Used 2021 Subaru Impreza for Sale nearRockford, IL

How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost?

Prices have softened 3.25% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 596 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory 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.

The Impreza’s appeal is rooted in practicality: standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and both sedan and hatchback body styles make it a sensible alternative if you want low operating costs without giving up foul-weather capability. The trade-offs are clear, though, with cheap-feeling interior materials and limited cargo space.

One of the main drawbacks is that the engine’s relative lack of power keeps it from feeling especially lively, and the steering is not very communicative. Even so, the 37.8% share of good or great deals suggests there are still attractive listings 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 helped by its straightforward mechanical setup and its focus on everyday usability. Subaru’s boxer engine layout also helps lower the car’s center of gravity, which is part of the model’s stable, planted character. Standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride reinforce the sense that this is built for steady daily use rather than complexity.

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 ownership risk is less about the core formula and more about finding a well-kept example that has been maintained consistently.

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

At 72% 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 are considering a higher-mileage car or one with visible wear. Focus on condition details that matter most in a practical compact car: interior wear, cargo-area condition, and signs that the car has been used hard in daily driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base models are the most stripped-down, with 16-inch steel wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Sport models add 18-inch alloy wheels, contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Limited models add 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. Most versions use a CVT, while a five-speed manual is limited to the base sedan and hatchback plus 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’s available headlights earn a Good score.
• Infotainment: Base and Premium trims get a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth, while higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim can add TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The sedan returns 32 mpg combined with the CVT and 26 mpg combined with the manual. The hatchback loses 1 mpg combined with the CVT, while the manual hatch gains 1 mpg in the city. 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. It still gives you the Impreza’s core strengths, including standard all-wheel drive and the available manual transmission.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday comfort and, for 2021, gains SI-Drive drive modes. If you want a more rounded version of the Impreza without jumping to the pricier trims, this is the one to focus on.
• Sport: Choose this if you want the most distinctive driving and appearance upgrades in the lineup. It adds model-specific suspension tuning, torque vectoring for the AWD system, and sportier styling touches, but it still isn’t a true performance car.
• Limited: This is the trim to buy if you want the most upscale equipment, including leather upholstery, LED headlights, and the available navigation and premium audio package.

The safety package is standard on CVT-equipped models, but the Limited trim’s available headlights are the ones that earn the better safety rating.

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, but the best listings should still move quickly.

• Deal availability: 37.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 596 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.25% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.0% 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 $17,795 sits slightly below last year's $18,392.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may temper near-term resale upside if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the car in strong condition so you are not competing against a market that has already eased.

The Impreza’s practical reputation and standard all-wheel drive should continue to support demand among shoppers who value capability and low operating costs. 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 five-star ratings in all NHTSA 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.

The main caveat is that the standard headlights keep it from earning the higher Top Safety Pick+ award, though the Limited trim’s available headlights score better.

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:

• 37.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.25% 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 simple and easy to shop.

The bottom line: The 2021 Impreza makes the most sense if you want standard all-wheel drive, a practical body style choice, and a market that has already softened enough to create some negotiating room. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can also look for the lowest-mileage, clean-history examples and focus on the trims that give you the best mix of equipment and value.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.