Used 2021 Audi Q5 for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.23% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,206 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Audi Q5 earns a 4.75/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

The Q5 fits well if you want a comfortable, tech-forward luxury crossover with standard all-wheel drive and a polished, modern feel. It also stands out because Audi offers it as a plug-in hybrid, which adds electrified capability to the lineup.

The main trade-offs are that the styling is uninspired and the interior materials feel cheap in places. Advanced safety features are also not standard, so you may need to shop higher trims or options if those matter to you.

With 38.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you room to find a competitive price.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?

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

The Q5’s overall package points to solid day-to-day dependability, especially if you value a well-rounded luxury SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable, composed driving character. Its plug-in hybrid setup also adds complexity, but the model’s strong quality and thoughtful engineering help support confidence.

The performance notes emphasize a convincing powertrain, predictable braking, and a setup that can run on battery power alone for short trips or in hybrid mode when efficiency matters most. That flexibility can make ownership feel easier if you regularly mix commuting, errands, and longer drives.

The plug-in hybrid also includes the convenience of overnight charging on household current or faster charging on Level 2 power, and there are still federal tax credits available for this model year. For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is making sure the battery-related hardware and charging behavior are in good shape before you commit.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are strong but not universal. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important on a plug-in hybrid, since you want to confirm that the charging system, battery operation, and hybrid functions are working as intended. You should also pay close attention to trim content and option packages, because some desirable features are reserved for higher versions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim leaves out navigation, while the Premium Plus trim can add it and the Prestige trim includes it. The cabin is classy and modern, but the plug-in version’s S-Line trim pieces and 19-inch wheels help set it 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 state and returns 65 MPGe combined or 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode.
• Safety package: Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, a rearview camera, and TPMS are standard. 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.
• Infotainment: You get Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an integrated toll module standard. Navigation is available on Premium Plus and included with the Prestige Package.
• 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, but it is the trim where navigation is not available. It makes sense if you want the plug-in hybrid experience at the lowest starting price and can live without some of the nicer convenience and tech upgrades.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more of the desirable equipment without jumping all the way to the top price. It also makes navigation available as an option, which helps if you want a more complete tech setup.
• Prestige: This is the most fully equipped version, and it includes navigation plus the standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Choose this if you want the most premium-feeling Q5 PHEV and are willing to pay for it.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so if driver assistance matters to you, pay close attention to the available safety equipment on the trim you choose.

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 patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 38.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,206 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.23% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,118, 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 $22,118 sits slightly below last year's $25,198.

That price movement suggests the model has become more accessible for buyers, which can help support demand in the near term. For a future seller, that means you may be entering ownership at a more favorable price point than last year’s shoppers did.

The current market also shows a meaningful spread between the low and high end of the year-round range, which means condition, trim, and equipment will matter when it is time to resell. If you keep the vehicle well maintained and documented, you should be better positioned to stand out in a market where buyers are still comparing a lot of listings.

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?

The 2021 Audi Q5 hasn’t been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety yet, but the 2020 Q5 received top “good” ratings in every category except headlights, where it received a “marginal” rating. The 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model earned five stars from NHTSA.

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

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, rear child safety locks, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic immobilization, an anti-theft alarm, an interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights and taillights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and TPMS.

Available driver-assistance features include Audi Advanced Key, 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 may need to step up in trim or add options to get the full suite.

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:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 38.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Prices have softened 12.23% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Audi’s commitment to electrification is a key highlight this year, and the Q5 PHEV has offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain since 2020.

The bottom line: The 2021 Q5 makes the most sense if you want the plug-in hybrid version and you value a tech-rich, comfortable luxury SUV with standard all-wheel drive. If you are more price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on whichever one gives you the best combination of condition, equipment, and asking price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.