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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.9L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 18 / 26 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 419 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Base Price | $66,010–$77,416 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2018 Audi RS 5 earns a Recommended rating among the coupes we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.2/10, while Value at 6.1/10 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 rate reliability at 6.2/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 9.2/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a coupe you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.8/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $66,010–$77,416, 15 MPG, seating 4, the Audi RS 5 sits in the luxury tier of the coupe market. The value score of 6.1/10 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: Think of the 2018 Audi RS 5 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability and value are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 RS 5 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 $66,010 starting price is about 40% above the segment's median of $47,314.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →
Across the RS 5 model years we've scored, the 2018 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $82,915 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $80,500 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $78,085 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $75,670 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.7/10 | $73,255 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $70,840 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $68,425 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $66,010 |
The following recall campaign has 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.
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 24/07/2019 · 19V547000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other coupes 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.
