2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe

$97,600 · Crossover

$81,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle for mid-size luxury performance pits the German powerhouse Audi SQ8 against the striking newcomer, the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The SQ8 explodes onto the scene with a commanding 500 hp and a massive 568 lb-ft of torque, offering breathtaking straight-line speed, although it exacts a toll with a meager 17 MPG combined rating and a steep $97,600 MSRP. Conversely, the GV80 Coupe dazzles with its dramatic styling and a significantly lower entry price of $81,850. While its 375 hp engine offers spirited performance, it simply cannot match the Audi's raw output. This comparison highlights a clear trade-off: the SQ8 delivers 125 more horsepower for a premium that also costs $15,750 more, asking drivers to heavily prioritize performance over the Genesis's more attainable luxury statement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The Genesis GV80 Coupe is likely the more practical choice for daily driving due to its lower cost and better implied efficiency, despite specific MPG not being listed for the GV80 Coupe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 offers superior cargo capacity at 33.7 cu ft versus the Genesis's 29.3 cu ft, making it marginally better for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ8

With 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, the Audi SQ8 provides significantly more exhilarating, high-performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The Genesis GV80 Coupe undercuts the Audi SQ8 by a substantial $15,750, offering premium looks and decent power for much less money.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You demand top-tier performance, as the SQ8 boasts 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the SQ8's larger 33.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You require a vehicle where premium fuel is mandated, ensuring consistent premium-level engine tuning.

Choose the Genesis GV80 Coupe if...

Budget is a significant factor, saving $15,750 compared to the SQ8's $97,600 starting price.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, as the GV80 Coupe is 1.5 inches shorter in length.
You appreciate a vehicle where premium fuel is only recommended, not strictly required.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	Genesis GV80 Coupe
Length	197.0"	195.5"
Width	79.0"	77.8"
Height	67.0"	67.3"
Wheelbase	118.0"	116.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Genesis
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	500 hp	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft	391 lb-ft @ 1300 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	Genesis
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Locking
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/21 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	21.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Genesis
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	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Digital Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	27.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	Bang & Olufsen
Stereo Power	730W	1400W
Speaker System	17	18
Surround Audio	Discrete	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	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	60.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	56.7 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	56.2 in.
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Rear Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/40R22	265/50R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	20 x 8.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ8 and 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe.

What is the major performance gap between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe?

The Audi SQ8 is significantly more potent, delivering 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outperforms the Genesis GV80 Coupe, which offers 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 125 hp difference.

How much more expensive is the high-performance Audi SQ8 compared to the Genesis GV80 Coupe?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 commands a premium MSRP of $97,600, while the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe starts at $81,850. This represents a direct price disparity of $15,750 between the two crossovers.

Does the extra cost of the SQ8 translate to better utility space?

Yes, the Audi SQ8 provides slightly more room for gear with 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Genesis GV80 Coupe offers 29.3 cubic feet, a difference of 4.4 cubic feet favoring the Audi.

How does the driving feel likely differ based on their size dimensions?

The Audi SQ8 is slightly larger in width (79.0 inches vs 77.8 inches) and length (197.0 inches vs 195.5 inches), which might lend itself to a more planted highway presence, though both are large AWD crossovers.

Are there major differences in required fuel types for these powerful crossovers?

The Audi SQ8 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its advertised 500 hp. In contrast, the Genesis GV80 Coupe specifies premium unleaded as recommended, suggesting slightly more flexibility for the owner.

Which vehicle is better suited for performance purists, given the specs?

The Audi SQ8 is unequivocally the choice for performance purists; its superior power figures (500 hp/568 lb-ft) are a clear differentiator, despite the penalty in price and fuel economy (17 MPG combined).