Used 2020 Subaru WRX for Sale nearPalm Desert, CA

How much does the 2020 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 3.70% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 657 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of cars to compare.

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Subaru WRX earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the turbo power, handling, and comfort, especially for daily driving. The WRX also gets credit for being fun to drive and offering a manual transmission, while standard all-wheel drive broadens its appeal in all-weather use.

The main trade-offs are the interior quality concerns and tire noise at higher speeds, and the expert review also calls out outdated technology. That makes it a strong fit if you want an engaging sedan first and a polished cabin second.

With 31.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car you can count on for enjoyable daily use, with praise centered on performance, comfort, and the kind of driving experience that keeps owners engaged over time. The expert review also describes the WRX as a practical, everyday performance car with a manual transmission that feels precise and forgiving, which supports the sense that it can be a dependable companion if maintained well.

Its long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability than about whether you can live with the cabin noise, ride firmness, and dated tech over time.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Subaru WRX?

At 62.7% 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 hard. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, uneven tire wear, suspension wear, and any evidence that the car’s performance-oriented life has been harder than average.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power front-and-rear windows, Bluetooth, satellite radio, two USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium adds 18-inch wheels, halogen fog lights, steering-responsive auto-on/off headlights, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited adds leather upholstery, push-button start, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Powertrain: The WRX uses a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes with symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual, while a CVT is also available with SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the driver-assistance suite, and it includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking are also available.
• Infotainment: The Base uses a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 7-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the system is described as easy to use.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual-equipped WRX returns 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. The CVT-equipped WRX returns 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

Which 2020 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2020 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the value play if you want the WRX experience at the lowest entry point. You still get standard all-wheel drive, the turbocharged engine, a manual transmission, and the core infotainment and connectivity features, so it covers the essentials without pushing the price up.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the equipment that makes the WRX feel more complete day to day, including heated front seats, a power moonroof, fog lights, and the larger touchscreen. If you want the sweet spot between price and comfort, this is the one to target.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale cabin in the standard WRX lineup. Leather upholstery, push-button start, and the power-adjustable driver’s seat make it the most polished choice, but you should only pay up if those comfort upgrades matter to you.

The safety suite is available with EyeSight, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking are also offered.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Subaru WRX?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 657 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.70% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,973, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Subaru WRX's resale value?

The current average of $21,541 sits slightly below last year's $22,368.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in clean condition, you can reduce the hit from depreciation. The strongest resale prospects will usually come from well-kept examples with desirable equipment and a clean history.

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

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX safe?

The 2020 Subaru WRX earns Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

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

The WRX comes with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. EyeSight is the driver-assistance suite, and it includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking are also available.

One caveat is that EyeSight is optional on the WRX, so you should confirm whether a specific used example has it equipped.

Should I buy a 2020 Subaru WRX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.70% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 WRX blends standard all-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and practical sedan usability into a daily-driver performance package.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $22,875, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,541 average.
• It emphasizes sharper driving engagement while keeping sedan practicality.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2020 is the smarter buy because prices are softer and inventory is broad enough to shop selectively. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model year, the 2021 is the cleaner alternative for buyers who want to stay closer to the next generation’s direction.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.