DecodedCarsAudi SQ8
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
- 16–17 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 11 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2022 (4)
- Fewest problems
- 2020
The 2026 SQ8 in brief
The 2026 Audi SQ8 is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine 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 5,280 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 SQ8 has 8 model years in our data, from 2020 to 2027.
Its most efficient year was 2025 at 17 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 16 to 17 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the engine (5), electrical system (3), power train (2).
Buying used? 2020 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2021 is the year to avoid.
2021 has the most recalls (6); all years together count 11 campaigns and 12 owner complaints.
How the 2020 SQ8 compares
The 2020 Audi SQ8 is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine 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 5,379 lb.
2026 SQ8 pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
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 SQ8
1 owner complaint · 1 recall
Year to avoid2021 SQ8
3 owner complaints · 6 recalls
Most reported: Power Train
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
SQ8 changes by model year
- 2026
- New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- 2025
- New body dimensions: 3.5 in shorter, wheelbase −2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
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 | 5,280 lb | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 17 MPG | 193.7 in | 5,842 lb | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 17 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,379 lb | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 17 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,379 lb | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 17 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,379 lb | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 17 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,379 lb | Not rated | 6 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 17 MPG | 197.2 in | 5,379 lb | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
Alternatives to the 2026 SQ8
| 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 →