Used 2021 Subaru Impreza for Sale nearBaltimore, MD

How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost?

Prices have softened 5.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 641 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza a good car?

Yes — with a 5/5 user rating and an expert rating of 7.7/10, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is a strong fit if you want a practical compact car with standard all-wheel drive. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

The Impreza’s appeal is rooted in usefulness: it offers standard AWD, comes in sedan and hatchback body styles, and keeps operating costs in compact-car territory. The trade-offs are clear, though: the interior materials feel cheap, cargo space is limited, and the styling is uninspired.

For shoppers who value all-weather confidence and straightforward transportation over excitement, it makes sense. The market also shows 34.8% good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?

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

The Impreza’s reliability case is built around its practical design and standard AWD setup, which help it serve as a dependable daily driver in poor weather. The expert review also describes it as solid and refined, with agreeable road manners rather than a fragile or overly complicated feel.

Its standard EyeSight driver-assist suite adds another layer of confidence on CVT-equipped models, and Subaru’s five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty supports ownership peace of mind. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the car’s basic durability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by heavy use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Impreza?

At 71% 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 you’re considering a car with a lower price or visible wear. Focus on body condition, tire wear, interior condition, and signs of prior repair work so you can separate a clean example from one that has had a harder life.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base models get 16-inch steel wheels, while Sport models add 18-inch alloy wheels, contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The Limited trim adds standard leather upholstery and LED headlights, so base trims are the most stripped-down.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most versions use a CVT, while a five-speed manual is available only on the base sedan and hatchback and the Sport hatchback.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight suite is standard on CVT-equipped models and includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. A rear-seat reminder is also standard, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights are available options.
• Infotainment: Base and Premium trims get a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, and the Limited can add TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The CVT sedan is rated at 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while the manual sedan is rated at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The hatchback and Sport versions vary slightly from those figures.

Which 2021 Subaru Impreza trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Impreza is offered in 4 trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Impreza formula at the lowest price. It makes the most sense if you mainly want standard AWD and a manual transmission, but it is the most basic version in terms of wheels, interior trim, and equipment.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more comfort and convenience while staying close to the core mission of the car. For 2021, SI-Drive drive modes became available on this trim, which makes it the most appealing middle ground if you want a little more flexibility without moving all the way up the range.
• Sport: This trim adds the most personality, with 18-inch alloy wheels, contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, model-specific suspension tuning, and torque vectoring. It’s the one to choose if you want the Impreza to feel a bit more distinctive and engaging.
• Limited: This is the most upscale version, with standard leather upholstery and LED headlights, plus the option to add navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. It suits you best if you want the most comfort and features, though it is not the value pick.

The safety package is standard on CVT-equipped models, but some features remain optional, so it’s worth checking the exact equipment on any used example.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru Impreza?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing softness to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 641 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,054, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru Impreza's resale value?

The current average of $17,054 sits slightly below last year's $18,063.

That decline suggests the market has become a little softer, which can help you as a buyer but may put some pressure on future resale if you plan to sell soon. Even so, the Impreza’s standard AWD and practical reputation should help it stay relevant with shoppers who want a dependable all-weather compact car.

If you buy well and keep the car in good condition, the current pricing gives you a reasonable entry point. 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 2021 Subaru Impreza safe?

The 2021 Subaru Impreza earns a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in all crash tests.

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

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite is standard on CVT-equipped models and includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. A rear-seat reminder is also standard, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights are available options.

One caveat is that the Impreza missed out on a Top Safety Pick+ award because its standard headlights received a Marginal rating. The Limited trim’s available headlights received a Good score.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Impreza or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year adds SI-Drive drive modes to the Premium trim and keeps the lineup straightforward with base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims.

The bottom line: The 2021 Impreza is a smart pick if you want standard AWD, solid safety, and a practical compact-car layout at a softened used-car price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the current market makes this a good year to shop carefully and focus on clean, well-equipped examples.

How does the 2021 Subaru Impreza compare to the 2021 Honda Civic?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Subaru Impreza:

• Pros: Standard all-wheel drive, Comfortable, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Interior materials feel cheap, Not much cargo space, Uninspired styling.

2021 Honda Civic:

• Pros: Stylish design, Multiple body styles, Fun to drive.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Outdated technology, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2021 Subaru Impreza 7.7/10 and the 2021 Honda Civic 7.2/10. The Impreza is the better choice if you want standard AWD and a calmer, more practical daily driver. The Civic has the edge if you care more about style and driving enjoyment, but the Impreza’s comfort and all-weather capability make it the more distinctive value play here.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

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