Used 2021 Subaru Impreza for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost?

Prices have softened 4.23% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 627 listings available, which gives you 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.

The Impreza’s appeal is rooted in practicality: standard all-wheel drive gives you extra confidence in wintry climates, and the sedan and hatchback body styles give you flexibility if you want a small car that can handle daily use without much fuss. The trade-offs are clear, though: the interior materials feel cheap, cargo space is limited, and the styling is uninspired.

The market also shows 36.7% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive 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 helped by its straightforward compact-car mission and standard all-wheel drive, which make it a sensible choice for everyday use. Its 2.0-liter boxer engine and CVT-focused lineup keep the mechanical formula simple, and Subaru’s standard EyeSight driver-assist tech adds another layer of confidence for routine driving. 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 that condition can vary a lot, so you should pay close attention to maintenance history and wear items before you commit.

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

At 72.1% 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 example or one with visible cosmetic wear. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior repair quality, and whether the car has been maintained consistently, since the market includes a meaningful number of listings with accident history.

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, so the feature gap at the bottom of the range is noticeable.
• Powertrain: Every 2021 Impreza uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most models 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 as options.
• 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 top Limited trim can add TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system with an option package.
• Fuel efficiency: Most sedan models are rated at 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 simplest trim, so you give up some comfort and convenience features, but it keeps the car’s core value proposition intact.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday usability without pushing you into the highest price tier. For 2021, SI-Drive drive modes became available on this trim, which makes it a smart middle ground if you want a little more flexibility.
• Sport: Choose this if you want the most character in the lineup. It adds 18-inch alloy wheels, contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, model-specific suspension tuning, and torque vectoring for the AWD system.
• Limited: This is the trim to buy if you want the most upscale Impreza experience. It adds leather upholstery and LED headlights, and it’s the trim that can be equipped with the available navigation and Harman Kardon audio package.

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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 627 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.23% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,167, 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 $17,546 sits slightly below last year's $18,320.

That softer pricing suggests the Impreza has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stabilizes. Its standard all-wheel drive and practical reputation should continue to support demand, especially among buyers in snowy climates. The current price range also gives you a clearer benchmark for what a fair resale number looks like if you plan to sell later.

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 recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA 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 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:

• 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.23% 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 straightforward with base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims across sedan and hatchback body styles.

The bottom line: The 2021 Impreza makes sense if you want standard all-wheel drive, a simple trim lineup, and a used-car market that still offers some deal potential. If you’re price-sensitive, you can also shop nearby years and compare condition closely, but the 2021 remains a sensible pick if you value traction, practicality, and a straightforward ownership experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.