carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $52,325–$64,089 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2021 Audi A6 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 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. We rate the Audi A6's reliability at 8.8/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.8/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
The 8.7/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $52,325–$64,089, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A6 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Audi A6, but it needs the right buyer. 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 2021 Audi A6 ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $52,325 starting price is about 89% 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 2018 Audi A6 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $52,325 | |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $50,600 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $48,875 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $47,150 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Seat belts / Rear/other / Retractor 05/08/2021 · 21V606000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8,… |
|---|---|
| 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,… |
| Air bags 10/03/2021 · 21V159000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly. |
| Electrical system 02/12/2020 · 20V749000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors. |
| Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-powered axle assembly 26/04/2021 · 21V295000 | 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,… |
Showing 5 of 11 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
