’s long-term running costs. You can check SQ7 MPG across all years to get a better sense of any trends.

How it compares

The SQ7 competes with other high-performance luxury SUVs, and its fuel economy reflects its position within that segment. A BMW X5 M60i delivers similar performance with an EPA-estimated 17 MPG combined, while a Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is rated at 19 MPG combined. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport P530 offers similar power but returns a slightly worse 16 MPG combined. These figures show that sacrificing fuel economy is the price for serious performance in a spacious, luxurious SUV. Owners shopping other Audi models can find all Audi fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Audi SQ7 4.0L 8-cyl isn’t inherently fuel-efficient, there are steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as these actions require the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Consistent, smooth driving will significantly improve your MPG.

Use the SQ7’s drive mode selector. The “Efficiency” mode optimizes engine and transmission settings for fuel economy, potentially improving MPG in highway driving. Don’t expect miracles, but every little bit helps.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure that your SQ7’s tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. A clean air filter ensures optimal engine performance, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in a large displacement engine like the SQ7’s V8. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern stop-start systems can handle this for you, just make sure yours is activated.