2021 Audi A4 Review

Name: 2021 Audi A4 Review
Brand: Audi
Rating: 4.4 (40 reviews)

Price Range: $22,980 - $35,995

2021 Audi A4 Prestige S line 45 TFSI quattro Sedan Exterior Shown

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2021 Audi A4 Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Cabin looks cool and is impeccably constructed
Advanced and easy-to-use safety and tech features
Back seat is spacious enough for adults
Turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration in the A4 45 TFSI

Cons

Lack of feedback from steering limits driver involvement

What's new

13-horsepower increase for the four-cylinder engine
All-wheel drive is now standard
More standard tech and driver aids
Part of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017

Overview

In the small luxury sedan world, you have the Big Three — the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 — and everyone else. Of the vaunted trio, the 2021 Audi A4 is our favorite. It offers an opulent interior just like the C-Class and the driving dynamics promised — but not quite fulfilled — by the latest 3 Series. Even better, it does this while typically costing thousands of dollars less.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$168/mo

$160/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Last year, Audi updated the A4 with its latest MMI interface that includes a larger infotainment screen and new touchscreen capability. Audi has included even more goodies on the 2021 model. The four-cylinder engine has an additional 13 horsepower and includes a 12-volt mild hybrid system. The 12-volt component should make the engine stop-start system a bit smoother in operation and also slightly reduces fuel consumption. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive powertrain is now standard equipment, as are lane departure warning and wireless Apple CarPlay.

We certainly recommend checking out the A4 if you're in the market for a small luxury sedan. Its numerous strengths, few faults and affordable price tag — along with Audi's preference for continuous updates — add up to an appealing package that must be driven to be appreciated.

Which A4 does Edmunds recommend?

Selecting a powertrain is easy: The 45 TFSI adds a lot more power for a reasonable price, so we say start there. As for trim levels, stick with the base Premium trim and add the optional Convenience package for the best value. This gets you a pleasing mix of premium features and keeps the cost in check.

2021 Audi A4 models

The 2021 Audi A4 is a small sedan sold in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Each comes with your choice of turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The entry-level 40 TFSI produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 TFSI (also called the S line) ups the output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard.

Premium
The Premium is the least expensive model in the lineup, but it's far from bare-bones. It's loaded with:

17-inch wheels (40 TFSI only)
18-inch wheels (45 TFSI only)
LED headlights
Sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Three-zone climate control
Front sport seats (45 TFSI only)
Heated front seats
Leather upholstery
10.1-inch touchscreen
Wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

Options for the A4 Premium include:

Convenience package

Keyless ignition and entry
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Driver-seat memory settings
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Satellite radio

18-inch wheels

Premium Plus
The Premium Plus adds:

Convenience package
18-inch wheels
Power-folding mirrors
Digital gauge cluster
Armrests covered in faux leather
Rear USB ports
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A4 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)

The Premium Plus can be further outfitted with:

Ventilated front seats (paired with front sport seats on the 40 TFSI's Warm Weather package)
Navigation package

Navigation system
Audi connected services

19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system

Prestige
The range-topping Prestige includes:

Sound-reducing front side windows
Configurable ambient lighting
Ventilated front sport seats
Heated rear seats
19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
Navigation system
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

All A4 trims can be ordered with:

Black Optic package (45 TFSI only)

Black-painted wheels and exterior trim

S line interior package (45 TFSI only)

Aluminum interior trim
Leather/faux suede combination upholstery

19-inch wheels (45 TFSI only)
Sport-tuned suspension
Rear side airbags

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#35 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A4 from 2008-2022.}

$607/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.16x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.7%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Audi A4.

5 (75%)

4 (5%)

3 (10%)

2 (5%)

1 (5%)

4.4

40 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 40 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Still a top notch entry-level sports sedan

