Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| Q8 | SQ8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Audi |
| Starting price | $76,900 | $100,600 |
| Monthly payment | $894 | $1,170 |
| Fuel type | Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19.0 mpg | 16.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 459 g/mi | 541 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2020 Audi Q8 55 TFSI mild-hybrid models can experience a 48V belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) fault that causes sudden loss of motive power, engine stalling, or an 'Electrical System: Fault' warning. This can lead to limp-home mode, an inability to restart, and in some cases the engine cutting out while driving. Owners may notice the start/stop system malfunctioning before the full failure occurs. This issue has also been reported in 2020-2021 model years through service campaigns.
Yes, a 2021 recall (NHTSA 21V247000) addresses a high-pressure fuel pump leak that may cause a fire. Owners should contact an Audi dealer for a free repair, as the union nut can loosen and leak fuel into the engine bay. Visual or smell cues include a strong fuel odor or visible fuel puddle, with no warning light before failure.
Air suspension compressor and strut failures are common on 2019–2023 SQ8s, especially in humid conditions. Symptoms include the vehicle lowering to bump stops, a continuous-running compressor, and an 'Air Suspension Malfunction' warning. Compressor replacement costs $1,800–$2,800, while each strut runs $1,200–$2,000; full system repairs often exceed $4,000.
The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in 2019–2024 SQ8s can suffer PCV diaphragm failure, causing rough idle, blue smoke, oil consumption, and a whistling noise. The camshaft adjuster bolts may also strip, leading to timing chain rattle and potential bent valves. PCV replacement costs $800–$1,500, but camshaft adjuster repairs range $4,000–$8,000.
The 48V mild-hybrid system's belt starter generator often fails on 2019–2024 SQ8s, showing warnings like 'Start/Stop System Unavailable' or '12V Battery Low'. In severe cases, the engine may stall while driving, causing a sudden loss of power steering and brake boost. Replacement typically costs $2,200–$3,800 at an independent shop, or over $4,500 at a dealership.
The 10.1-inch touchscreen in 2020–2023 SQ8s can delaminate, showing bubbles or cracks, and the MIB3 unit may freeze or black-screen, leaving climate controls inaccessible. Owners report unresponsive touches and audio cutouts, with full screen failure possible. Replacing the display costs $2,000–$3,500, and the main unit adds $1,500–$2,500.
Audi Q8 and Audi SQ8 suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Q8 starts at $76,900; SQ8 starts at $100,600. The difference is $23,700, making Q8 about 24% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: Q8 — $894; SQ8 — $1,170. The difference is $276 per month, with Q8 lower.
The models use different powertrains: Q8 — Hybrid; SQ8 — Gasoline. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.
