DecodedCars2023 Audi SQ8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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 · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,379 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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 (14 city / 20 highway), 10% worse than the 2023 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 SQ8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 SQ8 →
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 | 14 / 20 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 532 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Audi SQ8.
Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi SQ8 (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 Land Rover Range Rover | 23 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2023 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2023 Tesla Model X | 348 mi | Not rated | 17 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V868000 · 1,001 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Risk
- An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
Not every 2023 Audi SQ8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Audi SQ8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Fueling/Charging Door/Hatch/Port › Latch/Lock Release System — 1 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.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 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 →