Audi A4
30 MPG The 2020 Audi A4 is EPA-rated at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 500 gallons, $1600 a year in fuel, or $0.107 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1996–2020 run it averages 24 MPG, improving by 10.5 MPG over 24 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.083 | $833 | $1250 | $1667 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.107 | $1067 | $1600 | $2133 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.117 | $1167 | $1750 | $2333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 30 MPG | 27 | 35 | $2550 | 295 | 1 |
| 2019 | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $2550 | 292 | 1 |
| 2017 | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2750 | 315 | 1 |
| 2016 | 27 MPG | 24 | 31 | $2850 | 341 | 1 |
| 2015 | 26 MPG | 24 | 31 | $2950 | 335 | 1 |
| 2014 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2950 | 336 | 1 |
| 2013 | 26 MPG | 24 | 31 | $2950 | 342 | 1 |
| 2012 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
| 2011 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
| 2010 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2950 | 342 | 1 |
| 2009 | 25 MPG | 23 | 30 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
| 2008 | 23 MPG | 19.7 | 29.3 | $3350 | 388 | 3 |
| 2007 | 23 MPG | 19.7 | 29 | $3350 | 388 | 3 |
| 2006 | 23 MPG | 19.7 | 29.3 | $3350 | 388 | 3 |
| 2005 | 23.2 MPG | 20 | 28.6 | $3320 | 383 | 5 |
| 2004 | 22.3 MPG | 19.3 | 27.3 | $3450 | 399 | 3 |
| 2003 | 22.3 MPG | 19.3 | 27.3 | $3450 | 399 | 3 |
| 2002 | 21 MPG | 18.3 | 26.7 | $3683 | 426 | 3 |
| 2001 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.3 | $3683 | 426 | 3 |
| 2000 | 21.3 MPG | 18.3 | 26.8 | $3638 | 421 | 4 |
| 1999 | 21.8 MPG | 18 | 27.5 | $3550 | 410 | 4 |
| 1998 | 21.5 MPG | 18 | 28 | $3588 | 414 | 4 |
| 1997 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3850 | 445 | 3 |
| 1996 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25.5 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Audi A4 ranks 35 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda 3 4-Door (30.3), Ford Focus FWD (30.4), BMW 330i Sedan (31), Kia Rio Eco (31), Mazda CX-3 2WD (31).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 295 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Audi A4 get?
The 2020 Audi A4 is rated at 30 MPG combined by the EPA — 27 city and 35 highway. Across all 24 model years in the database it averages 24 MPG, ranging from 19 to 30 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Audi A4 cost in fuel per year?
At 30 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 500 gallons — roughly $1600 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.107 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $2550.
Has the Audi A4 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19.5 MPG in 1996 to 30 in 2020 — an improvement of 10.5 MPG, or 54% across 24 model years.
Is the Audi A4 efficient for its class?
It ranks 35 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 3.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.