DecodedCarsAudi RS Q8
8 model years from 2020 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2020–2027
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Latest engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 15–16 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2022 (4)
- Fewest problems
- 2020
The 2026 RS Q8 in brief
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 8-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 5,479 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 20% worse than the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
The Audi RS Q8 has 8 model years in our data, from 2020 to 2027.
Its most efficient year was 2027 at 16 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 15 to 16 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (4), engine (1), tires › sidewall (1).
Buying used? 2020 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2021 is the year to avoid.
2021 has the most recalls (7); all years together count 12 campaigns and 6 owner complaints.
How the 2020 RS Q8 compares
The 2020 Audi RS Q8 is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 8-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 5,269 lb.
2026 RS Q8 pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 20% below the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2020 RS Q8
0 owner complaints · 1 recall
Year to avoid2021 RS Q8
2 owner complaints · 7 recalls
Most reported: Electrical System
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 5 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
RS Q8 changes by model year
- 2026
- Lightest version 210 lb heavier
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 8 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 16 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 16 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,479 lb | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 16 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,269 lb | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 15 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,269 lb | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 16 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,269 lb | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 15 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,269 lb | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 15 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,269 lb | Not rated | 7 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 15 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,269 lb | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
Alternatives to the 2026 RS Q8
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tesla Model Y | 357 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2026 Land Rover Range Rover | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2026 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 BMW X3 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →