Used 2021 Subaru WRX for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 2.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 866 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX a good car?

Yes — the 4.67/5 user rating and 7.17/10 expert rating both point to a car that delivers on its mission. The WRX stands out as a sedan that makes everyday driving more engaging, with sharp cornering, brisk acceleration, and standard all-wheel drive.

The model scores 8/10 across Performance and Cost effectiveness.

That said, the trade-offs are clear: the cabin quality is modest, the technology is dated, and the ride is stiff. If you want a practical sedan that prioritizes driving enjoyment over refinement, the WRX fits that brief well.

36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The WRX’s appeal is built around a proven formula: standard all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, and a sedan body that balances performance with everyday usability. The expert review also points to a straightforward, function-first design and a powertrain that keeps the car engaging when you stay in the revs.

For dependability, the key takeaway is that the WRX’s mechanical setup is simple in concept but tuned for spirited use, so used buyers should pay close attention to how hard the car has been driven and maintained.

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

At 73.6% 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 car with modifications or a manual transmission. Focus on overall condition, signs of hard use, and whether the car has been maintained consistently.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim gives you the essentials, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Premium adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, auto on/off headlights, and a larger 7-inch screen, while the Limited adds leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights. The Premium is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of comfort and features.
• Powertrain: You get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, plus a six-speed manual or available CVT. 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, but it is available only on the Premium and Limited 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 trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 7-inch screen. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface is straightforward rather than flashy.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX is not a fuel-sipper. The manual gets 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the CVT gets 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

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’s core appeal at the lowest entry point. You still get the turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and the essentials, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds heated seats, fog lights, pushbutton start, and the larger 7-inch touchscreen. It also opens the door to the CVT and the EyeSight safety suite.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most comfort and convenience features, including leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, adaptive headlights, and access to additional safety equipment.

The safety package is tied to the CVT on Premium and Limited trims, so manual-transmission shoppers should keep that limitation in mind.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing movement to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 866 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.6% 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 $22,967 sits slightly below last year's $23,587.

That decline suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For future resale, the WRX’s value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and whether the car has been modified or abused. A clean, well-kept example should hold up better than one with a rough history.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, 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, but it is available only on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are available only on the Limited.

That means safety-minded shoppers should pay close attention to trim and transmission choice, because the manual transmission leaves you without the latest driver-assistance tech.

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:

• 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It delivers sharp cornering and brisk acceleration in a practical sedan package.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,519, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,967 average.
• It emphasizes rally-bred performance in a practical four-door package.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $25,945, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,967 average.
• It sharpens the formula with updated powertrain, suspension, and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, performance, and available inventory, the 2021 is the strongest starting point. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the cheaper route into the same basic WRX appeal, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer update and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.