2022 Audi SQ8

　　

2022 Audi SQ8 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Following Audi's current naming convention, the SQ8 is the medium-hot version of the Q8 family, slotting between the standard Q8 and the full-bore RS Q8. But with 500 horsepower on tap, the SQ8 is still plenty spicy. With a twin-turbocharged V8 driving all four wheels, the SQ8 can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.0 seconds. The SQ8's Quattro all-wheel-drive system grants it supreme traction off the line and helps it feel surprisingly agile for a big SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Audi SQ8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$267/mo  for SQ8 Premium Plus

　　SQ8 Premium Plus

　　Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) - $93,500 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $99,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Beyond its impressive performance specs, the SQ8 is comfortable and luxurious, boasting a stylish, high-quality interior and a smooth, compliant ride. The model is not without a few flaws, however. The dual-screen layout of the center stack isn't particularly user-friendly, and the voice recognition could use some work. Still, the SQ8 is an enticing alternative to other midtier fastback SUVs that include the BMW X6 M50i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe. See how the SQ8 stacks up against the competition by reading our Expert Rating.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the SQ8 drive? Perhaps you want the roar of a V8, or just a sportier driving experience. Either way, the SQ8's superior performance is likely the reason you're upgrading from the regular Q8. This performance-minded model does not disappoint, with an engine capable of rocketing this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in an impressively quick 4.0 seconds.

　　Slowing the SQ8 is effortless in day-to-day driving thanks to well-calibrated brakes. Well-controlled body roll also gives the driver considerable confidence to explore the SQ8's dynamic prowess.

　　The SQ8 isn't perfect, however. Our test model's all-season tires didn't deliver the grip we were expecting to match this model's power — the no-cost summer tires would have been a better match. The SQ8 isn't super smooth when driving around town either. There's some lag between when you press the accelerator and the transmission downshifting, and the auto stop-start system turns off the engine too early, resulting in lurchy stops.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the SQ8? The SQ8 is surprisingly comfortable given its sporting pretensions. In the Comfort drive mode, the standard adaptive suspension dampers and air suspension provide the pillow-like ride you'd expect of a luxury SUV. It doesn't feel floaty either. You can also dial up the Dynamic mode for a firmer feel.

　　The leather upholstery is soft, and the padding is compliant but supportive. But we'd prefer that the SQ8's sport front seats offered more adjustments. Also, their fixed front headrests may not fit all body types. Fixed headrests aren't unusual on sports cars, but they are overkill on a family-friendly SUV.

　　Four-zone climate control comes standard, as do heated and ventilated front seats. The SQ8, just like the regular Q8, has a two-tier touchscreen setup, with the lower touchscreen used to control climate functions. Our team was split on its effectiveness — some found it distracting to use. But you can always use voice controls so you don't take your eyes off the road. Outside noise is adequately muted, and you'll only hear the throaty exhaust of the V8 under hard acceleration.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below