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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Wagon |
| Base Price | $99,918–$131,685 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Audi RS 6 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this wagon. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.4/10, while Value at 5.7/10 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 7.9/10 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 6 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 9.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $99,918–$131,685, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Audi RS 6 sits in the luxury tier of the wagon market. The value score of 5.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. 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.
Our take: The 2021 Audi RS 6 is a solid, well-rounded wagon 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 →
The 2021 Audi RS 6 ranks #25 of 26 wagons in the Carivo database — better than 8% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.9/10. Its $99,918 starting price is about 101% above the segment's median of $49,682.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Wagon ranking →
Across the RS 6 model years we've scored, the 2021 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $113,094 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $113,094 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $109,800 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $106,506 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $103,212 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $99,918 |
We rate the 2021 Audi RS 6's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #25 of 26 wagons in our database (better than 8% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Audi RS 6 starts at $99,918 and ranges up to $131,685 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.