Audi RS 5
4 model years from 2013 to 2018, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2013–2018
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 18–21 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2013 (6)
- Fewest problems
- 2015
The 2018 RS 5 in brief
The 2018 Audi RS 5 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.9L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,990 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 11% worse than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
The Audi RS 5 has 4 model years in our data, from 2013 to 2018.
Its most efficient year was 2018 at 21 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 18 to 21 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the power train (5), service brakes (4), unknown or other (2).
Buying used? 2015 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2018 is the year to avoid.
2018 has the most recalls (3); all years together count 3 campaigns and 14 owner complaints.
How the 2013 RS 5 compares
The 2013 Audi RS 5 is a subcompact car offered with a 4.2L 8-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 18% worse than the 2013 subcompact car average of 22 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
2018 RS 5 pros & cons
Full 2018 details →What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2015 RS 5
2 owner complaints · 0 recalls
Year to avoid2018 RS 5
1 owner complaint · 3 recalls
Most reported: Unknown Or Other
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
RS 5 changes by model year
- 2018
- New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 4.2L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 18 to 21
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 4 model years side by side
Alternatives to the 2018 RS 5
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →