2019 Audi RS 5 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Coupe

2019 Audi RS 5

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $68,425–$85,639
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Coupe
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Audi RS 5

Engine2.9L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG18 / 27 MPG
Combined MPG21 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,900
CO₂ Emissions422 g/mi
Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleCoupe
Base Price$68,425–$85,639

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

About the 2019 Audi RS 5

Our scoring places the 2019 Audi RS 5 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this coupe. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.4/10, 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.1/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.6/10 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 9.4/10. The Audi RS 5 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.9/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $68,425–$85,639, 16 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 7 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 2019 Audi RS 5 is a solid, well-rounded coupe that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability and value — 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 2019 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 $68,425 starting price is about 45% above the segment's median of $47,314.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →

Which RS 5 Year Should You Buy?

Across the RS 5 model years we've scored, the 2019 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting 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 (this review) 7.5/10$68,425
2018 7.5/10$66,010 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Audi RS 5

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Audi RS 5 (1 on record)

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…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2019 Audi RS 5

Is the 2019 Audi RS 5 reliable?

We rate the 2019 Audi RS 5's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2019 Audi RS 5 have?

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

Is the 2019 Audi RS 5 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 2019 Audi RS 5 cost?

The 2019 Audi RS 5 starts at $68,425 and ranges up to $85,639 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Audi RS 5

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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