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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 25 / 34 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 311 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $47,150–$55,881 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2018 Audi A6 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.0/10, while Value at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — 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. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 9.0/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.5/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $47,150–$55,881, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A6 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Audi A6, but it needs the right buyer. Its value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2018 Audi A6 ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $47,150 starting price is about 70% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Audi A6 scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.2 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $59,225 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $59,225 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $57,500 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $55,775 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $54,050 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $52,325 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $50,600 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $48,875 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $47,150 | |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $45,425 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $43,700 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $41,975 | 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.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Fuel injection system / Fuel rail 16/01/2019 · 19V035000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel. |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 04/06/2018 · 18V370000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
