2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

$97,600 · Crossover

$83,750 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The eternal struggle for buyers of large luxury crossovers: do you prioritize razor-sharp performance or maximum road presence and price savings? The 2025 Audi SQ8 offers blistering speed with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, albeit for a higher starting price of $97,600 and requires premium fuel, netting 17 MPG combined. Conversely, the substantially larger 2026 INFINITI QX80 is $13,850 cheaper at $83,750 and manages a slightly better 18 MPG combined, though it offers 450 hp. The SQ8 is 14.2 inches shorter (197.0 inches vs. 211.2 inches) but boasts superior acceleration dynamics. While the QX80 is far bigger physically, the SQ8 packs a higher punch for the daily driver who values agility over sheer scale in the premium utility segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8's smaller footprint and superior power delivery make it more agile and engaging for daily city driving despite slightly lower efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 INFINITI QX80

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 wins due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions (83.3 inches wide) suggesting more interior room for passengers and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ8

With 50 more horsepower and 52 lb-ft more torque, the Audi SQ8 delivers superior dynamic performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2026 INFINITI QX80

The INFINITI QX80 saves the buyer $13,850 upfront while offering only a minor 1 MPG penalty in combined efficiency.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You demand top-tier performance with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque available.
You prefer the tighter handling associated with the SQ8's 197.0-inch length over the massive QX80.
You do not mind the stricter requirement of premium unleaded fuel for maximum output.

Choose the INFINITI QX80 if...

Maximizing upfront savings is critical, as the QX80 costs $13,850 less than the SQ8.
You need the space provided by the QX80's physically larger dimensions (e.g., 76.6 inches in height).
You prioritize slightly better fuel economy (18 MPG combined vs. 17 MPG) while only sacrificing 50 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	INFINITI QX80
Length	197.0"	211.2"
Width	79.0"	83.3"
Height	67.0"	76.6"
Wheelbase	118.0"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	500 hp	450 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft	516 lb-ft @ 3600 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	INFINITI
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/21 MPG	16/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	377.6/472.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	23.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	600W
Speaker System	17	14
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Klipsch Speakers	—	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	43.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	64.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-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	—	59.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	63.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	59.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Fixed Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/40R22	275/60R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	20 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Audi	INFINITI
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 45000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ8 and 2026 INFINITI QX80.

Which vehicle is significantly larger for cargo and passengers?

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 is the substantially larger vehicle; it stands 76.6 inches tall compared to the SQ8's 67.0 inches, offering more sheer volume although its specified cargo capacity is 22 cu ft versus the SQ8's 33.7 cu ft.

Is the Audi SQ8 a much thirstier vehicle than the QX80?

The Audi SQ8 has a combined MPG rating of 17, requiring premium fuel, while the INFINITI QX80 achieves 18 MPG combined and only recommends premium fuel.

How does the performance difference between the two luxury models play out?

The Audi SQ8 leads significantly in raw output, providing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, compared to the QX80’s 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, indicating a quicker driving experience from the Audi.

What is the primary price difference I should consider?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 starts at $97,600, making it $13,850 more expensive than the base MSRP of the 2026 INFINITI QX80, which is listed at $83,750.

Do the drivetrain configurations differ significantly?

Yes, the Audi SQ8 uses an all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic, whereas the INFINITI QX80 comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission.