Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Audi A5
Our scoring places the 2020 Audi A5 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this coupe. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.4/10. The Audi A5 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $40,568–$48,776, 24 MPG, seating 4, the Audi A5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the coupe segment. The 7.0/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 6 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 2020 Audi A5 is a solid, well-rounded coupe that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2020 Audi A5 ranks #60 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 46% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $40,568 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $47,314 by about 14%.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which A5 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Audi A5 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.5 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Audi A5 (4 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 with our free VIN recall checker.
Tires 26/01/2022 · 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet,…
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare…
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan,…
Seats 10/11/2021 · 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2020 Audi A5 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Audi A5
Is the 2020 Audi A5 reliable?
We rate the 2020 Audi A5's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 4 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 2020 Audi A5 have?
4 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 2020 Audi A5 worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #60 of 110 coupes in our database (better than 46% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Audi A5 cost?
The 2020 Audi A5 starts at $40,568 and ranges up to $48,776 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which A5 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest A5 years we've rated are 2016 (7.2/10), 2015 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.7/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2020 Audi A5 have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Audi A5 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Tires, Exterior lighting, Suspension, Seats (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi A5
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More Audi Reviews
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