Used 2021 Subaru WRX for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 3.92% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 880 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru WRX earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 7.2/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Performance and Cost effectiveness.

You get a sports sedan that prioritizes driving enjoyment, sharp cornering, and brisk acceleration while still offering enough practicality for four or more passengers. The trade-off is that it gives up some daily-driving polish, with a stiff ride, a low-grade cabin, and outdated technology.

The main drawbacks are poor fuel economy and a cramped back seat. If you want a sedan that feels more engaging than most affordable performance cars, those compromises may be acceptable.

32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The WRX’s standard all-wheel drive and performance-focused hardware support its reputation for dependable all-weather traction and driver confidence. Its turbocharged setup and available CVT give you flexibility, but the manual transmission is the more efficient choice.

The WRX also includes a straightforward, easy-to-use cabin layout, which can help reduce day-to-day frustration over time. For used buyers, the bigger long-term ownership risk is that the car’s sporty character comes with compromises in comfort and fuel economy.

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

At 71.3% 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 affected the structure, suspension, or alignment. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if the car has been driven hard or modified. Focus on overall condition, because the WRX’s performance-oriented nature can make wear and tear more important than mileage alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base WRX gives you 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, auto on/off headlights, and a 7-inch screen. The Limited adds leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights. The base trim is the most stripped-down, while the Limited is the most feature-rich.
• Powertrain: You get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, and a CVT is available. The manual returns 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the CVT returns 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. It is available on the Premium and Limited trims, but only with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are available only on the Limited.
• Infotainment: The base car has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 7-inch screen. Both support wireless-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and both use Subaru’s Starlink system.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX returns 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with the manual, or 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with the CVT.

Which 2021 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the value play if you want the WRX experience at the lowest entry price. You still get the turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and the core infotainment setup, but you give up the nicer comfort and convenience upgrades found higher up.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds heated seats, pushbutton start, fog lights, larger wheels, and the bigger 7-inch screen. It also opens the door to the CVT and EyeSight safety features, which makes it the most balanced choice if you want more equipment without jumping to the top trim.
• Limited: This is the trim to choose if you want the most comfort and the most available safety tech. It adds leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, adaptive headlights, and access to additional driver-assistance features, but it costs more and still doesn’t fully erase the WRX’s rougher edges.

The safety package is tied to the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT, while the Limited gets the most available driver-assistance features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 880 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.92% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,215, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru WRX's resale value?

The current average of $22,509 sits slightly below last year's $23,428.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can work against future sellers if prices continue to drift downward. If you buy now, you may be entering at a more favorable point than someone who purchased a year ago. The WRX’s enthusiast appeal can help support demand, but condition and history will matter a lot when it comes time to resell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX safe?

The WRX does not come standard with any of the latest safety features.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru’s EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. It is available on the Premium and Limited trims, but only with the CVT, so manual-transmission shoppers miss out on that safety tech. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are available only on the Limited.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru WRX 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 71.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.92% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances sharp handling, standard all-wheel drive, and sedan practicality.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,893, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,509 average.
• It emphasizes everyday usability with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $25,496, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,509 average.
• It brings a sharper, more polished update with improved powertrain, suspension, and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and performance, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the cheaper route into the same basic formula.

How does the 2021 Subaru WRX compare to the 2021 Honda Civic Type R?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.