How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.29% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,176 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $22,225.38, 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 is a good car, with a 4.75/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

The Q5’s appeal is rooted in its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, and plug-in hybrid availability, which make it a strong fit if you want a premium daily driver with added efficiency potential. It also brings a polished cabin and impressive tech, including a modern touchscreen setup and a customizable digital instrument cluster.

The main trade-offs are uninspired styling, interior materials that can feel cheap, and the fact that advanced safety features are not standard. Those drawbacks matter most if you want a luxury SUV that feels especially rich inside or comes fully loaded with driver assistance right away.

Even with those compromises, the Q5’s combination of comfort, technology, and electrified capability makes it a compelling choice for shoppers who value efficiency and refinement. 37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still attractive opportunities in the market.

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 toward solid day-to-day dependability: it emphasizes comfort, standard all-wheel drive, and a well-developed plug-in hybrid setup rather than chasing complexity for its own sake. The performance notes also suggest a thoughtfully engineered powertrain, with the electric motor supporting the gasoline engine in boost, coasting, and low-demand situations.

It also offers a useful ownership perk in the form of available federal tax credits, which can help offset some of the higher upfront cost of the plug-in hybrid model. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a premium PHEV can be more expensive to keep up if prior maintenance or charging habits were inconsistent.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because even a strong accident-free share doesn’t guarantee the individual vehicle you’re considering has a clean past. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the hybrid system, charging behavior, and overall wear, especially if the vehicle has seen frequent short-trip use.

Pay close attention to how the cabin materials, electronics, and safety equipment function, since this model’s appeal depends heavily on its premium feel and technology. If the listing includes options or packages, confirm that the features you want are actually present on the specific vehicle.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base version leaves out navigation, and advanced safety features are not standard, so you should confirm which convenience and driver-assistance items are included before you buy.
• Powertrain: The plug-in hybrid setup adds 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque for a total of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, with 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode.
• Safety package: Audi Pre Sense basic is standard, while 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.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, and navigation is available on the Premium Plus trim level 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:

• Base trim: Premium gives you the entry point, but you’ll want to verify the equipment list carefully because navigation is not available on the base model and advanced safety features are not standard.
• Sweet-spot trim: Premium Plus is the best value if you want a stronger feature mix, since navigation is available here and it sits below the top trim without giving up the core Q5 experience.
• Premium/top trim: Prestige is the most complete choice, with navigation included through the Prestige Package and the Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system standard.

Close attention should be paid to the available safety and driver-assistance features, since the standard package is solid but not especially comprehensive.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,176 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.29% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,225.38, 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 $22,470 sits slightly below last year's $25,620.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can work in your favor if you’re buying now but may pressure resale returns if you plan to sell soon. A softer market often means future sellers need to price more competitively to attract attention.

The good news is that the Q5 still has clear appeal thanks to its comfort, technology, and plug-in hybrid positioning. 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 Q5 PHEV 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 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.

Audi Pre Sense basic is standard, and 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. Advanced safety features are not standard, so you should confirm exactly which systems are included on the vehicle you’re considering.

The main caveat is the headlight result noted in the prior model’s crash testing, which is worth keeping in mind if you drive often at night.

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:

• 37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.29% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Audi’s plug-in hybrid setup gives this year a distinctive electrified angle within the Q5 lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the Q5 with plug-in hybrid appeal and a softer used-car price, the 2021 model is the one to target. If you’re mainly shopping on price and want the broadest pool of alternatives, you can also compare nearby model years to see whether a different Q5 offers a better feature mix or a lower entry cost.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.