Q8 vs GV80
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Audi’s Q8 and Genesis’s GV80 target the same midsize luxury suv space in different ways. Taken area by area, the Q8 wins 2 of 4. That doesn’t make the GV80 a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GV80 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Q8 wins
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing6.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Q8 has 1,700 lb more towing capacity
For max towing, the Q8 leads by a wide margin: 7,700 lb versus 6,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The Q8 has 58 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 369 lb-ft to the GV80’s 311 lb-ft, the Q8 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Q8 has 35 hp more power
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Q8: 335 hp compared with 300 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The GV80 has better fuel economy
The GV80 is slightly stronger on fuel economy (combined). The gap, 21 mpg versus 19 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The GV80 has better city fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the GV80: 19 mpg against 17 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the GV80 starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Q8 leads
The Q8 is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The Q8 stands out with 58 lb-ft more torque. The Q8’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. If this section decides it for you, choose the Q8.
Torque
Q8: 369 lb-ft GV80: 311 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp GV80: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
GV80 leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the GV80 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The GV80 delivers better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. That makes the GV80 the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q8: 19 mpg GV80: 21 mpg The GV80 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Q8: 17 mpg GV80: 19 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the GV80 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Q8 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Q8 leads the off-road & towing section with room to spare. Here the Q8 offers 1,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Q8’s higher rating gives you more margin. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Q8.
Max towing
Q8: 7,700 lb GV80: 6,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
The Q8 and the GV80 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 300 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | 19 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb (winner) | 6,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 | GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.3 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q8 if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 6,000 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (369 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (335 hp vs 300 hp)
Choose the GV80 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (21 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (19 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you prefer staying with Genesis
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q8 or the GV80?
The Q8 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Q8 and the GV80 chase the same buyer. In the details, Audi and Genesis made different calls. I keep coming back to one thing: the Q8 gets 1,700 lb more towing capacity. I also like that the Q8 brings 58 lb-ft more torque. I’ll admit the GV80 has a point with better fuel economy.
In my head, the Q8 is the engine & performance pick and the GV80 is the fuel economy & range pick.
My pick: the Q8, unless what you want most is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.