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Audi SQ8 vs BMW X5

2026 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 BMW X5 — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

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2026 Audi SQ8

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WD
VS3 – 2Audi SQ8 wins 3 of 5 categories
BMW X5

2026 BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW X5 is more fuel-efficient: 25 vs 16 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $1,850 a year less in fuel for the BMW X5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Audi SQ8 is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Audi SQ8 has had fewer recall campaigns (11 vs 85).

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 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,558 lb (M60i 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2020 SQ8 and the 2023 X5 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2021 SQ8 and the 2019 X5.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

16 MPG
Best combined MPG
25 MPG
14 city
City / highway MPG (best)
23 city
$5,150
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,300

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
523 hp
197.2 in
Length
192.1 in
78.7 in
Width
78 in
67.3 in
Height
68.9 in
5,280 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,181 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
9
1
Recalls (2026)
2
11
Recalls, all years since 2005
85
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
28

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
25,895

Buying used

2020
Best used year
2023
2021
Year to avoid
2019

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 (5 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (11 vs 85 recalls since 2005)

Choose the BMW X5 if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (25 vs 16 MPG)
  • You want something easier to park (5 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 BMW X5

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (21.7 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Audi SQ8 specs →Full 2026 BMW X5 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →