Used 2021 Subaru Impreza for Sale nearOakland, CA

How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost?

Prices have softened 4.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 622 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for shoppers to compare.

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 stands out as a practical compact car rather than a flashy one, with standard all-wheel drive, sedan and hatchback body styles, and low operating costs that make it especially appealing if you want year-round usability. The trade-offs are clear: interior materials feel cheap, cargo space is limited, and the styling is uninspired.

39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?

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

The Impreza’s reliability appeal starts with its practical design and standard all-wheel drive, which are the kinds of traits that tend to matter over time if you want a car that’s easy to live with in changing weather. Its 2.0-liter boxer engine and CVT-focused lineup are aimed at everyday use rather than complexity, and the car’s straightforward mission supports that.

The available maintenance and warranty coverage also help frame ownership costs, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about novelty and more about condition, so a careful inspection and service-history review matter.

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

At 71.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important on a used compact car like this, since you’ll want to verify body condition, tire wear, and how well the drivetrain and interior have held up. Focus on signs of heavy use, because the Impreza’s value depends heavily on finding one that has been maintained rather than merely driven.

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.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, with a CVT on most versions and a five-speed manual 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 optional.
• 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 can be optioned with TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: Most sedan models are rated at 32 mpg combined with the CVT and 26 mpg combined with the manual, while hatchback versions lose 1 mpg combined with the CVT and gain 1 mpg city with the manual; Sport models return slightly lower fuel economy.

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 value play if you want the lowest entry price and are comfortable with the simpler equipment set, including the 6.5-inch touchscreen and steel wheels. It also gives you the manual-transmission option, which is useful if you want the least expensive way into the lineup.
• Premium: This is the trim to focus on if you want a better balance of everyday comfort and equipment, especially since SI-Drive drive modes became available here for 2021. It’s the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds useful content without pushing you all the way to the top of the range.
• Sport: Choose this if you want the most engaging version of the Impreza lineup, with 18-inch wheels, model-specific suspension tuning, torque vectoring, and extra interior touches. It suits you best if you care more about driving feel and appearance than maximum value.
• Limited: This is the pick if you want the most upscale Impreza, with leather upholstery, LED headlights, and the option for navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. It makes the most sense if you want the most features and are willing to pay for them.

The safety package is strongest on CVT-equipped models, since that’s where Subaru’s EyeSight suite comes standard.

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

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

• Deal availability: 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 622 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.4% 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 $17,348 sits slightly below last year's $18,235.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you as a buyer now but may also mean a softer resale environment if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at a favorable price and keep the car in clean condition, you’ll be better positioned to protect value later. The Impreza’s practical reputation and standard all-wheel drive should help it stay relevant with shoppers who want affordable traction.

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 safety rating from NHTSA, with 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 received only a Marginal rating; the Limited trim’s available headlights earned 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:

• 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• For 2021, SI-Drive drive modes became available on the Premium trim, and the lineup remained otherwise unchanged with base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims across sedan and hatchback body styles.

The bottom line: The 2021 Impreza makes the most sense if you want standard all-wheel drive, a practical compact footprint, and a market that currently gives you some negotiating room. If you’re especially price-sensitive, shop carefully for a clean, well-kept example near the low end of the range; if you want the best balance of features and value, the Premium trim is the one to target.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.