Used 2021 Subaru Impreza for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost?

Prices have softened 3.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 599 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Impreza earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

It fits you well if you want a practical compact car with standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and the flexibility of sedan or hatchback body styles. The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials feel cheap, cargo space is limited, and the styling is uninspired.

The market also looks reasonably shopper-friendly, with 32.7% of listings marked as good or great deals.

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 straightforward mechanical setup and its reputation for everyday usability. Subaru’s boxer engine layout helps lower the center of gravity, and the car is described as solid and refined rather than flimsy. Standard all-wheel drive also adds to its appeal if you plan to use it year-round in poor weather.

Subaru’s five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty provide typical coverage for the class. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a neglected example could be more expensive to sort out than a well-kept one, so service history matters.

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

At 71.6% 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 higher-mileage car or one with prior body damage. Focus on overall condition, signs of uneven wear, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim you want.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base models are the simplest version, while Premium adds more convenience and the Sport and Limited trims bring more visual and equipment upgrades. The base trim’s feature set is the one most likely to feel sparse if you want a more modern cabin.
• 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. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights are available as options.
• Infotainment: Base and Premium trims use a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth, while higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen. The top Limited trim can be optioned with TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: Most sedan models return 32 mpg combined with the CVT and 26 mpg combined with the manual. The hatchback loses 1 mpg combined with the CVT, and Sport models return slightly lower fuel economy in all configurations.

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 least expensive way into the Impreza, and it makes the most sense if you mainly want standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission. It’s the trim to choose if you’re keeping costs down and don’t need extra comfort or tech.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday convenience while staying close to the core Impreza formula. For 2021, SI-Drive drive modes become available here, which helps make it the sweet spot if you want a little more equipment without moving too far up the price ladder.
• Sport: This trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, model-specific suspension tuning, and torque vectoring. It suits you best if you want the most engaging version of the Impreza without jumping to the top trim.
• Limited: This is the most upscale Impreza, with standard leather upholstery, LED headlights, and the option for TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. It’s the right pick if you want the most comfort and the strongest available headlight setup.

The Limited trim’s available headlights received a Good score, while the standard headlights on other trims were rated Marginal.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 599 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,166, 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 $17,772 sits slightly below last year's $18,433.

That decline suggests the market has eased, which can help you as a buyer but may pressure resale returns if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you can reduce the impact of that softer market. The Impreza’s practical appeal and standard all-wheel drive should still help it hold interest among shoppers who value capability and efficiency.

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 Top Safety Pick from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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

Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech 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 as options.

The main safety caveat is that the standard headlights kept the car from earning a Top Safety Pick+ award, though the Limited trim’s available headlights were rated Good.

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:

• 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year adds SI-Drive availability on the Premium trim and keeps the lineup simple with base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims in both body styles.

The bottom line: The 2021 Impreza makes sense if you want a straightforward, practical compact car with standard all-wheel drive and a clear trim structure. If you’re price-sensitive, the softer market and decent deal availability make this a good year to shop carefully and focus on condition, history, and trim fit rather than chasing the newest example.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.