2022 Audi SQ8 Review

Name: 2022 Audi SQ8 Review
Brand: Audi

Price Range: $59,998 - $69,998

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The 2022 SQ8 is a sporty spin on Audi's Q8 midsize SUV. Audi has anointed it with a 500-horsepower V8 and too many performance upgrades to count. It's considerably more dynamic than the standard Q8 and nearly as comfortable. Well-executed tech offerings and a top-notch cabin design round out this pricey SUV's long list of strengths.

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2022 Audi SQ8 Review

by Alex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.}

rating written Cameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

500-hp V8 moves the SQ8 with authority
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

What's new

Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are now standard
Executive and Carbon Optic packages debut
Part of the first SQ8 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Following Audi's current naming convention, the SQ8 is the medium-hot version of the Q8 family, slotting between the standard Q8 and the full-bore RS Q8. But with 500 horsepower on tap, the SQ8 is still plenty spicy. With a twin-turbocharged V8 driving all four wheels, the SQ8 can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.0 seconds. The SQ8's Quattro all-wheel-drive system grants it supreme traction off the line and helps it feel surprisingly agile for a big SUV.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2022 Audi SQ8
Premium Plus 4dr SUV
$68,900
fair price
$1,170 below market
- 31,934 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 8cyl automatic
- Audi Fort Washington (143 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Carfax Clean Vehicle History, Local Trade, *ALL PreOwned Vehicles Undergo a 120 Point Safety Inspection and are Professionally Detailed*, Non Smoker V...
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: Yes
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1AWBF12ND010456
Stock: ND010456
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-12-2025
2022 Audi SQ8
Premium Plus 4dr SUV
$68,495
fair price
$771 below market
- 39,040 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 8cyl automatic
- J&S Mitsubishi (167 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Ewing, NJ
2022 Audi SQ8 4.0T Premium Plus Glacier White quattro ABS brakes, Active Cruise Control, Alloy wheels, Compass, Electronic Stability Control, Front du...
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:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1AWBF11ND005734
Stock: 24391L
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-08-2025

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Beyond its impressive performance specs, the SQ8 is comfortable and luxurious, boasting a stylish, high-quality interior and a smooth, compliant ride. The model is not without a few flaws, however. The dual-screen layout of the center stack isn't particularly user-friendly, and the voice recognition could use some work. Still, the SQ8 is an enticing alternative to other midtier fastback SUVs that include the BMW X6 M50i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe. See how the SQ8 stacks up against the competition by reading our Expert Rating.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the SQ8 drive? Perhaps you want the roar of a V8, or just a sportier driving experience. Either way, the SQ8's superior performance is likely the reason you're upgrading from the regular Q8. This performance-minded model does not disappoint, with an engine capable of rocketing this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in an impressively quick 4.0 seconds.

Slowing the SQ8 is effortless in day-to-day driving thanks to well-calibrated brakes. Well-controlled body roll also gives the driver considerable confidence to explore the SQ8's dynamic prowess.

The SQ8 isn't perfect, however. Our test model's all-season tires didn't deliver the grip we were expecting to match this model's power — the no-cost summer tires would have been a better match. The SQ8 isn't super smooth when driving around town either. There's some lag between when you press the accelerator and the transmission downshifting, and the auto stop-start system turns off the engine too early, resulting in lurchy stops.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the SQ8? The SQ8 is surprisingly comfortable given its sporting pretensions. In the Comfort drive mode, the standard adaptive suspension dampers and air suspension provide the pillow-like ride you'd expect of a luxury SUV. It doesn't feel floaty either. You can also dial up the Dynamic mode for a firmer feel.

The leather upholstery is soft, and the padding is compliant but supportive. But we'd prefer that the SQ8's sport front seats offered more adjustments. Also, their fixed front headrests may not fit all body types. Fixed headrests aren't unusual on sports cars, but they are overkill on a family-friendly SUV.

