2026 Audi Q8 Vs. Q7: Compare Specs, Interior & Tech

If you're comparing Audi Q7 vs. Q8 specs and appointments to find your next high-end SUV, consider where your priorities lie. Do you need a family-friendly three-row luxury SUV with more interior space or a sporty, coupe-like two-row sport-ute with higher standard power? The Audi Indianapolis team has made this guide to help you explore the similarities and differences between the Q7 and Q8, so you can determine your ideal model. Learn more below, and if you happen to be in our area, stop by to test-drive both options!

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Table
	2026 Audi Q7	2026 Audi Q8
Body Style	3-row midsize luxury SUV	2-row midsize luxury SUV
Engine	2.0L turbo 4-cyl 3.0L turbo V-6	3.0L turbo V-6
Horsepower	261 (2.0L) 335 (3.0L)	335
Torque	273 lb-ft (2.0L) 369 (3.0L)	369 lb-ft
0-60 MPH	6.7 sec (2.0L) 5.5 sec (3.0L)	5.5 sec
Max. Towing Capacity	4,400 lbs (2.0L)¹ 7,700 lbs (3.0L)¹	7,700 lbs¹
EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)	20 / 26 / 22 (2.0L)² 18 / 23 / 20 (3.0L)³	17 / 23 / 19⁴
Seating Capacity	7	5
Max. Cargo Space	69.6 cu ft	60.7 cu ft
Length	199.2 in	196.8 in
Body Width	78 in	78 in
Height	66 - 68.4 in	66 - 67.2

Audi Q7 vs. Audi Q8 Engine & Performance Specs

The Audi Q7 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque – plenty of confident muscle for daily driving and highway merging alike. The Audi Q8, designed with a sportier edge and coupe-inspired styling, raises the bar with a standard 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This same powertrain is also available for the 2026 Q7, so you can reach these performance levels even if you need a third row.

Both SUVs are equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission and legendary quattro® all-wheel drive as standard. Each model can tow up to 7,700 pounds;1 however, that maximum capacity comes standard on the Q8, while the Q7 requires you to upgrade to the V-6 engine to achieve it.

How about acceleration? The 2026 Audi Q7 goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds in standard form, while the 2026 Audi Q8 makes the sprint in 5.5 seconds. Once again, if you option your Q7 with the available V-6, you can achieve the same 5.5-second 0-60 time with the three-row model, too.

Despite a slightly larger build, you'll get better gas mileage with the Q7, even when powered by the same engine as the Q8. For instance, the Q7 earns up to an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with its four-cylinder2 or 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with the V-6.3 Meanwhile, the Q8 tops out at an EPA rating of 17/23/19 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 In short, the Audi Q7 specs strike a refined balance between performance and efficiency, while the Q8 leans into bold, athletic capability from the get-go.

Audi Q7 vs. Q8 Interior

When comparing Audi Q7 vs. Audi Q8 dimensions, you'll see that the larger Audi Q7 has more space in its interior. Specifically, the spacious cabin of the Audi Q7 offers two extra seats and has 69.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. The Audi Q8 is a slightly smaller SUV than the Audi Q7, with 60.7 cubic feet of maximum storage room.

While the Audi Q8 doesn't have a third row like the Audi Q7, they do have plenty of comparable interior appointments. For example, you'll find standard leather seating surfaces in both sport-utes, plus similar interior color choices. Luxury SUV shoppers can also upgrade both models' entry-level iterations with the Convenience Plus Package, which adds a heated steering wheel, a Bang & Olufsen®, and four-way power lumbar support to the front passenger seat, among other enhancements.

Learn more about the three distinct trims of the Audi Q7 for sale and their amenities by exploring what we have in stock. You can also browse our Audi Q8 inventory – this model also comes in three variants – to see what the two-row, sloped-roof SUV has on tap.

