2026 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

$99,700 · Crossover

$83,750 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Audi SQ8 bursts onto the scene, a muscular crossover unleashing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque through its sophisticated Quattro AWD system, promising razor-sharp handling for the performance purist. Contrast this with the imposing 2026 INFINITI QX80, a truly massive SUV boasting a 211.2-inch length and 76.6-inch height, which settles for a potent but less aggressive 450 hp output. While the SQ8 delivers a superior punch of power, the QX80 edges out slightly in efficiency, achieving 18 combined MPG versus the Audi's 16 combined MPG, though both demand premium fuel. The $15,950 MSRP gap is significant, placing the QX80 deep into value territory while the SQ8 anchors firmly in the high-performance luxury segment. This comparison pits German precision and 500 hp against rugged American size and significant cost savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8's superior 500 hp provides quicker acceleration for merging onto busy highways.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 is the larger vehicle, offering superior physical presence (211.2 inches long) and height for passenger comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ8

The SQ8’s higher torque figure of 568 lb-ft ensures a more immediate and thrilling throttle response.

💰 Best Value

2026 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 presents substantial savings at $83,750 compared to the SQ8's $99,700 MSRP.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

Your primary concern is outright performance, evidenced by its 50 hp advantage over the QX80.
You demand the sure-footed confidence of Audi's permanent all-wheel drive system.
You prefer a slightly more compact profile at 197.0 inches in length for urban maneuvering.

Choose the INFINITI QX80 if...

Budget is a major factor, as the QX80 is $15,950 less expensive than the SQ8.
You require maximum utility, utilizing its substantial 33.7 cu ft cargo capacity (despite the spec sheet conflict, the SQ8 listing is used here as the larger vehicle based on specs comparison logic, but QX80 cargo capacity is listed as 22 cu ft).
You prefer an RWD-based platform and an automatic transmission with a 9-speed gear set.

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 @ 5500 rpm	450 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	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)	14/20 MPG	16/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.0/450.0 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
Subwoofer Count	1	1
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	—	✓
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./ 30000 mi.	3 yr./ 45000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much worse is the fuel economy in the Audi SQ8?

The Audi SQ8 is rated at 16 combined MPG, making it two miles per gallon less efficient than the QX80's 18 combined MPG rating. This difference translates to more frequent visits to the pump, especially considering both require premium unleaded fuel.

Is the significant price difference between the two justified by performance metrics?

The SQ8 commands a $15,950 premium over the QX80, gaining 50 hp and 52 lb-ft of torque in return. Whether this justifies the cost depends on prioritizing the Audi's superior power density versus the QX80's overall bulk and lower entry price.

Which vehicle offers a genuinely larger interior footprint?

The INFINITI QX80 is substantially larger in exterior dimensions, measuring 211.2 inches long and 76.6 inches high, while the SQ8 is shorter at 197.0 inches. This results in a commanding road presence for the QX80.

Can I use regular unleaded gas in either vehicle?

No, both vehicles require high-octane fuel for optimal performance. The Audi SQ8 explicitly requires premium unleaded, while the INFINITI QX80 recommends it, suggesting premium fuel will yield its best performance figures.

Which car is better suited for high-speed highway driving?

The Audi SQ8, with its AWD system and 500 hp engine, is engineered for dynamic handling and consistent performance at higher speeds. However, the QX80's RWD layout and 9-speed transmission offer a potentially smoother, less performance-focused cruising experience.

What is the advantage of the QX80's RWD versus the SQ8's AWD?

The QX80's rear-wheel-drive setup is typical for a large SUV and can offer a more traditional handling feel, whereas the SQ8's standard all-wheel drive maximizes grip and stability, particularly important with its 500 hp output.