DecodedCars2020 Audi SQ8
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
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,379 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway), 10% worse than the 2020 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 197.2 in | 78.7 in | 67.3 in | 118.1 in | 66.1 / 66.5 in | 5,379 lb |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ8 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 518 |
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 SQ8 SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 15.8% |
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi SQ8 (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 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 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2020 Audi SQ8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Audi SQ8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- 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 SQ8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SQ8 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →