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2023 Audi SQ8 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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Audi SQ8 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Lovely sounding and powerful V8 engine
  • Nimble handling for a luxury SUV
  • Surprisingly comfortable given its performance bent
  • Stylish, distinctive exterior

Cons

  • Infotainment system can be distracting to use
  • Driver's seat has few adjustments
  • Limited interior storage

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

The 2023 Audi SQ8 is a high-powered, luxurious SUV

If the Audi Q8 has the looks, but not quite the performance you’re looking for, then the 2024 Audi SQ8 might be for you. A 500-horsepower V8 engine makes it nearly two seconds quicker to 60 mph, and the suspension, steering and brakes have all been massaged to make this a surprisingly dynamic driving partner. For the best experience, we suggest looking for models with summer tires, which provide more grip in dry conditions.

High-definition LED headlights are a standard feature for 2023, and dual-pane glass has been added to Premium Plus trims with the Executive package. Otherwise, the SQ8 is mostly unchanged from the previous year.

Like the Q8, the SQ8 is exceptionally comfortable for front and rear passengers. There’s good cargo space behind the second row, but we’d like to see more small-item storage elsewhere. The touchscreen infotainment takes a while to get used to, but we like that it supports wireless smartphone integration. Unfortunately, like the Q8, the SQ8 reserves its more advanced driver-assist systems for Prestige and higher trim levels.

All Audi SQ8 years

What is new for the 2023 Audi SQ8?

  • SQ8 trims have been upgraded with Rear Sunshade, Automated Parking, and Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
  • The Premium Plus trim now comes with Rear Defroster as standard equipment.
  • The Prestige trim now comes with Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.

2023 Audi SQ8 trims

Curious how Audi SQ8 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium Plus:

  • 500-hp, 568-lb-ft of torque 4.0L
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Mirrors
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our Audi SQ8 Premium Plus inventory

Prestige:

Audi SQ8 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Audi SQ8

What We Like

  • Driving dynamics: The standard Q8 is fun to drive, but the SQ8 is a blast. The V8 effortlessly accelerates this big SUV, and the suspension backs it up to create a thrilling driving experience, especially considering the SQ8’s size and weight.  

  • Comfort: Even though this is the more aggressively tuned version of this vehicle, the SQ8 remains plenty comfortable. The front and rear seats are firmly but comfortably padded, making them excellent for road trips. It's nice that the rear seats are so comfortable since even in luxury vehicles rear seats can get short shrift. 

  • Roomy interior and cargo: With ample headroom and legroom in the front and rear, there’s a ton of space inside the Q8. It all contributes to the feeling of comfort. The SQ8 is also practical, with generous cargo space, and if the need arises, the SQ8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped—pretty stout for this class of vehicle.

     

 What Needs Improvement

  • Driver-assist systems reserved for higher trims: You’d think that since this is the more expensive version of the Q8, all driver-assist systems would be standard. Sadly, they aren't. For more than just automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, look for an SQ8 in the Prestige trim, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Audi SQ8 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

Audi SQ8 features and specs

Prestige 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Seat Massagers
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

4.0L

Horsepower

500

Torque (ft-lbs)

568

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

22.5

Wheelbase

117.9"

Overall length

196.6"

Width

78.5"

Height

67.2"

Leg room

F 41.6"/R 40.2"

Head room

F 37.1"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P285/45HR21

Rear tires

P285/45HR21

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Audi SQ8 FAQ

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