Used 2018 Audi A5 Sportback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback cost?

Prices have softened 10.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 323 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback a good car?

Yes — the 4.86/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8.17/10. The standout strength is Look and feel at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, sporty look, and fun driving experience, and they also like the advanced tech and comfortable seating. The A5 Sportback’s five-door hatchback layout gives you a blend of style and utility, which fits well if you want something more distinctive than a conventional luxury sedan. That said, the appeal is strongest if you value design, driving enjoyment, and versatility more than a long list of convenience features.

35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.86/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels smooth, fun, and well-liked over time, with repeated praise for its dependable everyday driving character and comfortable cabin. The expert review also describes it as a car that is enjoyable to drive across a wide range of conditions, which supports the sense that it is built to be counted on. Audi’s safety and convenience systems also add to the impression of a well-rounded ownership experience.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about the basic driving experience and more about making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained properly and equipped the way you want.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Audi A5 Sportback?

At 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven wear. Focus on condition details that matter on a premium hatchback: interior wear, electronics, and evidence that the car has been cared for consistently. If you’re comparing multiple listings, the cleanest example is often worth paying a little more for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Vehicle Exit Assist, while Prestige adds front and rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and additional Audi Connect features. The base trim is lighter on these convenience and driver-assistance upgrades, so you should pay close attention to feature gaps if those matter to you.
• Powertrain: The A5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the S5 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The A5 is tuned for strong everyday performance, and every A5 Sportback comes with standard Quattro all-wheel drive.
• Safety package: Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning, low-to-moderate-speed automatic emergency braking, occupant-preparation technology, and post-impact braking. Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Vehicle Exit Assist, while Prestige adds parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and the Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition.
• Infotainment: Audi Virtual Cockpit uses a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation screen and is optional on Premium Plus and standard on Prestige. The MMI Touch system adds an 8.3-inch display and handwriting recognition, and Prestige also gets a full-color head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The A5 returned 22.5 mpg on the test loop, below its EPA combined rating of 27 mpg.

Which 2018 Audi A5 Sportback trim should I buy?

The 2018 Audi A5 Sportback is offered in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige.

Here's the short version:

• Premium: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core A5 Sportback experience with the standard safety and performance hardware. It makes sense if you want the style and driving character without paying for the extra tech and convenience features.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Vehicle Exit Assist, and access to more tech upgrades. If you want the sweet spot between price and equipment, this is the one to target.
• Prestige: This is the most fully equipped version, with Audi Virtual Cockpit standard, a head-up display, parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and the most advanced driver-assistance package. Choose this if you want the most luxury and the most available tech.

Safety-package upgrades are concentrated in Premium Plus and Prestige, so those trims are the ones to focus on if driver assistance matters to you.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Audi A5 Sportback?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 323 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,667, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback's resale value?

The current average of $17,667 sits slightly below last year's $19,666.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at a strong price and keep the car in excellent condition, you can reduce the impact of further depreciation. The best resale prospects will usually come from well-equipped, clean-history examples with desirable options and strong maintenance records.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.86/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback safe?

The 2018 Audi A5 Sportback earns an overall score of 5 stars from NHTSA, but frontal-impact protection for the driver and front-seat passenger measures four-star.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Every A5 Sportback includes forward-collision warning, low-to-moderate-speed automatic emergency braking, occupant-preparation technology, and post-impact braking. Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Vehicle Exit Assist, while Prestige adds front and rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and the Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition.

The main caveat is the lower frontal-impact result, so if safety is a top priority, you should pay close attention to trim level and available driver-assistance equipment.

Should I buy a 2018 Audi A5 Sportback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for blending style, performance, and utility in a five-door hatchback body.

The bottom line: The 2018 is a smart choice if you want the A5 Sportback’s distinctive design and you’re focused on value in today’s market. If you’re especially price-sensitive, keep shopping the cleanest, best-documented examples and be ready to move quickly when you find one priced near the low end of the range.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.