2026 Audi Q8: Hybrid MPG & NHTSA Safety Rating
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 59 luxury SUVs, the 2026 Audi Q8 scores well for safety but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $75,600 - $86,200
- EPA Combined MPG
- 19 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $3,650 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $7,500 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,166 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.93
- Brand Origin
- Germany
The 2026 Audi Q8 is a SUV priced from $75,600 to $86,200 across 3 trims. In this price range, depreciation and insurance are often larger factors than fuel cost. The data below covers all of it.
- Fuel cost $951 per year above luxury SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $297 per year above SUV average
- Base price $1,200 more than 2025 model
2026 Audi Q8 at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Audi Q8 are high published crash-test results and lower estimated maintenance costs, but fuel cost is a weak spot.
- safety
- maintenance cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- AAA estimates $1,491 per year in maintenance for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class.
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Most expensive to fuel among hybrid SUVs. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.0/5.
- EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $7,500 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Audi Q8?
The 2026 Audi Q8 earned the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Among SUVs, 82% have earned this top score. Ratings are based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests on production vehicles. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.9%
A strong NHTSA score is a good starting point. IIHS testing adds scenarios NHTSA does not cover, including the small-overlap crash that accounts for a significant share of real-world fatalities.
How Did the 2026 Audi Q8 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Audi Q8 but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | M Marginal |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | P Poor |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | A Acceptable |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G Good |
IIHS vehicle class: Large SUVs
Crash tests show how a vehicle handles impacts in a lab. The recall record shows what has gone wrong after thousands of 2026 Audi Q8s have been driven on real roads.
Does the 2026 Audi Q8 Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Audi Q8, affecting BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. This is fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Most recent: December 2025
Units affected: 356,894
What Do 2026 Audi Q8 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Audi Q8. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
In this price range, fuel economy is rarely the deciding factor, but the annual cost difference between trims can still be significant. The EPA data below quantifies it.
What Is the 2026 Audi Q8 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Audi Q8 achieves up to 19 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650. That is $951 more per year than the $2,699 average for luxury SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3,650 per year |
| Premium Plus | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3,650 per year |
| Prestige | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3,650 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $18,250 based on EPA data.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 2% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Luxury vehicles depreciate faster than average and cost more to insure. AAA's ownership estimates below show what those costs look like for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class.
What Does the 2026 Audi Q8 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Audi Q8 ranges from $142,550 to $153,150 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,491 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,771 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,865 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $779 per year |
| Financing | $1,086 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,340 per year |
In this price range, the base trim typically includes features that other brands charge extra for. The question is which upgrades justify the step up in MSRP and the depreciation that comes with it.
How Do the 2026 Audi Q8 Trims Compare?
The 2026 Audi Q8 is available in 3 trims, with base prices ranging from $75,600 to $86,200. All trims use a Hybrid powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
Premium
| Base MSRP | $75,600 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,650 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 335 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $142,550 |
Premium Plus
| Base MSRP | $80,800 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,650 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 335 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $147,750 |
Prestige
| Base MSRP | $86,200 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,650 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 335 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $153,150 |
The entry price has increased $1,900 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- Prestige $81,800 (2024) → $86,200 (2026) +$4,400
- Premium Plus $77,800 (2024) → $80,800 (2026) +$3,000
- Premium $73,700 (2024) → $75,600 (2026) +$1,900
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $73,700 19 MPG | $74,400 19 MPG | $75,600 19 MPG |
| Premium Plus | $77,800 19 MPG | $78,500 19 MPG | $80,800 19 MPG |
| Prestige | $81,800 19 MPG | $82,500 19 MPG | $86,200 19 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Picking a trim covers the upfront decision. The next question is what happens after year one. RepairPal tracks how often this model needs repairs and what they cost.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Audi Q8?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Audi Q8 at 3.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for luxury SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
RepairPal rates what repairs cost out of pocket. The warranty determines what Audi covers at no cost. Here are the published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Audi Q8 Come With?
Audi provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Q8. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Audi Q8 Specs?
Core specifications for the 2026 Audi Q8 as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Full-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 3L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 133.3 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $226 - $257 |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) |
| Fuel Tank | 22.5 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 428 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 196.0 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 79.0 in |
| Height | 67.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 118.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 5,027 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Audi Q8?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Audi Q8. In this price range, the depreciation and insurance estimates above often carry more weight than fuel cost. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Audi Q8 FAQ
Which 2026 Audi Q8 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 3 available trims, the Premium has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $142,550, starting at $75,600 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $153,150. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Audi Q8?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Audi Q8 in price and segment include 2026 BMW X5, 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The BMW X5 is the closest in price (starting at $68,300, 4-star NHTSA, 15-25 MPG / 22 MPG (Plug-In Hybrid)). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Audi Q8 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $1,900 for the Audi Q8 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Audi Q8 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Audi Q8 include about $862 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $304 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,166 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Audi Q8 a hybrid?
Yes, the entire 2026 Audi Q8 lineup uses a hybrid powertrain across all 3 trims. The most efficient trim has an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650. Hybrid powertrains combine a gas engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. See our Hybrid SUVs 2026 list.
Where is Audi based?
Audi's headquarters are in Germany. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Germany-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Audi models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Audi model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Audi models page for the full lineup.
How much does the 2026 Audi Q8 depreciate?
AAA estimates total annual ownership costs of $10,340 for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class, with depreciation typically being the largest component. See the ownership cost section above for the full breakdown.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.