2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2026 Audi RS Q8
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator exudes stately American luxury, making a commanding presence at 210.0 inches long with 440 hp on tap, all while sipping regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Audi RS Q8 unleashes pure performance fury, boasting a staggering 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, demanding premium fuel for its relentless acceleration. This comparison pits quiet, traditional opulence against German performance aggression. The Navigator’s hefty frame is matched by its substantial interior space, though its 17 MPG combined rating trails slightly behind the RS Q8’s 16 MPG combined, despite the massive power discrepancy. The $38,305 MSRP difference is the most significant non-performance metric, setting the Navigator firmly in a different budget bracket than the $138,300 beast from Audi, which offers a generous 33 cu ft of cargo space versus the Navigator's 22.9 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator, designed for comfortable cruising, offers superior ride isolation expected for daily duty over the stiffer, performance-tuned Audi.
2025 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator is physically larger at 210.0 inches long and has a more accessible fuel type (regular unleaded) for constant family use.
2026 Audi RS Q8
The Audi RS Q8’s 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque utterly dwarf the Navigator’s output for exhilarating driving dynamics.
2025 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator costs $38,305 less than the RS Q8 while still providing 440 hp and 4WD capability.
Choose the Lincoln Navigator if...
- Your budget is closer to the $99,995 MSRP range rather than approaching $140,000.
- You prioritize using regular unleaded fuel instead of mandatory premium fuel.
- You prefer the traditional, imposing footprint of a full-size luxury SUV (210.0 inches long).
Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...
- You need blistering acceleration, utilizing the massive 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum cargo capacity is critical, as the RS Q8 offers 33 cu ft versus 22.9 cu ft.
- You appreciate a sportier, lower stance, reflected by its 67.5-inch height compared to the Navigator's 78.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lincoln Navigator | Audi RS Q8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.0" | 197.7" |
| Width | 80.0" | 79.0" |
| Height | 78.0" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 122.5" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 440 hp @ 5850 rpm | 631 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 627 lb-ft @ 2300 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | On Demand | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Single-Speed | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/22 MPG | 14/20 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/519.2 mi. | 315.0/450.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.6 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Controls | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adjustable Pedals | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 48.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Revel | Bang & Olufsen |
| Speaker System | 28 | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Video Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 730W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 65.3 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 61.9 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 65.1 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 61.7 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 22 in | 22 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | P275/50R22 | 295/40R22 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lincoln | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Navigator and 2026 Audi RS Q8.
How significant is the power difference between these two SUVs?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Audi RS Q8 delivers a massive 631 hp, creating a 191 hp gap over the 2025 Lincoln Navigator's 440 hp, making the Audi significantly faster in straight-line performance.
Does the Navigator require premium fuel like the Audi RS Q8?
No, the Lincoln Navigator conveniently runs on regular unleaded gasoline, which is a considerable running cost advantage over the RS Q8, which mandates premium unleaded for its high-output engine.
Which vehicle offers better practical space for hauling gear?
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 is the winner for sheer volume, providing 33 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Navigator’s 22.9 cu ft, despite the Navigator being the physically longer vehicle overall.
What is the price difference impact on the buying decision?
There is a $38,305 gulf in starting MSRP, meaning the Navigator competes on accessible luxury, while the RS Q8 is priced as a dedicated high-performance machine.
Are the drivetrain philosophies different between the two?
Yes; the Navigator utilizes Four Wheel Drive (4WD) paired with a 10-speed automatic, suggesting a focus on robust traction, while the RS Q8 uses All Wheel Drive (AWD) with an 8-speed automatic optimized for sporty handling.
Which SUV is physically larger on the road?
The Lincoln Navigator is significantly larger, measuring 210.0 inches in length and 78.0 inches in height, making the RS Q8, at 197.7 inches long and 67.5 inches high, appear much more compact and lower-slung.
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