2021 Audi Q8 Review

Name: 2021 Audi Q8
Brand: Audi

Price Range: $26,571 - $50,998

Audi Q8 Prestige 55 TFSI quattro 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 Audi Q8 backs its coupe-like styling with pleasing performance and plenty of luxury and technology features. A high price tag and a few compromises, however, prevent it from being the overall favorite in the class.

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Price & Payment

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Average price: $38,859

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Appraise My 2021 Audi Q8

Audi Q8 model years

2019

Audi Q8 for Sale

Pros

Comes well equipped with many standard features
Comfortable ride
High-quality cabin materials
Front and rear seats offer all-day comfort

Cons

Less practical than the related Q7
Infotainment system can be distracting to use
Throttle response is slow in the default driving mode
Limited interior storage

What's new

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard
Several previously optional features are now standard or included in option packages
Part of the first Q8 generation introduced for the 2019 model year

Overview

Written by automotive expert Travis Langness

12/15/2020

The 2021 Audi Q8 is Audi's range-topping SUV. It's mechanically related to Audi's Q7 three-row SUV. But for the Q8, Audi ditches the third-row seat and adds sportier styling. The result is an impressive midsize SUV with more headroom than similar coupe-style SUV competitors.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

21 listings

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2021 Audi Q8
Premium Plus 4dr SUV w/55 TFSI
$35,995
good price
$1,968 below market
- 50,150 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 5 Seats, 18 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Auto Buying Service (18 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1EVAF19MD038851
Stock: ABS8721
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-17-2025
2021 Audi Q8
Premium Plus 4dr SUV w/55 TFSI
$26,571
- 95,438 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 18 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Merlex Auto Group (22 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
The 2021 Audi Q8 serves as the sophisticated flagship of Audi s SUV lineup, masterfully combining the commanding presence of a premium crossover with ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1EVAF19MD020253
Stock: 020253
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-23-2026

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For 2021, all Audi Q8s come with blind-spot monitoring, and the base Premium trim's Convenience package includes a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree parking camera. Midlevel trims get some extra upgrades as well, but for the most part, this year's Q8 carries over without big changes. As a result, the Q8 remains stylish, practical and sophisticated. Want to know more? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation on the 2021 Q8.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Audi Q8 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Q8 drive? With enough prodding, the Audi Q8 proves that it has the thrust to move at a good clip. In Edmunds testing, 0-60 mph came in 5.6 seconds. That's quick, though other SUVs in the class with similar engines are either as quick or quicker. But throttle response in the default drive mode feels strangely weak, especially considering how much power is available. Response improves to acceptable levels in Sport mode.

The Q8 handles admirably through tight and sweeping corners alike. The suspension is properly buttoned-down in Sport mode, and body roll is nicely controlled. Only in higher-speed corners does the Q8's weight become a limiting factor. The steering is accurate and well tuned in terms of effort.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Q8? Like any good luxury SUV, the Q8 provides comfort in spades. We love the front seats' wide range of adjustment and cushy armrests. The seat padding is firm yet comfortable. Heating and ventilation functions seem subtle but are effective over time.

The Q8's suspension manages both compliance and body control very well. While this Audi isn't the cushiest of rides, it provides a sufficiently comfortable ride quality. At highway speeds, there's a marginal amount of road noise and slightly more wind noise around the windshield. Otherwise, all other ambient noise is nicely isolated.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Audi's bold decision to go full touchscreen on its latest infotainment interface is controversial. Some of our experts found the interface distracting and easy to smudge, while others liked the clean look and operation. We were more united in our dislike of the Q8's limited visibility. The rake of the front windshield and rear glass does shrink your view out, and the front and rear roof pillars are on the thick side.

The Q8 offers plenty of room, though. The space up front is generous, even if the lower roofline gives the impression of less headroom than there is. The rear seating is surprisingly opulent, with excellent legroom, lots of toe clearance and ample headroom. The wide rear bench can hold three adults in agreeable comfort.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The MMI interface isn't for everybody, but you can't deny that the Q8's cabin tech looks fully modern and comes with plenty of features. We like that it supports wireless Apple CarPlay, and the Digital Cockpit instrument panel is both useful and crisp-looking.

We're less impressed by the voice control system, which isn't as full-featured as what Mercedes' MBUX system offers. It needs to be able to handle more functions, especially since Audi buried nearly all controls in the distracting infotainment system. The Q8's driver aids work well, but Audi's decision to make adaptive cruise control part of an optional midtrim package is irksome.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The Q8's design preserves most of the cargo space and offers people something attractive and cool to look at. The optional air suspension allows you to lower the rear for easier access to a wide cargo area. Split seats fold flat and provide a decent 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Storage is scarce for small items aside from the sizable door pockets. Car seat anchors hide behind removable covers, and the generous legroom ensures car seats of any size will fit.

The optional towing package gives the Q8 a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which is generous for the class. A trailer maneuver assist feature automatically guides the trailer while reversing — the driver swipes to control it on the lower MMI infotainment display.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? Despite mild hybridization, the Q8 is less efficient than much of its competition with comparable engines. Its rating of 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) is about 2 mpg lower than most. We measured 19.5 mpg on our highway-heavy test loop, which is slightly lower than we anticipated. This may be due to the use of Sport mode to offset its sluggishness in Normal mode.

Value

7/10

Is the Q8 a good value? The Q8 exudes quality from the inside out. It's not just nice materials — the execution of the design and attention to detail also make the Q8 feel special. One interesting design detail is the use of frameless windows in the mold of a sports car. This is a rare feature for a SUV, yet the doors are solid and airtight.

That impressive build quality comes at a fairly steep price. Our fully loaded test vehicle came within a whisper of $100,000, which is quite a lot for a V6-powered midsize SUV. Audi's warranties are average for a luxury automaker.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The Q8 scores big points with its sporty styling, and thankfully it has the performance chops to back it up. Still, you're not going to be outrunning sport sedans in this thing even though it looks like you could. However, you will have one of the coolest-looking SUVs in the lineup for school drop-offs.

2021 Audi Q8 trim level differences

The Q8 comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Q8 is available with one engine: a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Compare the 2021 Audi Q8 trim levels in-depth.

Which Q8 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The midlevel Q8 — the Premium Plus trim level — is our choice. On top of the standard luxury equipment, it adds a wireless phone charging pad, a 360-degree parking camera, a 17-speaker stereo, and access to several options you can't get on the base trim.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$267/mo

$275/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2021 Audi Q8 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

7 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V900000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 90TV
Manufactured from:: 2021-03-26 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 356649
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

Recall Number:: 25V201000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 90VC
Number of vehicles affected:: 44387
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Defect Consequence:: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

Recall Number:: 22V742000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 91DZ
Number of vehicles affected:: 170296
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Recall Number:: 22V516000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20DR
Number of vehicles affected:: 49443
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Defect Consequence:: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 15, 2022. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available in late December 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.

Recall Number:: 22V034000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 42L5
Number of vehicles affected:: 31058
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Defect Consequence:: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Recall Number:: 21V606000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69CR, 69CS
Number of vehicles affected:: 45496
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Recall Number:: 21V295000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 42L1
Number of vehicles affected:: 40993
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Defect Consequence:: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles

Audi Q8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

38 reviews

5(61%)

4(18%)

3(5%)

2(11%)

1(5%)

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2021 Q8 Features & Specs

Trim:

Premium

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$68,200
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$267/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Q8 models:

Audi Pre Sense Front: Uses sensors at the front of the car to warn the driver about an imminent front collision. Can automatically apply the brakes too.
Traffic Jam Assist: Uses the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering system to provide assisted driving at speeds up to 40 mph.
Audi Pre Sense Basic: Tensions occupants' seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and activates the hazard lights if it detects an imminent collision.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Audi Q8 Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Audi Q8 trim level differences

Which Q8 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Audi Q8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Q8 Features & Specs

Safety

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