There’s a lot to love about Audi SUVs. The German automaker has an unmistakable style and noteworthy craftsmanship evident in all its vehicles. Audi continued focus on fuel efficiency is another plus.

There are seven models in Audi’s 2023 lineup, and each blend style, luxury, and innovation. But there’s one top-rated Audi SUV that rises above the pack. It delivers design, power, and performance in equal parts, earning the title of best Audi SUV.  

The SUV market is exploding with new options

Not too long ago, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) truly lived up to its name as the pick for drivers who enjoyed wilderness treks, not trips to Costco. It sounds hard to believe, but at one time, most of the cars on the road weren’t SUVs. Over the last decade, SUVs have exploded in popularity. Today, nearly eighty percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. are SUVs. The midsize sedan category is shrinking due to the lack of demand, experts say, while the SUV segment expands with many new options.

Audi is a top contender if you’re in the market for an SUV, and several of the automaker’s models are worthy of a test drive. Here’s more about the top-rated Audi SUV and other models that deserve a second look. 

The top-rated Audi SUV is high-tech, roomy, and practical 

Although several Audi SUVs earned high scores, the best Audi SUV is the 2023 Audi Q8, according to MotorTrend. The Q8 is Audi’s flagship SUV and ranks number 1 in Luxury Midsize Fastback SUVs—scoring an 8.5/10.

Scoring high for its high-tech interior and roomy cabin, the top-rated Audi SUV rose above competitors. It’s surprisingly practical for a fastback SUV with a sloped back roof and ample 40.2 inches of legroom in the backseat. The Audi Q8 scored higher than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, the BMW X6, and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.  

The Q8’s dual-display infotainment system features an upper 10.1-inch screen and a convenient lower 8.6-inch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation are standard. All models come with a 10-speaker audio system, two USB ports in each row, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and upgrades are available. 

Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is in every Q8 model for peace of mind when driving in rain or snow. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more.

Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two other engine options increase engine performance, and MotorTrend calls out these options as part of the reason the Audi Q8 ranks number one. The SQ8 model features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The RS Q8 is even more powerful, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that boasts 591 hp and 590 lb-ft.

Audi’s Q7, Q5, and Q3 are contenders

The 2023 Audi Q8 is the top-rated Audi SUV, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other Audi SUVs to consider when car shopping. Even though they didn’t make the top spot, there are several contenders—and they are still some of the best Audi SUVs on the market. 

The 2023 Audi Q7 is number 3 in Luxury 3-Row SUVs, according to MotorTrend, and scored a top rating of 8.3. It features a stylish high-tech cabin and delivers a smooth, luxurious ride. Audi gave the entry-level Q7 a more powerful engine this year. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, capable of 273 lb-ft of torque, now delivers 261 hp, an increase of 13 hp.

Choose the SQ7, and you’ll get a dual-pane glass and 22-inch wheels, along with an engine upgrade that MotorTrend says is monstrously powerful with rapid acceleration. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine delivers 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. 

Another top-rated Audi SUV is the 2023 Audi Q5, ranking at number 8 in Luxury Compact SUVs with an 8.2 MotorTrend score. A quick yet efficient hybrid powertrain is one of its call-out features, along with its high-quality, luxe interior. If you’re into road trips, you’ll appreciate that adaptive cruise control comes standard.

The 2023 Audi Q3 ranks third with a 7.7 MotorTrend score and is number 4 in the Luxury Subcompact SUV category. It has an eye-catching design, roomy second-row seating, and a digital gauge display that comes standard.