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Audi SQ8 vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

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2026 Audi SQ8

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WD
VS3 – 1Audi SQ8 wins 3 of 4 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $4,600 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Audi SQ8 is the bigger car, about 9 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Audi SQ8 has had fewer recall campaigns (11 vs 43).

The two cars

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.

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2020 SQ8 and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2021 SQ8 and the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV
4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

16 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
14 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$5,150
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

–
Seats (most)
5
197.2 in
Length
188.6 in
78.7 in
Width
78 in
67.3 in
Height
63.8 in
5,280 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
12
1
Recalls (2026)
8
11
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
423

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2020
Best used year
2024
2021
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Audi SQ8 if…

  • You want more room (9 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (11 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (9 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Pros & cons of each

2026 Audi SQ8

  • 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.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Audi SQ8 specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →