Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.2026 Audi Q7 vs. Q8: ComparisonAudi may have been relatively late to the SUV game, but it made up for lost time quite easily. Today, its range covers just about every size and price point, along with models to satisfy the head, heart, or both. The model that started it all was the Q7, and it's been going strong for 20 years.But just above that is the Q8, and contrary to its name, it's not larger than the Q7. Instead, it's a sleeker, more slant-backed version of the Q7. As both models are close in the hierarchy, it makes sense to compare them even if they have different target markets in mind. The Q7 vs. Q8 is more of a heart versus head comparo, but it's something worth visiting.AudiView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe SimilaritiesBoth the Q7 and Q8 ride on Audi's MLB Evo platform that underpins many of the Volkswagen Group's larger SUVs. The two even share the same wheelbase, further highlighting the shared DNA. Think of this duo as Audi's take on the BMW X5 and X6, but Audi's coupe crossover is less polarizing.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe two are mechanically the same, too, at least when it comes to one particular engine option. Both are offered with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 using exactly the same eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard for both. The similarities extend to near-identical dashboard layouts.AudiView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleProduct Positioning: Formal or Sporty?The biggest difference between Audi Q7 and Q8 is their respective positioning in the lineup. It doesn't take much to figure out that the Q7 caters to a wider audience with its formal and upright body and more practical proposition. With its lower roofline and slanted tailgate, the Q8 sacrifices sensibility for more style.It's good that Audi made the extra effort to make the Q8 look different from the Q7, as the latter, with merely a chopped roof, would've looked awkward. Further adding to the Q8's sportier slant (if you can call a 5,000-lb SUV sporty) are the wider track width and lower stance. The positioning differences are made even clearer lower down this story.Kyle EdwardView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articlePerformance and Economy: The Q8 has the Hot RSWe start the Audi Q7 vs Audi Q8 specs comparo with the powertrain offers. The Q7 engine lineup starts with a 2.0-liter turbo, whereas the Q8 gets V6 power standard from the get-go. The base four-cylinder in the Q7 is honestly good enough for most applications, with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It won't fling you off the line, but it's still brisk for a family bus, with a sub-7-second 60-mph sprint. Of course, more power is always welcome, and the 3.0-liter turbo V6 that's standard in the Q8 and optional in the Q7 puts out 335 hp and 369 lb-ft.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe might as well throw in the S Q7 and S Q8 here; both use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. But for serious performance, that's where the RS Q8 Performance comes in with 631 hp and 627 lb-ft.But back to more sensible matters, the Q7's base four-cylinder does 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the V6 does 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. As for the Q8, it's 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleSpace and Practicality: An Obvious WinnerThe answer is pretty clear if we were to do an Audi Q8 vs Q7 size comparison. The latter is 2.7 inches longer and 1.3 inches taller, allowing it to fit an extra row of seats at the back. A third row isn't even available in the Q8, although that's not really an issue for those who are dead set on one. For overall dimensions, the Q7 measures 199.3 inches long, 77.6 inches wide, and 68.4 inches tall, while the Q8 is 196.6 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 67 inches tall. Both ride on a 117.9-inch wheelbase.AdvertisementAdvertisementFront seat legroom is pretty much identical. Surprisingly, the Q8 offers more rear legroom than the Q7 (40.2 in. vs 38.8 in.), but that's mainly because it doesn't have to factor in an additional row of seats. Where the Q7 has a clear advantage is in headroom and cargo space. Behind the second row, the Q7 has 69.6 cu-ft, whereas the Q8 has 60.7 cu-ft.View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articlePricing and Trims: You Pay for the LooksThe Q7 is offered in three trims: the Premium at $62,000, the Premium Plus at $65,800, and the Prestige at $77,100. Moving to the Q8, it's $75,600 for the Premium, $80,800 for the Premium Plus, and $86,200 for the Prestige. Give or take, it's about $11,000 to $15,000 between the two crossovers.It does show you pay you more for an SUV with less room, but the Q8 already comes with V6 power as standard, whereas you'll have to go for the top-spec Prestige version of the Q7 to get that without ticking any boxes. Also, the Q8 has a different suspension tuning, given its sportier ambitions and a totally different exterior sheet metal, to justify its premium.AudiView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleFinal ThoughtsSo, what's our take on the Audi Q7 versus Q8 roundup? We'll keep it simple and say that if you want standard V6 power, swoopier looks, and don't need an extra row of seats, the Q8 is worth checking out, provided you can stretch the budget. It's still a practical proposition, either way.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut if you believe paying over $10,000 for the Q8 is a little steep, the Q7 is more than enough to satisfy you. While its image is a little more parental, it's still a highly competent luxury SUV. Sure, there's a new one on the way, but the outgoing model is still worth checking out. We do have to say that, despite sharing the same underpinnings, the two feel different in the way. We recommend taking both on a test drive to see which one suits your tastes better.2025 Audi Q7 action frontAudiThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.