17 MPG combined is what you can expect if you buy the 2024 Audi SQ8 with its strong 4.0L V8. To be clear, this isn’t a vehicle people buy to save money on gas. It’s a statement, a visceral experience wrapped in a supremely comfortable and technologically advanced package. The SQ8 buyer isn’t agonizing over fuel costs; they’re seeking exhilarating performance and distinctive style, and are willing to accept the fuel economy as a necessary trade-off. They value the rumble of the eight-cylinder engine and the rapid bursts of acceleration far more than trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the SQ8 achieves 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Getting these numbers in real-world conditions will depend heavily on driving style. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go reality of urban environments, where the SQ8’s considerable weight and powerful engine require more fuel to repeatedly accelerate. The highway MPG provides a more optimistic view, suggesting that efficient cruising is possible.

However, even on the open road, using the available power to pass other cars or maintaining higher speeds will reduce fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi SQ8 at $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Individual fuel costs can change a lot based on actual driving habits, local fuel prices, and even seasonal temperature fluctuations. For example, using the SQ8’s fast acceleration a lot or sitting in traffic for a long time will make the annual cost higher.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to always match the EPA’s numbers. Although getting 21 MPG on a long highway trip driving carefully is possible, daily driving and fast driving will probably give you a real-world average closer to the combined 17 MPG, or maybe even less.

The temptation to tap into the V8’s power is always there, and that power is what reduces overall economy. Drivers who often use the Sport mode can expect to see a drop in fuel efficiency. If you are consistently getting worse mileage than you expect, look at all Audi fuel economy data to compare your driving style with real world conditions.

How it compares

The SQ8 is in a category of performance SUVs that make similar compromises regarding fuel economy. The BMW X6 M, another coupe-like SUV with a powerful V8, gets around 15 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is similar, at 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, a direct competitor to the SQ8, is rated at 17 MPG combined, nearly identical. This shows that the SQ8’s fuel economy is normal for its performance type. For buyers thinking about the SQ8, this comparison shows that fuel efficiency isn’t a major difference, although you can compare SQ8 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Be careful with how you press the gas pedal. The biggest thing that affects fuel economy in the SQ8 is how much you press the gas pedal. Accelerating gently and avoiding quick bursts of speed will help improve MPG.

Use the Audi Drive Select system. Try the different driving modes, especially “Efficiency” or “Comfort,” which change how the engine and transmission work to save fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with too little air increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tires often and inflate them to the recommended pressure.

Don’t let it idle. Letting the engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. If you’re going to be waiting for a while, it’s better to turn off the engine and restart it when you need to.

Reduce air resistance. Taking unnecessary items off the roof rack, like large cargo carriers, will help reduce air resistance and improve fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.