Review and specifications
2026 Audi A5
For 2025, Audi consolidated almost its entire lineup of small luxury cars into the A5 and its sporty S5 variant, replacing the A4 sedan, A4 Allroad wagon, S4, and the A5 coupe and convertible. The A4 is replaced by a redesigned version of what is now called the A5 Sportback, which is a four-door model with a hatchback-like trunk opening. There are only two engine options: The A5 gets a 268-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder, while the S5 gets a 362-hp, turbocharged V6. All A5/S5 models have all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We found the A5 pleasant and confidence-inspiring to drive, with quick steering, well-controlled body roll, and strong brakes, which make it an engaging car to hustle along a curvy road. It also benefits from a quiet cabin, comfortable front seats, and the added cargo-carrying ability that comes with its hatchback design. The overall experience is marred by two fairly glaring issues: The first is the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission’s lurching and hesitation at low speeds. The other sore point is the A5’s unintuitive controls, many of which are frustrating to use while driving. The outgoing A4 and A5 Sportback were sold alongside the new A5 for a short time.
- Market value
- $41,450
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door hatchback
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Sequential, 7-speed
- Category
- Luxury small cars
- Generation began
- 2025
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $41,450
- Retail value range
- $37,925 - $43,850
- Original MSRP range
- $50,200 - $63,300
- Trade-in range
- $35,330 - $40,800
Ratings
- Road test score
- 81/100
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Expert recommendation
- Recommended
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 22 MPG
- EPA highway
- 31 MPG
- EPA combined
- 26 MPG
- Tested city
- 17 MPG
- Tested highway
- 42 MPG
- Tested overall
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,790
- Cruising range
- 400 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.7 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 6.7 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 124 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 54 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 190 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 57 in
- Wheelbase
- 114 in
- Weight
- 4,115 lb
- Maximum load
- 990 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 5 in
- Front leg room
- 43 in
- Rear head room
- 1 in
- Rear leg room
- 29 in
- Cargo volume
- 22.5 cu ft
- Luggage
- 3+1+2
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 4/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Audi
<p>Audi sells a wide range of sedans and SUVs with luxurious interiors and lots of technology. Several of its SUVs and sedans have earned CR’s recommendation for balancing driver and passenger comfort with smooth power and nimble handling. In most cases, buyers shopping for sedans and SUVs in the luxury category should consider Audi’s options. Fit and finish quality reaches even the lowest-priced models. However, like most luxury cars from European brands, maintenance and repair costs can be expensive, making used Audis difficult to recommend. Typically, Audi identifies sedans with the letter A, SUVs with the letter Q, and numbers that increase according to size. The Q3 is a compact crossover while the Q7 is a three-row SUV. Models that start with S or RS are tuned for performance and have more power, stiffer suspension, and more aerodynamic exterior details. All-electric models have the E-tron suffix.</p>
Vehicle ID: 40203 First published: February 17, 2026 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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