Four-zone climate control comes standard, as do heated and ventilated front seats. The SQ8, just like the regular Q8, has a two-tier touchscreen setup, with the lower touchscreen used to control climate functions. Our team was split on its effectiveness — some found it distracting to use. But you can always use voice controls so you don't take your eyes off the road. Outside noise is adequately muted, and you'll only hear the throaty exhaust of the V8 under hard acceleration.

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 team found it 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, caused by the steep rake of the front windshield and the thick front and rear roof pillars.

The Q8 offers plenty of room. The space up front is generous, even if the lower roofline gives the impression of less headroom than there is. Unfortunately, the lack of seat adjustments and fixed headrest might cause discomfort for some drivers. The rear seating is roomier than what you'll find in other coupe-like SUVs. There's excellent legroom, lots of toe clearance and ample headroom. The wide rear bench can hold three adults in agreeable comfort.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Operating the SQ8's infotainment interface is controversial, but you can't deny that the SQ8's cabin tech looks fully modern and comes with plenty of features. We like that it supports wireless Apple CarPlay too. The standard Bang & Olufsen audio system is quite powerful but requires fine-tuning to alleviate some muddiness on tracks with a lot of instruments.

Audi's voice control system isn't as comprehensive as Mercedes' MBUX, but it's still very good compared to the majority of systems on the market. It will pull up an address or point of interest quickly, activate the driver's seat heater, or switch to a satellite radio station with ease.

Most driver aids are standard and work well. The only issue we found was with the adaptive cruise control system, which overestimated the amount of braking needed when traveling downhill.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The SQ8's design preserves most of the cargo space that you'd normally get from the three-row SQ7. The air suspension allows you to lower the rear for easier access to a wide cargo area, too. The 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.

Planning to use your 500-hp super SUV as a family taxi? 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 SQ8 a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which is generous for the class. The SQ8's trailer maneuver assist feature is also neat. You can use it to easily guide your trailer while reversing by swiping left or right on the lower infotainment display.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the SQ8 stands at 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway). The SQ8 is slightly thirstier than other performance-oriented midsize SUVs, but not so much so that it makes much of a difference. Buyers looking for a fast, roomy SUV likely won't care anyway. Our test vehicle managed 19.8 mpg on our 115-mile test route, proving these estimates are achievable in the real world.

Value

7.5/10

Is the SQ8 a good value? There's no question the SQ8's interior is worth the price. Except for the upper door trim section, all surfaces are trimmed in luxury materials. Build quality is up to Audi's typically high standards, and the high-tech design makes an impression on first-time passengers.

Our test vehicle with the Driver Assistance package and visual upgrades rang in just under $95,000. It's a bargain compared to a similarly configured Porsche Cayenne GTS (which features the same engine), though it costs a bit more than the more powerful BMW X5 M50i.

Basic and powertrain coverage lasts for four years/50,000 miles, while roadside assistance is offered for four years/unlimited miles. All are average for the class.

Wildcard

9/10

There's a lot to love about the SQ8 from behind the wheel. It's tremendously quick, turning responses are sharp, and the engine is boisterous. The SQ8's composed handling is a testament to Audi's engineering. There's no way a big, heavy SUV should be this enjoyable on a tight, twisty road. Our tester's all-season tires were the only sore spot; throw a set of summers on this beast and go have fun.

The SQ8 is one of the only SUVs to offer style and practicality in equal measure. The base Q8 was already a showstopper, and the SQ8's more aggressive aero kit only adds to the visual appeal. And unlike with the current crop of coupe-like SUVs, the sporty roofline doesn't come at the expense of rear headroom or cargo space. Go ahead: Have your cake and eat it too.

Which SQ8 does Edmunds recommend?

If you're going to spring for an SQ8, you might as well go for the range-topping Prestige trim for its enhanced luxury features, including soft-close doors, dual-pane acoustic glass, head-up display and ventilated front seats.

