Used 2021 Audi Q5 for Sale nearPalatine, IL

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.33% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,197 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $22,224.40, 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 8/10 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 premium daily driver with added efficiency potential. It also brings a classy, modern design and strong fit and finish, so you get a polished luxury crossover rather than a stripped-down entry model.

The main trade-offs are uninspired styling, interior materials that can feel cheap, and advanced safety features that are not standard. That means you should weigh the Q5’s comfort-and-tech strengths against the equipment you want at the trim level you’re considering.

37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there’s still 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 for long-term ownership starts with its premium feel, standard all-wheel drive, and comfortable ride, which are the kinds of traits that tend to age well when the vehicle is maintained properly. Its plug-in hybrid setup also adds efficiency potential, and the overall package is positioned as a refined daily driver rather than a high-strung performance SUV.

The expert evaluation also points to a well-built cabin with strong materials and a thoughtful layout, which supports confidence in day-to-day use. The performance write-up highlights a convincing powertrain setup and predictable braking, both of which are good signs for a used luxury SUV.

If you’re buying used, the biggest long-term risk is that a premium, tech-heavy plug-in hybrid can become expensive 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 81.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not universal. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the hybrid system, charging behavior, tire condition, and any signs that the vehicle’s technology or driver-assistance features have been neglected. Pay extra attention to cabin wear and material condition, since the interior is a major part of the Q5’s value proposition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more, since navigation is not available on it and some desirable equipment is reserved for higher trims or packages. The Premium Plus and Prestige trims add more of the features that make the Q5 feel fully loaded.
• Powertrain: The plug-in hybrid setup pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh battery. It delivers 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, low-speed collision assist, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are included, while available features include 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. Advanced driver-assistance features are not standard.
• Infotainment: You get a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an integrated toll module. Navigation is available on Premium Plus and included with Prestige.
• 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 makes sense if you want the Q5’s core plug-in hybrid experience at the lowest starting price. It gives you the standard tech and efficiency benefits, but you give up some of the convenience and premium features that make the higher trims feel more complete.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it unlocks more of the Q5’s desirable equipment without jumping all the way to the top price. Navigation is available here, and it’s the trim to target if you want a better balance of features and cost.
• Prestige: This is the trim to choose if you want the most fully equipped Q5. It includes the Navigation Package and makes the Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system standard, so it suits you best if you want the most upscale version of the plug-in hybrid.

Advanced safety features are available rather than standard, so check the exact equipment list on any used example before you buy.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,197 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.33% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,224.40, 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 $22,309 sits slightly below last year's $25,446.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that also means your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment, because the broader market has softened.

If you keep the vehicle well maintained and preserve its premium features, you should be in a better position when it’s time to sell. The plug-in hybrid setup and strong technology content can help support demand, especially among shoppers looking for a luxury SUV with efficiency potential.

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 2020 Q5 gasoline model received top “good” ratings in every IIHS category except headlights, where it received a “marginal” rating. The 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model earned five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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

Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, a rearview camera, and TPMS are included, while available driver-assistance features include 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. Advanced safety features are not standard, so you should confirm exactly what’s fitted on the used example you’re considering.

The headlight result is the main caveat to keep in mind, and it’s worth checking whether the vehicle you’re shopping has the lighting and driver-assistance equipment you want.

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 81.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.33% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Audi’s plug-in hybrid Q5 brings electrification to the lineup while keeping standard all-wheel drive and strong technology.

The bottom line: The 2021 Q5 makes the most sense if you want the plug-in hybrid version of Audi’s compact luxury SUV and value standard all-wheel drive, comfort, and strong tech. If you’re more price-sensitive, you can use the softened market and decent inventory to shop carefully for a well-equipped example rather than rushing into the first one you see.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.