2017 Audi A5
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Base Price | $36,419–$48,451 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2017 Audi A5 at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this coupe. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional coupe — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.0/10, reliability is one of this coupe's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 9.0/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.3/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $36,419–$48,451, 21 MPG, seating 4, the Audi A5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the coupe segment. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Audi A5 is a passable coupe but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Audi A5 ranks #82 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $36,419 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $47,314 by about 23%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →
Across the A5 model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $47,483 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $47,483 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $46,100 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $44,717 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $43,334 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $41,951 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $40,568 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $39,185 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $37,802 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $36,419 | |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $35,036 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $33,653 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Engine and engine cooling / Cooling system 03/01/2017 · 17V002000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an… |
|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling / Cooling system 11/04/2018 · 18V229000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2017 Audi A5's reliability 9.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #82 of 110 coupes in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2017 Audi A5 starts at $36,419 and ranges up to $48,451 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.