A4_times_2, 03/27/2019

2019 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

This is my second A4 in the current body style. I leased a very early production 2017 A4 Quattro and just replaced it with a 2019 A4 Quattro Premium Plus. I decided to lease another A4 for a few reasons. First, I really enjoyed my old A4. Second, I wasn't overwhelmed by the new S60 and BMW 3 series, and I am not quite ready to go for a Tesla. The pros of the A4 start with the Virtual … Cockpit infotainment system. If you don't get it, you're missing a huge selling point for the car. Virtual Cockpit is no longer the newest system on the block, but it is still excellent. Having the large Google Earth map with traffic info right in front of me while dealing with LA rush hour traffic is a huge plus. It isn't an annoying touchscreen system, which makes it less distracting. You do have to take a little time to learn all the features offered and set it up to your liking (it's worth spending time digging through all the menus), but once you're done, it's pretty intuitive. Virtual Cockpit is fast and it appears to be a little snappier than 2017 version. The rest of the interior is well put together and high quality. I am 6'2" with a big frame (size 14 feet, broad shoulders) and I fit really well in the driver seat. The sport seat with the extendable thigh support is a must for me given my body size. Also, the extendable and height adjustable center armrest is a fantastic detail that you don't see in a lot of non-VW/Audi cars. This is actually one of the few cars where my right knee isn't squeezed by the center console and dash. This was mentioned as a problem by another reviewer, but I haven't had this issue. Even the Honda Accord, which is a bigger car overall, didn't fit me well. In terms of performance, the '45' engine has plenty of power, especially low in the rev band. This is helpful for quick starts or squirting through tight openings. It's not earth shattering, but it certainly gets the job done and is class competitive. The ride seems a little tighter and more composed than in my old A4. It may be just that the car is new or they could have tweaked the suspension, but I definitely feel it. The car feels really solid and stable, though not cushy, even on nasty LA roads. I wouldn't call it super sporty, but the ride definitely has a premium feel and cabin noise is limited. The downsides of the A4 aren't huge, but they are there. Reliability could be a question mark. My 2017, again a very early model, had some 'teething problems' that I hope don't happen with the new car. The right side mirror motor failed, a parking sensor failed and I had a defective brake pad. So far, no issues with the new one. Styling is fine, but it won't turn heads. They cleaned up the exhaust area and tweaked the front end for 2019. Other nags: The 'kick' trunk opening feature is a pain on this model. Before, it would work if you 'kicked' right under the center of the rear end. Now, it's toward the left side and very hit or miss. You can't get adaptive cruise control or a 360 camera without getting the expensive Prestige trim. This is annoying considering cars half the price now at least have adaptive cruise. Also, Audi Connect, which includes the Google Earth maps, is expensive at $49.99 a month. For me, it's worth it, but it may not be for everyone. Overall, even with the nits, this is still a fantastic car that I love driving every day. I would highly recommend it.

The best mid Luxury sedan, top Ranked Reliability

RW, 08/31/2020

2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I compared the A4 Quattro to the Mercedes C, BMW 3 series, Lexus and Volvo. The Audi does everything so well that I couldn’t find much to complain about. 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds With 40mpg’s highway is great. The DSG transmission is incredible with smooth crisp Shifting between gears. Consumer reports gives the A4 a very high rating that’s top in its class with excellent reliability for …

Luxury is in the details.

Kevin, 11/02/2020

2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

There are so many cars out there that selecting one can be a daunting task. So, first and foremost, you need to know what you are looking for. I bought my A4 2020, 2 months ago, and while it is a short time, I hope help someone who might be struggling with the decision to buy one. It is a great car, but it is not an out of the world car. You will hear many people say that Audi cars are …

A4 — Safety, Technology, Power, Good Looks!

Spooky Singer, 05/04/2021

2021 Audi A4 Premium Plus S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)

‘21 A4 45 Premium + S-Line offers top safety ratings, amazing tech, a responsive and efficient power plant as well as good looks. What’s not to love! This is my third consecutive Audi; its bespoke cabin is a refuge at days end. 3D Bang/Olufsen sound is transformative. Team Ingolstadt hit a home run with this conveyance, most assuredly!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Audi A4, so we've included reviews for other years of the A4 since its last redesign.

See all 40 reviews of the Audi A4

Write a vehicle review

2021 A4 Highlights

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,100
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$168/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the A4 models:

Audi Pre Sense City: Detects the threat of a front collision, warns the driver, and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't act.
Audi Active Lane Assist: Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling and can steer to help nudge you back.
Audi Connect: Includes a variety of connection services, including summoning roadside assistance if needed. In an accident, emergency responders are contacted automatically.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Audi A4 Review

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2021 Audi A4 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Which A4 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Audi A4 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Still a top notch entry-level sports sedan

The best mid Luxury sedan, top Ranked Reliability

Luxury is in the details.

A4 — Safety, Technology, Power, Good Looks!

2021 A4 Highlights

Safety

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