Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the S5 beats their 21 mpg average by 2 mpg, about $159 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2008, the 3L 6-cyl (2010–2026), does 22.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.2L 8-cyl (2008–2012), 19: $291 a year apart.
Every Audi S5 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 19.2 / 28.2 | 2010–2026 | $1,730 | |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 16 / 23.6 | 2008–2012 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Mustang gets 22.5 mpg and the Acura Integra 32.5 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2026 S5.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | −$159 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,611 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Audi S5 gives up 9 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 20 in the city, $596 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (45%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the S5 changed over the years
The S5 peaked in 2024 at 24 mpg (21 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 19 — 5 mpg apart, or $421 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 23. The biggest single-year change came in 2018: 21 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2025 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2024 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2023 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2022 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2021 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2020 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2019 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2018 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2017 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2016 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2015 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2014 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2013 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2012 | 16.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2011 | 16.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2010 | 16.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 22 EPA ratings of the Audi S5 — 2 engines across 2008–2026. 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 $3,611. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Audi S5 get?
23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2008 the S5 has averaged 21.5 mpg.
Is the 2026 S5 more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which S5 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2024, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 29 highway).
Does the S5 get better gas mileage than the Ford Mustang?
About the same: 23 mpg for the 2026 S5 against 22.5 for the 2026 Ford Mustang.
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