2026 Audi SQ8
Now in its 2026 model year, the Audi SQ8 is a SUV priced from $99,700 to $107,200 across 2 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among luxury SUVs, the 2026 Audi SQ8 grades at F for fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Audi SQ8, and the currently available data does not surface a clear advantage over similar SUVs. The main caution is that fuel cost is a weak spot.
- maintenance cost
Strongest published signals
- AAA estimates $1,491/yr in maintenance for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class, below the $1,786 average for conventional vehicles.
Limits and cautions
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA data is not available for this model yet.
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Most expensive to fuel among hybrid SUVs. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $11,910 above the similar-vehicle average.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $99,700 - $107,200
- EPA Combined MPG
- 16 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $3,600/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $10,250 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Germany
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Audi SQ8 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Audi SQ8 but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. 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
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Audi SQ8 Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. That is below the 1.8 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost 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
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Audi SQ8. 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 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Audi SQ8 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 achieves up to 16 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600. That is $1,154 more per year than the $2,446 average for luxury SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Plus | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $3,600/yr |
| Prestige | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $3,600/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Audi SQ8 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Audi SQ8 ranges from $153,335 to $160,835 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/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,771/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,865/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $779/yr |
| Financing | $1,086/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,340/yr |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 2 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Audi SQ8 Trims Compare?
2 trims are available for the 2026 Audi SQ8, spanning $99,700 to $107,200. All trims use a Hybrid powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
Premium Plus
| Base MSRP | $99,700 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,600/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 500 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $153,335 |
Prestige
| Base MSRP | $107,200 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,600/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 500 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $160,835 |
The entry price has increased $3,100 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- Prestige $103,600 (2024) → $107,200 (2026) +$3,600
- Premium Plus $96,600 (2024) → $99,700 (2026) +$3,100
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Plus | $96,600 17 MPG | $97,600 17 MPG | $99,700 16 MPG |
| Prestige | $103,600 17 MPG | $104,900 17 MPG | $107,200 16 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
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Audi SQ8?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Audi SQ8 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.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Audi's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Audi SQ8 Come With?
Audi provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 SQ8. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Audi SQ8 Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Audi SQ8 as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 4L V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 500 hp |
| Torque | 568 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) |
| Fuel Tank | 22.5 gal |
| Length | 197.0 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 79.0 in |
| Height | 67.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 118.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 5,203 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Audi SQ8?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
Data Coverage
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Audi SQ8: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Audi SQ8. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2026 Audi SQ8 FAQ
How does the 2026 Audi SQ8 compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Audi SQ8 has a fuel cost grade of F, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.0/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
How much does 2026 Audi SQ8 insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class at $1,771 per year, or about $148 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Audi SQ8. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Audi SQ8 maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class at $1,491 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,771/yr) and depreciation ($3,865/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,340 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Audi SQ8 depreciate?
AAA estimates the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class depreciates about $3,865 per year, or roughly $19,325 over five years. On a base MSRP of $99,700, that represents about 19% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Audi SQ8?
The most efficient 2026 Audi SQ8 trim costs an estimated $3,600 per year in fuel, or about $300 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $1,154 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Audi SQ8?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Audi SQ8 include 2026 BMW X5, 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Audi SQ8 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $3,100 for the Audi SQ8 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Audi SQ8 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Audi SQ8 include about $862 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $300 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,162 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 SQ8 a hybrid?
Yes, the entire 2026 Audi SQ8 lineup uses a hybrid powertrain across all 2 trims. The most efficient trim has an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600. 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 is headquartered in Germany. Note that brand origin and assembly location are different: many Audi models sold in the U.S. are assembled domestically or in other countries. Check the window sticker or VIN for the actual assembly plant of a specific vehicle. See our Germany-brand cars 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Related Comparisons
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.