Used 2021 Audi Q5 for Sale nearSacramento, CA

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,250 listings available, which suggests a healthy 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’s appeal comes from its plug-in hybrid setup, standard all-wheel drive, comfort, and impressive technology. It feels polished and easy to live with, and the cabin presentation is upscale and modern.

The main trade-offs are uninspired styling and interior materials that can feel cheap, and advanced safety features are not standard. If you want a luxury compact SUV that emphasizes refinement and everyday usability, this model year fits that brief well.

39.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some 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 reliability case is helped by its polished overall execution, standard all-wheel drive, and a powertrain setup that blends gasoline and electric assistance in a way that should feel familiar and manageable in daily use. The plug-in hybrid system also adds flexibility, letting you drive on battery power for short trips or use hybrid mode when efficiency matters most.

Its performance content points to convincing acceleration, predictable braking, and a setup that can be recharged overnight at home or more quickly on Level 2 power. That kind of straightforward ownership routine is a plus for used buyers who want a premium SUV without a complicated learning curve.

If you buy used, the biggest long-term risk is making sure the plug-in hybrid hardware and battery-related systems have been maintained and used properly.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any specific listing and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a plug-in hybrid model where you want to confirm charging behavior and overall system health. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the equipment you care about is actually present on the trim you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim leaves out some equipment that appears on higher trims, including navigation, and the cabin’s upscale feel is strongest when you move up the range.
• Powertrain: The plug-in hybrid setup pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack for a combined 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, plus up to 20 miles of battery-only driving depending on state of charge.
• Safety package: Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard, while features such as 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.
• Infotainment: You get Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an integrated toll module; navigation is standard on the Prestige trim and available on Premium Plus.
• 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 convenience and tech.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it opens the door to more available equipment, including navigation as an option, while staying below the top trim’s price.
• Prestige: This is the most fully equipped version, and it’s the one to choose if you want the richest tech and convenience content, including standard navigation and the standard Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so if driver-assistance tech matters to you, pay close attention to the equipment list on the specific trim and vehicle you’re considering.

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 deals.

• Deal availability: 39.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,250 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,558, 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 $21,558 sits slightly below last year's $24,689.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition so you’re not competing against a softer market.

The Q5’s premium badge, strong technology, and broad appeal should still support demand, especially for well-equipped examples with clean history reports. If you maintain it carefully, you’ll be in a better position to preserve value when it’s time to sell.

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, and the gasoline model earned five-star ratings 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, an anti-theft alarm, a rearview camera, LED lighting, LATCH anchors, and tire-pressure monitoring. 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.

A key caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you’ll want to verify exactly which driver-assistance items are included on the specific vehicle you’re shopping.

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:

• 39.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Audi’s electrification push shows up here in the form of a plug-in hybrid Q5, which adds a useful efficiency-focused option to the lineup.

The bottom line: The 2021 Q5 makes the most sense if you want the plug-in hybrid version, strong tech, and a market that currently favors careful shoppers. If you’re more price-sensitive and don’t need the PHEV setup, a different year may give you a broader set of choices, but the 2021 remains a compelling pick when you find the right listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.