2021 Audi Q8 — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Audi Q8 is an SUV powered by a 3L 6-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine. It returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Audi Q8 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Audi Q8: Fuel economy improves from 22 to 24 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 22 urban / 28 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 18 city / 23 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 281 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2021 Audi Q8, all with the 3L 6-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo (Hybrid) | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/23) | 281 | $4,100 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Audi Q8
Running Costs: 2021 Audi Q8
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Audi Q8 at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Audi Q8 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (2), Electrical system (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 25V900000, reported 19 December 2025. Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 25V201000, reported 31 March 2025. Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Back over prevention — campaign 22V742000, reported 5 October 2022. Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 22V516000, reported 20 July 2022. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi Q8. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (13), Engine (6), Power train (5). That is close to the median of 23 complaints across the 7 Audi Q8 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Audi Q8
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 13 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 4 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Tyres (1 recall campaign) — Check tyre age and wear and ask about any tyre recalls.
- Engine (6 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Audi Q8 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 24 mpg figure is 3 mpg below that average. Its 281 g/km CO₂ figure is 28 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Audi models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Audi Q8's 24 mpg is 3 mpg below that make average. Its 281 g/km CO₂ figure is 30 g/km higher than the 251 g/km Audi average.
Of the 8 Audi Q8 model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined). See every Audi Q8 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Audi Q8
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Audi Q8 have?
It's fitted with a 3L 6-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s8) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi Q8?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2021 Audi Q8 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Audi Q8 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Audi Q8 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (2), Electrical system (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Audi Q8?
Among the 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (13 complaints), Engine (6 complaints), Power train (5 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Audi Q8's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.