Against 242 other V8 cars rated 2021–2023, the R8 sits right on their 17.1 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2008, the 5.2L 10-cyl (2010–2023), does 16.9 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.2L 8-cyl (2008–2015), 16: $128 a year apart.
Every Audi R8 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2L 10-cyl | 13.7 / 22.3 | 2010–2023 | $2,272 | |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 13.3 / 20.8 | 2008–2015 | $2,400 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Acura NSX gets 21 mpg, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 19.4 mpg and the Aston Martin Vantage 20 mpg, next to 17 mpg for the 2023 R8. The R8 costs the most of them to run: $430 a year more than the Acura NSX.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2023) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2021–2023 | +$13 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,700 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2023 Audi R8 gives up 9 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 14 in the city, $1,073 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2023) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (64%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the R8 changed over the years
The R8 peaked in 2018 at 18 mpg (14 city, 25 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 15 — 3 mpg apart, or $427 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2023 car does 17.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2022 | 14 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2021 | 14 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2020 | 13 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2018 | 14 / 25 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2017 | 14 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2015 | 14 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2014 | 14 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2012 | 13 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2011 | 13 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2010 | 13 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2008 | 13 / 19 | 1 | $2,560 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Audi R8 — 2 engines across 2008–2023. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,700. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2023 Audi R8 get?
17 mpg combined, 14 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2008 the R8 has averaged 16.5 mpg.
Is the 2023 R8 more efficient than the 2022?
About the same: 17 against 17 mpg combined.
Which R8 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 18 mpg combined (14 city, 25 highway).
Does the R8 get better gas mileage than the Acura NSX?
No: 17 mpg for the 2023 R8 against 21 for the 2022 Acura NSX, about $430 a year more to run.
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