Used 2021 Audi Q5 for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.25% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,175 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $22,224.30, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Audi Q5 earns a 4.75/5 user rating and an 8.00/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

The Q5 fits well if you want a premium daily driver with standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and plug-in hybrid availability. Audi’s own summary points to electrification across the lineup, and this Q5 brings that idea into a compact luxury crossover that still feels familiar and easy to live with.

The trade-offs are clear: styling is uninspired, interior materials can feel cheap, and advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the combination of comfort, standard AWD, and added efficiency potential gives you a distinctive option in the class.

With 30.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still leaves room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Q5’s appeal is built around comfort, quality, and everyday usefulness, and the expert review reinforces that it feels like a thoughtfully engineered premium crossover. Its plug-in hybrid setup also adds an efficiency-focused layer without changing the core mission of the vehicle.

The performance notes point to a convincing powertrain setup, with the electric motor supporting the turbocharged engine for strong acceleration and efficient low-demand driving. The cost-effectiveness notes also highlight that the plug-in hybrid can qualify for federal tax credits, which can help offset ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the battery, charging behavior, and hybrid system have been cared for properly, since those components matter more here than on a conventional gas-only SUV.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Audi Q5?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a plug-in hybrid where charging, battery operation, and hybrid-system behavior matter. Focus on overall condition, because the Q5’s value proposition depends heavily on whether it still feels refined and well kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim does not include navigation, while higher trims add more convenience and luxury equipment. The plug-in model also wears S-Line trim pieces and enhancements that help it stand apart visually.
• Powertrain: The plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh battery for 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. It can drive on battery power alone for up to 20 miles depending on charge, and it returns 65 MPGe combined or 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode.
• Safety package: Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and a rearview camera are standard, while Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system are available. Advanced safety features are not standard.
• Infotainment: You get an MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an integrated toll module standard on all models. Navigation is included with the Prestige Package and available on Premium Plus, but not on the base model.
• Fuel efficiency: The plug-in hybrid is rated at 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode.

Which 2021 Audi Q5 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Audi Q5 is offered in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

Here's the short version:

• Premium: This is the entry point, and it gives you the plug-in hybrid Q5 experience at the lowest starting price. It makes sense if you want the core powertrain and standard all-wheel drive without paying for extra luxury and tech features.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim if you want a stronger equipment mix, because navigation is available here and it opens the door to more convenience and audio upgrades. It’s the trim to target if you want the most balanced blend of price and features.
• Prestige: This is the most fully equipped version, and it includes the Navigation Package plus the standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Choose it if you want the most upscale tech and comfort experience.

Advanced safety features are available rather than standard, so check the equipment list carefully on any trim you consider.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Audi Q5?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile opportunities.

• Deal availability: 30.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,175 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.25% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,224.30, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Audi Q5's resale value?

The current average of $22,417 sits slightly below last year's $25,546.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re thinking about future value, the current softness means your purchase price matters a lot.

The good news is that the Q5 still has a strong premium identity, standard all-wheel drive, and plug-in hybrid appeal, all of which can help it stay attractive to used shoppers. Well-equipped examples should hold up better than stripped or poorly maintained ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 safe?

It earns good ratings in every IIHS category except headlights, where it received a marginal rating on the related Q5 model, and the gasoline model earned five-star ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Audi Pre Sense basic is standard, along with six airbags, anti-lock braking with brake assist, low-speed collision assist, rear child safety locks, electronic stability control, a rearview camera, and TPMS. Available driver-assistance features include Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you’ll want to confirm exactly which driver-assistance items are fitted on the used example you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2021 Audi Q5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

• 30.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.25% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model stands out for its plug-in hybrid availability, standard all-wheel drive, and strong technology package.

The bottom line: If you want the Q5 with electrified capability and strong tech, the 2021 is the year to focus on. If you’re mainly shopping on price, you can still find attractive listings, but you should compare condition and equipment closely because the best value will depend on trim and options rather than year alone.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.