DecodedCarsAudi Q8 vs Porsche Cayenne
2026 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Porsche Cayenne — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi Q8 is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi Q8 has had fewer recall campaigns (18 vs 28).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi Q8 is a standard SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version 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 5,035 lb.
The 2026 Porsche Cayenne is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,376 lb (Base / S 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2023 Q8 and the 2018 Cayenne have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Q8 and the 2019 Cayenne.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi Q8 if…
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You put reliability history first (18 vs 28 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Porsche Cayenne if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Audi Q8 on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi Q8
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Porsche Cayenne
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi Q8 specs →Full 2026 Porsche Cayenne specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →