Used 2021 Audi Q5 for Sale near Washington

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?

Prices have softened 12.14% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,234 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 a good car?

Yes — the 4.75/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8.00/10. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

The Q5 fits buyers who want a comfortable luxury crossover with standard all-wheel drive and a strong technology focus. It also brings a classy, modern cabin and impressive fit and finish, which helps it feel upscale in daily use.

The main trade-offs are its uninspired styling, cheap-feeling interior materials, and the fact that advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the overall package is compelling if you value comfort and tech over flash.

37.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you have 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 is reinforced by its upscale feel, standard all-wheel drive, and well-rounded everyday usability. Its plug-in hybrid setup also adds flexibility, with electric driving available for short trips and hybrid operation for longer commutes.

The performance setup is described as innovative and convincing, with strong acceleration and efficient operation when the battery is in play. That kind of balanced engineering can be a plus for long-term ownership if you keep up with charging and routine maintenance.

If you buy used, the biggest ownership risk is making sure the battery, charging behavior, and hybrid systems have been cared for properly.

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 history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a plug-in hybrid. Focus on overall condition, charging equipment, and whether the vehicle has been maintained consistently.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim is the least expensive way in, but navigation is not available on it, while the Premium Plus trim can add it and the Prestige trim includes it. The Prestige trim also gets the Bang & Olufsen audio system standard, so higher trims are the better fit if you want more convenience and luxury equipment.
• 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 up to 20 miles of battery-only driving and 65 MPGe combined.
• Safety package: Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard. 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.
• Infotainment: You get Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen, the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Navigation is included with the Prestige Package, available on Premium Plus, and not available on the base model.
• Fuel efficiency: The plug-in hybrid is rated at 65 MPGe combined in electric-assisted driving 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 PHEV experience at the lowest starting price. It gives you the core plug-in hybrid hardware and standard all-wheel drive, but you give up some convenience and tech upgrades that show up higher in the range.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it unlocks more of the Q5’s desirable tech and convenience features, including the option for navigation. If you want a more complete luxury experience without jumping to the top trim, this is the one to target.
• Prestige: This is the most fully equipped version, and it’s the right pick if you want the most premium tech and convenience content. It includes navigation and makes the Bang & Olufsen audio system standard.

Advanced safety features are not standard.

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 listings.

• Deal availability: 37.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,234 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.14% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,980, 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 $21,980 sits slightly below last year's $25,018.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can make the Q5 more attractive to used buyers today. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment level rather than just model-year desirability.

Higher-trim examples with stronger equipment and cleaner histories should be easier to position when you eventually sell. A well-kept Q5 with desirable tech and a strong ownership record should still draw interest from shoppers looking for a premium compact SUV.

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 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-star ratings.

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, power child safety locks, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, an anti-theft alarm, an interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights and taillights, LATCH connectors, 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.

The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you’ll want to check the equipment list carefully on any used example.

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:

• 37.5% 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 12.14% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Audi’s plug-in hybrid Q5 brings a 362-hp electrified powertrain, 65 MPGe combined, and a tech-heavy cabin with the 10.1-inch MMI system and 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus.

The bottom line: The 2021 Q5 is the better choice if you want the plug-in hybrid version, strong tech, and a market that currently favors buyers. If you’re mainly shopping on price, a nearby model year may be worth comparing, but the 2021 stands out for its electrified powertrain and current value trend.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.