DecodedCars2026 Audi SQ8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 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)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,280 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
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.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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.
What changed for 2026
- New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 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 | 5,280 lb | 50/50 |
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 / 16 | -20% | $5,150 | 540 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Audi SQ8.
Similar 2026 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi SQ8 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 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 |
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 2026 Audi SQ8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Audi SQ8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
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 →