Compare 2022 Audi SQ8 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2022 Audi SQ8 models

The 2022 Audi SQ8 comes in two trim levels. The Premium Plus includes a number of sumptuous features that cement its luxury SUV status. The Prestige trim takes things even further with advanced creature comforts. Both trims use the same turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (500 horsepower, 568 lb-ft of torque) with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Highlight features include:

Premium Plus
Starts you off with:

21-inch wheels
Adaptive air sport suspension
LED headlights and taillights
Heated front sport seats
Leather seating with contrasting diamond stitching
Four-zone automatic climate control
Panoramic sunroof
Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel

Technology and driver aid features include:

Integrated navigation system
10.1-inch upper infotainment touchscreen and 8.6-inch lower touchscreen
Digital instrument panel
17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the SQ8 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the SQ8 and the car in front)
Lane keeping assist (steers the SQ8 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Prestige
Takes all features in the Premium Plus and adds:

Upgraded LED headlights and taillights
Power soft-closing doors
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Dual-pane acoustic windows
Multicolor ambient interior lighting

Main optional features and packages
Also available on both SQ8 Premium Plus and Prestige trims unless otherwise noted:

Black Optic package

Dark exterior accents (grille, mirrors, roof rails, window surrounds, bumpers)
22-inch anthracite wheels

Carbon Optic package (includes Black Optic package but replaces most black exterior accents with carbon fiber)
Massaging front seats
Towing package with 7,700-pound towing capacity and seven-pin connector
23-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system (Prestige only)
Executive package (Premium Plus trim only; adds Prestige trim features and power sunshades for rear windows)
Sport package (Prestige only)

Active roll stabilization
Quattro sport rear differential
Red brake calipers

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Audi SQ8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$268/mo

$220/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Audi SQ8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

5.0

12 reviews

5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Switched from Audi Q8 55 TFSI to Audi SQ8.

Philip, 09/21/2020

2020 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

I loved the looks of the Q8 when I first spotted it in 2019. I remember seeing it for the first time driving through a Whole Foods parking lot, wondering what model it was. It didn't look like anything I'd seen from Audi. There was a more sporty look to it compared to the Audi Q7, which I thought looked too much like a Wagon. Audi managed to beat out BMW and Mercedes in terms of looks … for a Sports Activity Coupe type vehicle. The rear end of the BMW X6 is just ghastly, and while the Mercedes GLE is a somewhat better take on the coupe version of an SUV, Audi managed to execute the look much better, especially toward the rear of the vehicle. The interior of the Audi Q8 is phenomenal, clean, and if you love tech, this IS your vehicle. People complain about the piano black interiors, but you can't beat the clean lines. In particular, Audi did an amazing job incorporating the air vents across the panel with a seamless, modern look. You get used to having no real buttons (only digital), very quickly, especially if you become accustomed using the steering wheel buttons to navigate the Audi's numerous functions. Here's where I start complaining. The Audi 6-cylinder Q8 55 TFSI has terrible throttle lag. I called my local Audi dealership several times about the Auto Stop/Start function not engaging quick enough. Often times, the engine would shut off at a rolling stop at an intersection, anticipating a full stop. However, if the intersection was clear, in normal driving one would go ahead and proceed with a turn. You would apply the pedal as you rolled out into the intersection, but always to my surprise, the engine would not engage. It was a good 2-4 seconds before power went from the pedal to the engine. Human intuition is to apply more pedal if you aren't getting a response, so by the time the engine finally accepted the pedal inputs, you would be quite heavy on the pedal and the vehicle would lurch aggressively forward, with you being already panicked about the stall you are experiencing in the middle of an intersection. My dealership's response to this was that it was a driving characteristic of the car. It was not. At my 10K mileage service, they admitted there was a problem, and they had developed a patch for it. They applied the tuning patch, and it did help things some. The 6-cylinder, 55 TFSI's transmission is quite odd as well. It's almost as if first and second gears do not exist, as the engine shifts from these gears very quickly, and the feel is very unnatural. At this point, the SQ8 was becoming more widely available in the US, and I found one about 200 miles from home. I decided to test drive it. The 8-cylinder SQ8 is by far much better than the 6-cylinder 55 TFSI. The engine is incredibly responsive, with so much power available in every gear. The transmission shifts as one would expect and anticipate. The sound of the SQ8 is throaty, but not annoyingly loud or obnoxious, unless you want it to be. Part of me thinks the exhaust note responds to the way you are driving, as the more aggressively you drive the vehicle, the more pops and cracks you hear on the downshifts, and the throatier the response you receive from throttle inputs. The SQ8 is perfection. The air suspension provides and excellent ride quality, and in dynamic mode, stiffens enough to feel like you are driving a car, instead of a large, heavy SUV. There is nothing SUV about the driving quality of this vehicle. There is barely any roll, and the steering is so nimble, tight, and responsive. I test drove a Range Rover Sport, prior to this purchase, and that vehicle felt top heavy, and disconnected from the road. Not the case with the Audi Q8 or SQ8. If you can spring the $100k+ for the Audi SQ8, it is ABSOLUTELY worth the money for the incredible power, torque, and sound. The 6-cylinder, 55 TFSI Q8 is a fine vehicle after the patch, but lacked the power and presence in the driving experience that I desired. As far as the RSQ8, while there are styling and engine features of the vehicle that are stunning and aggressive to admire, I couldn't justify spending another 40-50K for an additional 90 HP. Audi has managed to produce an absolute masterpiece in the SQ8. It fits wonderfully in between the 55 TFSI and the RSQ8. The SQ8 is a phenomenal competitor to the BMW M models and the mid-level Mercedes AMG class SUV's, and should be highly considered when shopping for this class of vehicle.