Audi Q7 vs. Q8 Technology

Let's dive into tech systems. The Audi Virtual cockpit plus® is a standard feature for each SUV. This customizable display presents vital driving data on a 12.3-inch HD screen. Both models also have the advanced Audi MMI® touch response technology via an interactive display. The standard Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility displays real-time information for your drive.

Meanwhile, driver-assistance systems like Adaptive cruise assist® with lane guidance come standard, while technologies like remote Park assist® plus and Intersection assist® are available for the 2026 Audi Q7 and Audi Q8 for sale, facilitating added confidence and convenience on the road.

While we've crafted this guide to help drivers all over the nation discern which midsize Audi luxury SUV can best serve their needs, we invite those motorists nearby to visit our Audi dealership in Indianapolis, IN, to get a closer look at the equally impressive technologies found in both SUVs.

Audi Q7 vs. Q8 Price

The cost of your Audi Q7 or Audi Q8 model will depend on various factors such as which trim you select, which powertrain you choose for the Q7, and any packages or accessories you select. However, the Audi Q7 has a lower starting price, largely due to its smaller standard engine. To get a complete walkthrough of each SUV's pricing, reach out to our team so that we can explain in detail what you'll be paying for based on your preferences.

Conduct Your Own Audi Q7 vs. Q8 Comparison at Audi Indianapolis

Reading about these premium SUVs can be helpful, but experiencing them in person makes all the difference. Visit your local Audi dealership for a test drive. Should that be Audi Indianapolis, our team can guide you through a side-by-side comparison of the Audi Q7 and Audi Q8, highlighting the features, performance characteristics, and design details that matter most to you.

Contact us directly to schedule your visit. We look forward to assisting you further and getting you behind the wheel of an Audi SUV that you'll love for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Audi Q7 and Audi Q8?

The main differences between the Audi Q7 and the Audi Q8 are seating, dimensions, and standard power. The larger three-row Audi Q7 has more interior space for passengers and cargo. On the other hand, the two-row Audi Q8 seats five instead of seven, but it comes standard with a V-6 engine; you'll have to upgrade the Q7 to get the same V-6 performance.

Which is bigger: the Audi Q7 or Audi Q8?

The Audi Q7 is the larger SUV in our Audi Q7 vs. Q8 comparison. Though they're both 78 inches wide (excluding mirrors), the Q7 is slightly longer, and in some configurations, a bit taller, too. Inside, the Q7 has three rows to accommodate seven occupants, whereas the Q8 is a two-row vehicle with seating for five. Seating capacity will be the determining factor between these two for many motorists.

Which model offers better fuel efficiency?

The Q7 is slightly more efficient than the Q8, though the differences are minor. You can expect up to an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 (City/Highway/Combined)2 from the standard four-cylinder Q7, while the Q8 earns an EPA rating of 17/23/19 (City/Highway/Combined)4 with its V-6. If you opt for the V-6 engine in the Q7, fuel ratings are even closer.

Which model offers better handling and driving dynamics?

You can expect exceptional handling and refined driving dynamics from both SUVs. The 2026 Audi Q7 and Audi Q8 each have an available adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering, along with standard quattro® all-wheel drive. That said, the Audi Q8 holds a slight edge, as it's engineered with a stronger focus on athletic performance and sharper responsiveness with higher standard engine output.

What are the towing capacities for the Audi Q7 and Audi Q8?

The Audi Q8 outperforms the Audi Q7 in a towing matchup when both models are equipped with their standard engines. The standard maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds1 tops the standard towing capacity of 4,400 pounds1 of the Audi Q7. Upgrading the Audi Q7 engine allows for an equal towing capacity of 7,700 pounds,1 though. Please consult with an associate to better understand towing capabilities.

¹When properly equipped.

²20 city/26 highway/22 combined city/hwy MPG (2026 Audi Q7 45 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

³18 city/23 highway/20 combined city/hwy MPG (2026 Audi Q7 55 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁴17 city/23 highway/19 combined city/hwy MPG (2026 Audi Q8 55 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.