Used 2021 Subaru WRX for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 2.98% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 868 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 4.67/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Performance and Cost effectiveness.

It stands out as a sedan that makes everyday driving more engaging while still giving you room for four or more passengers. The appeal is straightforward: sharp cornering, brisk acceleration, and standard all-wheel drive. The tradeoff is that it is not trying to be a luxury or tech-forward choice, so cabin quality and technology are part of the compromise.

The main downsides are a stiff ride and a cabin that feels more low-rent than many rivals. If you want driving enjoyment first and refinement second, that balance may work well for you.

33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 simple formula: standard all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, and a chassis tuned for engaging driving. That combination points to a car that is designed to be used hard without losing its everyday usefulness. The expert review also highlights the WRX’s balanced engine packaging and its ability to put power down with confidence.

Its performance setup is a strength, but the same sporty focus can make ownership feel less polished than in a more comfort-oriented sedan. For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is that a car bought for enthusiast driving may have seen harder use than average.

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

At 73.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified or driven aggressively. Pay close attention to signs of wear in the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and interior, since the WRX’s performance focus can mean more demanding use than a typical sedan. It is also worth checking that the car’s equipment matches the trim level you expect.

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 larger 7-inch screen. The Limited adds leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights.
• 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.
• 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 uses a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 7-inch screen. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual returns 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The CVT returns 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 experience at the lowest entry point. You still get the turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and the core infotainment setup, so it covers the essentials without pushing the price up.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds heated seats, pushbutton start, fog lights, and the larger touchscreen. It also opens the door to the CVT and the EyeSight safety suite, which makes it the smarter pick if you want more comfort and available driver assistance.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most equipment and are willing to pay for it. It adds leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, adaptive headlights, and access to more safety options, but it is the most expensive route.

The safety package is tied to the CVT on Premium and Limited trims, so if you want those driver-assistance features, avoid the manual.

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

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 868 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.98% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,218, 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 $22,875 sits slightly below last year's $23,577.

That decline suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than on broad market appreciation. Well-kept examples with desirable trim and clean history should hold up better than rougher cars.

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. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning is available on the Premium and Limited trims, but only if you select the CVT. Thus, we’ve discovered a downside of the manual transmission—you can’t package it with the latest safety tech.

Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are all options, but only on the range-topping Limited. Every trim of the WRX does come standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

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

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.98% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances sporty driving with sedan practicality and standard all-wheel drive.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,541, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,875 average.
• It emphasizes rally-bred performance and everyday usefulness.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $26,028, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,875 average.
• It sharpens the formula with updated powertrain, suspension, and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, performance, and availability, the 2021 is the sensible target. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the core WRX character intact.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.