Worth the wait!

NoVA Driver, 03/15/2022

2022 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)

Had an Audi Q8, and just picked up my SQ8 about a month ago, from an order placed about 6 months prior. The Q8 is a good vehicle, and met most of my expectations for a luxury SUV. But the step up to the SQ8, with the Sport Package really adds to the drive. The V8 is better suited to push the vehicle, as it is a heavy vehicle. Not only is the power train a blast to accelerate quickly, …

Excellent road experience

Bill, 12/16/2020

2020 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

Previously owned Mercedes and BMW large SUVs...traded in my wife’s Porsche McCann, which we loved..turned in my Tesla 100S lease and bought the Audi SQ8. Bought thru Costco program, and very pleased with price...fully loaded with options listed at $105,000 plus. This is a driver’s car and meant to be pushed...have driven thru the Appalachian Mountains over interstate 40 to Pinehurst, …

Had to chase it down

key, 01/09/2021

2021 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

Test drove on a Saturday just to be told it was dealer traded. Tried to buy several others as far as 400 miles away just to be told they were gone as well. Ironically the SUV I test drove went on the market while in transit and I bought it. Best decision I could have made. This SUV performs superbly and has all the bells and whistles you would need. It can be a nanny vehicle but if …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Audi SQ8, so we've included reviews for other years of the SQ8 since its last redesign.

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2022 SQ8 Highlights

Trim:

Premium Plus

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$93,500
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$268/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 SQ8 models:

Audi Active Lane Assist with Emergency Assist: Helps keep your vehicle centered within its lane with subtle automated steering inputs.
Audi Pre Sense Rear: Reacts to an imminent rear-end collision by tensioning seat belts, closing windows and adjusting the seats for optimal protection.
Audi Side Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist and Vehicle Exit Warning: Warns you if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and alerts passengers about to exit the car to approaching vehicles.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.8%

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2022 Audi SQ8 Review

Price & Payment

2022 Audi SQ8 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale nearby

2022 Audi SQ8Premium Plus 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2022 Audi SQ8Premium Plus 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which SQ8 does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Audi SQ8 models

Audi SQ8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Switched from Audi Q8 55 TFSI to Audi SQ8.

Worth the wait!

Excellent road experience

Had to chase it down

2022 SQ8 Highlights

Safety

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