2017 Audi A5 — Carivo review carivo.co
Coupe

2017 Audi A5

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $36,419–$48,451
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Coupe
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Audi A5

Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleCoupe
Base Price$36,419–$48,451

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Audi A5

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 →

How It Ranks Among Coupes

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 →

Which A5 Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Audi A5

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Audi A5 (2 on record)

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.

Common Questions — 2017 Audi A5

Is the 2017 Audi A5 reliable?

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).

How many recalls does the 2017 Audi A5 have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2017 Audi A5 worth buying?

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.

How much does the 2017 Audi A5 cost?

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.

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