2025 Audi RS Q8 vs 2026 Lincoln Navigator

$136,200 · Crossover

$91,995 · SUV

Comparison Overview

Deciding between massive performance and massive savings is the real headache here. If you want breathtaking speed, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 blasts out 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a true velocity machine. However, that power comes at a steep cost: a $136,200 MSRP and just 16 combined MPG running on premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Lincoln Navigator offers a far more sensible entry point at $91,995, a savings of $44,205 right out of the gate. While it only manages 440 hp, it utilizes regular unleaded fuel and likely offers a significantly better fuel economy than the Audi’s 14 city/20 highway MPG figures. The Navigator’s sheer size (implied by being a large SUV) and lower running costs contrast sharply with the RS Q8’s focus purely on extreme, track-adjacent performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its much lower initial cost and superior expected fuel efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator, as a full-size SUV, almost certainly offers more generous passenger and cargo space than the mid-size performance-oriented Audi RS Q8.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 decisively wins for enthusiasts, boasting a massive 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque compared to the Navigator's 440 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator provides significant utility for $44,205 less than the Audi and avoids the mandatory premium fuel requirement.

Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration and need the huge output of 631 horsepower.
You want the precise handling implied by the compact dimensions (197.7 inches long) of a performance crossover.
Budget is secondary, and you must have the highest level of speed and performance available in this segment.

Choose the Lincoln Navigator if...

You need to save $44,205 on the purchase price, bringing the MSRP down to $91,995.
You want the flexibility of using regular unleaded fuel instead of mandatory premium fuel.
You need a large SUV capable of hauling more passengers or significantly more cargo than the RS Q8's 33 cu ft capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS Q8	Lincoln Navigator
Length	197.7"	-
Width	79.0"	-
Height	67.5"	-
Wheelbase	117.9"	-

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	631 hp	440 hp @ 5850 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	four wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
4WD System Type	—	On Demand
Transfer Case Gearing	—	Electronic Single-Speed
Locking Hubs	—	Automatic

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/20 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.0/450.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	48.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	Revel
Stereo Power	730W	—
Speaker System	17	14
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓
Video Monitor	—	✓
Audio/Video Remote Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	—
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	—
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	—
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	—
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	22 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	295/40R22	P275/50R22
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and 2026 Lincoln Navigator.

What is the absolute biggest difference between the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and the 2026 Lincoln Navigator?

The most glaring difference is power output: the RS Q8 delivers 631 hp, which is 191 hp more than the Navigator’s 440 hp. Secondly, the price gap is substantial, with the Audi commanding an extra $44,205 over the Lincoln's starting MSRP.

Is the Audi RS Q8 really that much thirstier than the Lincoln Navigator?

Yes, based on the available data, the RS Q8 is significantly less efficient, managing only 16 combined MPG (14 city/20 highway). While the Navigator's MPG isn't listed, it uses regular fuel and offers 510 lb-ft of torque with less power, suggesting it will far surpass the Audi's efficiency.

If I commute daily, which car should I choose between these two?

For daily commuting, the 2026 Lincoln Navigator is the sensible choice. Lower running costs (regular vs. premium fuel) and better expected fuel economy will make stop-and-go traffic less painful financially than with the high-strung RS Q8.

How do the transmissions compare in these performance vehicles?

The Audi RS Q8 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed to handle its higher torque output of 627 lb-ft. The Lincoln Navigator steps up the gear count with a 10-speed shiftable automatic, often used for maximizing efficiency.

Does the RS Q8's smaller size (197.7 inches long) benefit its handling over the Navigator?

Generally, the shorter length and overall lower weight (implied by the massive HP/MPG difference) usually give the Audi better agility and handling prowess desired by enthusiasts. The Navigator is optimized for plush comfort and maximum passenger capacity.

Can the Audi RS Q8 haul as much as the Navigator?

It is unlikely. The Audi RS Q8 specifies 33 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is decent for a performance crossover, but full-size SUVs like the Navigator are engineered specifically for much larger cargo volumes.