How much does the 2016 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 4.57% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 514 listings available, which gives you a useful amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $14,311.52, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Subaru WRX earns a 4.4/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance, Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the ride, driving experience, performance, comfort, and value. That lines up well with the WRX’s use case as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, so you get a car that can handle daily driving without giving up the fun factor.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 30.7% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a car that people enjoy living with over time, especially for its ride, driving experience, performance, comfort, and value. On the expert side, the WRX is presented as a practical, comfortable commuter with a serious performance edge, and Subaru’s pricing and ownership reputation add to the appeal for long-term buyers.

If you’re shopping used, the main ownership risk is less about the concept of the car and more about how hard it was driven and maintained before you get it.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

At 53.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified or driven aggressively. Focus on signs of wear that match a performance sedan’s life, including drivetrain condition, clutch feel if equipped with the manual, and any evidence of inconsistent maintenance.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base WRX is the simplest version, while higher trims add a sunroof, leather seating, and an available CVT. The base trim also misses some of the comfort and convenience upgrades that make the upper trims easier to live with.
• Powertrain: Every WRX uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. The manual transmission is available across the lineup, while the CVT is reserved for Premium and Limited versions.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts. It is only available on CVT-equipped models, while all WRXs include a backup camera.
• Infotainment: The WRX gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.5-inch multifunction display. Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted controls are standard, while navigation and a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon stereo are available.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual returns 21 mpg city/28 highway/24 combined, while the CVT returns 19/25/21.

Which 2016 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2016 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels: the base WRX, WRX Premium, and WRX Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: This is the simplest way into the WRX, but it skips the comfort upgrades found higher up the range and does not get EyeSight.
• Sweet-spot trim: WRX Premium is the best value if you want the stronger mix of comfort and convenience, since it adds features like a sunroof and can be paired with the CVT.
• Premium/top trim: WRX Limited is the most upscale choice, adding leather seating and a power driver’s seat for a more polished daily-driving experience.

EyeSight is only available on CVT-equipped models, so if that safety suite matters to you, you’ll want to shop accordingly.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 514 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.57% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,311.52, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Subaru WRX's resale value?

The current average of $14,569 sits slightly below last year's $15,266.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now if you plan to keep the car for a while. For a future seller, the softer current pricing means there may be less immediate upside than there was a year ago, but the WRX still benefits from strong enthusiast appeal.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX safe?

The Subaru WRX has earned the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a Good rating in front and side crashes.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The WRX includes active torque vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, antilock brakes, a reinforced frame system, standard driver and passenger airbags, side curtains, a driver-side knee airbag, and a backup camera. EyeSight is available only on CVT-equipped models, and it adds blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts.

Should I buy a 2016 Subaru WRX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.57% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 WRX brings a new 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and keeps the car’s comfortable-commuter-plus-performance character intact.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest blend of value, performance, and everyday usability, the 2016 WRX is the one to focus on. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully and target the lower end of the market, but the 2016 stands out for balancing fun and practicality in a way that still feels compelling.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.