DecodedCars2020 Audi Q8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 17 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,729 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Audi Q8 is a standard SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,729 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (17 city / 21 highway), 4% worse than the 2020 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Q8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Q8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 196.5 in | 78.7 in | 67.3 in | 118.1 in | 66.1 / 66.5 in | 4,729 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 479 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi Q8 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.8% |
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi Q8 (this car) | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2020 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V516000 · 49,443 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines · May 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V272000 · 531 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
- Risk
- If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38C7.
Not every 2020 Audi Q8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Audi Q8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Audi Q8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q8 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →