VS
At a Glance
Power
500hp @ 5500
533hp
Torque
568lb-ft @ 3000
610lb-ft
Towing
—
7700lbs
Engine
4.0 L/244cc
—
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Rivian R1s is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q8 delivers 500hp @ 5500 while the Rivian R1s produces 533hp. Pricing starts at $80,800 for the Q8 and $76,990 for the R1s. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
500hp @ 5500
533hp
Torque (lb-ft)
568lb-ft @ 3000
610lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244cc
—
Cylinders
8
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
1
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
14mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.5gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.6in
200.8in
Width (in)
78.5in
81.8in
Height (in)
67.2in
77.3in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
121.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5203lbs
Coming Soonlbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
7700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Rivian R1s
3 / 4 categories
Performance
R1s
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
R1s
Practicality
R1s
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Rivian R1s
Lower starting price ($76,990)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Q8 or R1s?
The Q8 produces 500hp @ 5500 and 568lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the R1s delivers 533hp and 610lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and R1s?
The Q8 starts from $80,800 and the R1s from $76,990. The R1s is cheaper by $3,810 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or R1s?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the R1s can tow 7700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the R1s?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.