Used 2021 Subaru Impreza for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost?

Prices have softened 6.24% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 590 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $17,198.03, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 compact car that can serve as a sensible SUV alternative, especially if you value standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride over flash. The expert review also points to a car that is practical and easy to live with, with sedan and hatchback body styles giving you a straightforward choice between two useful layouts.

The main trade-offs are that the interior materials feel cheap and cargo space is limited. Styling is also described as uninspired, so if you want a more upscale cabin or a more expressive design, you may want to look elsewhere.

Only 23.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may take some searching.

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?

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

The Impreza’s appeal is built around standard all-wheel drive, low operating costs, and a simple, practical layout, all of which support an ownership experience that should feel straightforward rather than complicated. The expert review also describes it as a solid and refined daily driver, which is a good sign for long-term livability.

Its 2.0-liter boxer engine is described as a Subaru-signature design that sits lower in the chassis, helping lower the car’s center of gravity. Subaru also backs it with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a neglected example could turn its modest strengths into expensive annoyances, so condition and maintenance history matter more than chasing the cheapest price.

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

At 70.5% 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 is priced aggressively. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim level you expect. Because the Impreza is often bought for practicality and all-weather use, you’ll want to make sure the example you choose still feels tight, clean, and well cared for.

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. Limited models add standard leather upholstery and LED headlights, so the lower trims are the ones where you’ll feel the biggest feature gap.
• 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, and the Limited trim gets the better-rated headlights.
• 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 Limited’s available package adds 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 simplest way into the Impreza, and it makes the most sense if you want standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission without paying for extras you may not need. It’s the most budget-focused choice, but you give up the nicer wheels and cabin touches found higher up the range.
• Premium: This is the trim that makes the most sense for many shoppers because it adds a step up in everyday comfort and, for 2021, gains SI-Drive drive modes. If you want a balanced mix of value and features, this is the one to focus on first.
• Sport: This trim is the best fit if you want the most engaging version of the Impreza short of moving to a different model. It adds model-specific suspension tuning, torque vectoring, and distinctive styling and cabin details, though the expert review notes that steering feel and power still keep it from being a true driver’s car.
• Limited: This is the trim to choose if you want the most upscale equipment in the lineup, including leather upholstery and LED headlights. It also offers the navigation and Harman Kardon audio package, making it the most feature-rich choice.

The safety package is standard on CVT-equipped models, but the Limited trim stands out because its available headlights earn a better rating than the standard setup.

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

The market looks moderate, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 23.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 590 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.24% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,198.03, 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 $17,558 sits slightly below last year's $18,727.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also mean slower appreciation if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the car in strong condition, because a lower entry price can help protect your position later.

The Impreza’s broad appeal comes from standard all-wheel drive and low operating costs, which should help keep demand steady among practical shoppers. If you choose a clean, well-equipped example, you’re more likely to hold onto value than if you buy a rough car with visible wear or accident 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 2021 Subaru Impreza safe?

Both the 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback body styles received an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” award, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Impreza sedan and hatchback five-star ratings in all crash tests.

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.

One caveat is that the Impreza missed out on a Top Safety Pick+ award because its standard headlights only received a Marginal rating. The Limited trim’s available headlights received a Good score, which is a meaningful upgrade if safety is a priority.

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:

• 23.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.24% 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 level and keeps the lineup otherwise familiar, with base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims offered in both sedan and hatchback form.

The bottom line: If you want a familiar, practical compact car with standard all-wheel drive, the 2021 Impreza is the right year to target. It gives you the core strengths that define the model without asking you to learn a new formula, and the softer pricing makes it easier to shop carefully. If you’re especially price-sensitive, focus on clean, well-maintained listings near the low end of the range and be ready to move quickly when you find one.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.