Used 2021 Audi Q5 for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.08% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,278 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Audi Q5 earns a 4.8/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

The Q5 stands out because it brings a plug-in hybrid option to Audi’s top-selling vehicle, giving you added efficiency potential in a luxury compact SUV. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive and is described as comfortable with impressive technology, which makes it a strong fit if you want a refined daily driver rather than something flashy or overtly sporty.

The trade-offs are worth weighing: styling is described as uninspired, interior materials feel cheap, and advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the model’s blend of comfort, technology, and available plug-in hybrid capability gives it a clear identity.

Good and great deals account for 41.1% of listings, so you have a decent chance of finding a competitive price.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Q5’s appeal leans on its comfort, standard all-wheel drive, and upscale daily-driver mission, and the plug-in hybrid setup adds another layer of usefulness for buyers who want efficiency without giving up luxury-SUV practicality. Its performance content also points to a convincing, well-rounded driving experience with strong acceleration and efficient hybrid operation.

The plug-in hybrid system is described as innovative, with battery-assisted driving modes that help you use electric power when it makes the most sense. The cost-effectiveness content also notes that the model can qualify for federal tax credits, which can improve the ownership equation if you’re shopping carefully.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the hybrid system, charging behavior, and overall condition have been maintained properly.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate and pay close attention to service records, prior damage, and whether the plug-in hybrid system has been used and maintained as expected. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with optional equipment. Focus on overall condition, charging-related functionality, and whether the cabin and electronics show signs of heavy wear.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The plug-in Q5 wears S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, and it looks even better with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. The base model does not include navigation, while the Premium Plus trim can add it and the Prestige trim includes it.
• Powertrain: The plug-in hybrid setup combines 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 only for up to 20 miles depending on state of charge, and it returns 65 MPGe combined or 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode.
• Safety package: Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock braking with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control with off-road mode, 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.
• Infotainment: You get Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen, the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an integrated toll module standard on all Q5 models. Navigation is available on Premium Plus and standard on Prestige.
• Fuel efficiency: The plug-in hybrid returns 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’s the trim to consider if you want the PHEV powertrain and standard all-wheel drive without paying for extra luxury and tech upgrades.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more flexibility, including available navigation, while keeping the Q5’s core strengths intact. If you want a better-equipped cabin without jumping all the way to the top trim, this is the one to focus on.
• 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 upscale tech and convenience package in the lineup.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so if driver-assistance equipment matters to you, check the specific vehicle carefully.

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

It looks like a buyer’s market for this model year, with solid deal availability and a healthy supply of listings.

• Deal availability: 41.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,278 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.08% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,268, 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 $21,268 sits slightly below last year's $24,189.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper what a future seller can expect in the near term. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to limit depreciation pain later. The plug-in hybrid angle may also help the model stand out to shoppers who value efficiency and premium features.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, 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 IIHS yet, but the 2020 Q5 received top “good” ratings in every category except headlights, where it received a “marginal” rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars but has not yet rated the PHEV.

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

Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock braking with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks in the rear doors, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, LATCH connectors on outboard rear seats, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Available driver-assistance features include Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

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:

• 41.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.08% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Audi’s electrification push shows up here in the form of a PHEV powertrain, giving you a distinctive plug-in hybrid option in the Q5 lineup.

The bottom line: The 2021 Q5 makes sense if you want the plug-in hybrid version of Audi’s compact luxury SUV and you value comfort, technology, and standard all-wheel drive. If you’re mainly shopping on price, the softened market and decent inventory make this a good year to target; if you want a broader feature set, compare carefully against other model years and trim levels before you decide.

How does the 2021 Audi Q5 compare to the 2021 BMW X3?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Audi Q5:

• Pros: Standard all-wheel drive, Comfortable, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Interior materials feel cheap, Advanced safety features are not standard.

2021 BMW X3:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Impressive technology.
• Cons: On the expensive end of the segment.

Our experts score the 2021 Audi Q5 8/10 and the 2021 BMW X3 7.5/10. The Q5 has the edge in expert scoring and offers standard all-wheel drive plus a comfort-first personality, while the X3 stands out for multiple powertrain options. The Q5 also has the lower average used price and a slightly stronger good-and-great deal share, which may make it the easier buy if you want value and tech together.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.