Q8 vs Range Rover Sport
It’s Audi against Land Rover in the midsize luxury suv class, and the Q8 and the Range Rover Sport are the models carrying each flag. The spec sheets tilt toward the Range Rover Sport, which leads in 2 of 4 areas and opens its biggest gap on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Range Rover Sport wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Range Rover Sport wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
- Engine & Performance2.9
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
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 Range Rover Sport has better fuel economy
The Range Rover Sport doesn’t just edge this one; 22 mpg against 19 mpg is a lead you’ll feel. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Range Rover Sport has 20 hp more power
The Range Rover Sport has a modest edge on total system output: 355 hp against 335 hp for the Q8. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Range Rover Sport has better city fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Range Rover Sport’s 20 mpg versus the Q8’s 17 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Range Rover Sport starts from a better baseline.
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The Range Rover Sport has better highway fuel economy
It’s a small lead (25 mpg versus 23 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the Range Rover Sport. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Range Rover Sport leads
The Range Rover Sport squeezes out a win in the engine & performance section. In its favor, the Range Rover Sport has 20 hp more power. The Range Rover Sport’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Range Rover Sport.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp Range Rover Sport: 355 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Range Rover Sport leads
The Range Rover Sport is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. Point to the Range Rover Sport for better fuel economy. The Range Rover Sport uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the Range Rover Sport.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q8: 19 mpg Range Rover Sport: 22 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Q8: 17 mpg Range Rover Sport: 20 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the Q8 and the Range Rover Sport cover space & practicality equally well on paper. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Q8 and the Range Rover Sport differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 355 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD (4WD) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | 20 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 7,716 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“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 Range Rover Sport if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (22 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (355 hp vs 335 hp)
- you mostly drive in town (20 mpg vs 17 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (25 mpg vs 23 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q8 or the Range Rover Sport?
On the specs compared here, the Range Rover Sport makes more sense for most buyers; the Q8 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Q8 and the Range Rover Sport come from rival camps, Audi and Land Rover, but they’re chasing the same person: you. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Range Rover Sport has better fuel economy. Plus, the Range Rover Sport gets 20 hp more power, which I wouldn’t overlook.
Put simply, the Q8 suits people who care about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the Range Rover Sport suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the Range Rover Sport.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.