Compare the2024 Audi Q4 e-tron SportbackVS 2024 Porsche Taycan

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q4 e-tron Sportback. But it costs extra on the Taycan.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Q4 e-tron Sportback’s standard Rear Cross-Traffic Assist uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and Automatic Brake Activation automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Q4 e-tron Sportback and the Taycan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Taycan has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

There are over 54 percent more Audi dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Q4 e-tron Sportback’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Q4 e-tron Sportback’s reliability 18 points higher than the Taycan.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s electric motors produces 85 lbs.-ft. more torque (339 vs. 254) than the Taycan’s standard electric motor. The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s electric motors produces 76 lbs.-ft. more torque (339 vs. 263) than the Taycan Performance Plus’ optional electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the Q4 e-tron Sportback gets better mileage than the Taycan Cross Turismo:

The Q4 e-tron Sportback can travel longer on a full charge than the Taycan Cross Turismo on a full charge:

For better traction, the Q4 e-tron Sportback has larger front tires than the Taycan (235/50R20 vs. 225/55R19).

The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s 235/50R20 front tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Taycan’s standard 55 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q4 e-tron Sportback has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Taycan.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback is 1 foot, 3.1 inches shorter than the Taycan Cross Turismo, making the Q4 e-tron Sportback easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Q4 e-tron Sportback has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat up (26.1 vs. 18.7 cubic feet). The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat folded (54.4 vs. 45.7 cubic feet).

If the windows are left open on the Q4 e-tron Sportback the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Q4 e-tron Sportback has a standard rear wiper. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q4 e-tron Sportback Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Taycan doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q4 e-tron Sportback has standard extendable sun visors. The Taycan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Taycan.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Porsche Taycan isn't recommended.

The Audi Q4 e-tron outsold the Porsche Taycan by 42% during 2023.