Q8 vs QX60
Brand preference aside, the Q8 and the QX60 are close competitors, both pitched at midsize luxury suv buyers. On balance, the QX60 is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 4 areas, most clearly in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range QX60 wins
- Space & Practicality QX60 wins
- Off-road & Towing Q8 wins
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
- Engine & Performance0.8
- Fuel Economy & Range9.1
- 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 QX60 has better fuel economy
Not a close call. The QX60 lists 24 mpg and the Q8 lists 19 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Q8 has 67 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 335 hp against 268 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Q8. The Q8’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The QX60 has room for 7 seats
The Q8 gives up a lot on seats: 5 seats, compared with 7 seats on the QX60. The QX60 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Q8 has 83 lb-ft more torque
Few buyers will miss this one. The Q8 brings 369 lb-ft to the table; the QX60 brings 286 lb-ft. The Q8’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Q8 has 1,700 lb more towing capacity
When it comes to max towing, the Q8 wins comfortably with 7,700 lb against 6,000 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Q8 leads
The Q8 is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The Q8 gives you 67 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For engine & performance, the Q8 is the one to beat.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp QX60: 268 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Q8: 369 lb-ft QX60: 286 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
QX60 leads
This is one of the QX60’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the Q8 falls well short. The QX60 makes its case with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the QX60.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q8: 19 mpg QX60: 24 mpg The QX60 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Q8: 17 mpg QX60: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
QX60 leads
The QX60 dominates the space & practicality section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The QX60 stands out with room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Net result: the QX60 leads this part of the comparison.
Seats
Q8: 5 seats QX60: 7 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Q8 leads
The Q8 wins the off-road & towing section decisively. The Q8 comes with 1,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Q8’s higher rating gives you more margin. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Q8 has the edge.
Max towing
Q8: 7,700 lb QX60: 6,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 268 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 286 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb (winner) | 6,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 268 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (369 lb-ft vs 286 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (7,700 lb vs 6,000 lb)
Choose the QX60 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (24 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want better city fuel economy (22 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (28 mpg vs 23 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q8 or the QX60?
The QX60 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d rather have 67 hp more power on the Q8.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Q8 and the QX60 purely on what they offer. What I like most about the QX60 here is better fuel economy. The QX60 also scores with room for 7 seats. To be fair, the Q8 has 67 hp more power, and that’s not nothing.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the Q8; if they lean on fuel economy & range, the QX60.
My pick: the QX60 is the one I’d buy, unless your top priority is 67 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.