Audi A4 Avant quattro
24 MPG The 2012 Audi A4 Avant quattro is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 625 gallons, $2000 a year in fuel, or $0.133 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2012 run it averages 21.1 MPG, improving by 4.5 MPG over 15 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 | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2188 | $2917 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 370 | 1 |
| 2011 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 370 | 1 |
| 2010 | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $3350 | 386 | 1 |
| 2009 | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $3350 | 386 | 1 |
| 2008 | 21 MPG | 17.8 | 26.3 | $3688 | 426 | 4 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 17.8 | 26.3 | $3688 | 426 | 4 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 17.8 | 26.3 | $3688 | 426 | 4 |
| 2005 | 20.7 MPG | 17.9 | 25.9 | $3736 | 432 | 7 |
| 2004 | 20.3 MPG | 17.3 | 25.3 | $3813 | 441 | 4 |
| 2003 | 19.8 MPG | 17 | 24.8 | $3913 | 452 | 4 |
| 2002 | 19.3 MPG | 16.5 | 24.5 | $4025 | 464 | 4 |
| 2001 | 19.8 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3925 | 452 | 4 |
| 2000 | 19.8 MPG | 16.8 | 24.3 | $3925 | 452 | 4 |
| 1999 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25.3 | $3863 | 446 | 4 |
| 1998 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $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 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Audi A4 Avant quattro ranks 46 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi allroad quattro (25), Dodge Caliber (25), Fiat 500 L (25), Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA35 4matic (25), Suzuki SX4 (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 370 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Audi A4 Avant quattro get?
The 2012 Audi A4 Avant quattro is rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 29 highway. Across all 15 model years in the database it averages 21.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Audi A4 Avant quattro cost in fuel per year?
At 24 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 625 gallons — roughly $2000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.133 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2012 model is $3200.
Has the Audi A4 Avant quattro become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19.5 MPG in 1998 to 24 in 2012 — an improvement of 4.5 MPG, or 23% across 15 model years.
Is the Audi A4 Avant quattro efficient for its class?
It ranks 46 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 5.5 worse 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.