2021 Audi SQ8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$89,100 to $95,000

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.0

avg user rating

(3 reviews)
2021 Audi SQ8 Preview summaryImage

For the 2019 model year, Audi introduced the Q8 SUV, and followed that up with the SQ8 performance variant for 2020. The 2021 Audi SQ8 carries over into the new model year unchanged. Key rivals include the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and Volvo XC90.

Most of the coupe-like luxury crossovers tend to blend together, but the SQ8 wears performance-inspired upgrades to help stand out from the crowd, including an exclusive front-end treatment flanking Audi’s signature “Singleframe” grille, bold 21-inch wheels, a quad-tip exhaust system, and high-tech front and rear lighting.

The powertrain carries over unchanged and consists of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine matched with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The setup is rated for 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque.

The trim hierarchy stays consistent, with Premium Plus and Prestige models still on offer. Standard features include heated and cooled power-adjustable front sport seats and carbon fiber or black wood trim. Options include a wide palette of upholstery and trim upgrades.

The SQ8’s infotainment system uses Audi’s dual-touchscreen setup, which pairs 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch screens. You’ll also get the brand’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit customizable digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display (HUD).

Audi has a lot of safety technology on offer, including a 360-degree camera system, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition.

In its second year, the SQ8 continues to provide a compelling package of functionality and performance in an increasingly crowded segment.

Cherise Threewitt
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Cherise Threewitt
Cherise is a Chicago-based automotive writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience covering the automotive industry. As the Features Editor, Auto at US News & World Report, Cherise loves writing about car culture and sharing common-sense car-buying advice. She owns a 2019 Subaru WRX Series.Gray, 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT, 2007 Genuine Buddy Italia 150, 2015 Honda Grom, and 1979 Boston Whaler Montauk.

User reviews for 2021 Audi SQ8

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User rating:
by Andrew G
Dec 12, 2022
10k overpriced Already 2 model years behind. Mileage a bit high. Thank you Dec 12, 2022
by Jeff S
May 12, 2021
Car is phenomenal. Quite , powerful. Everything you would expect including a bad parking sensor already. This will cost a lot but I believe it will be worth it. Very comfortable including massage seats and driver assistance.May 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Jan 01, 2021
This suv is just a blast to drive. Even with 22 inch wheels it is comfortable and smooths out bumps in the road. The interior , along with the tech embedded, is superb. Only minor issue is that there are not big enough cubby holes. Lastly the gas mileage is running around 15 mpg so you will be filling up more often (but this was expected).Jan 01, 2021

2021 Audi SQ8 Pricing

Original MSRP
$89,100 to $95,000
Price range
$53,367 to $58,408
Average price on CG
$53,367
YoY price change
$58,408 to $53,367

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 380 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.6

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 380 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction turn · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: front · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction turn · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.6

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (2)