Used 2021 Subaru WRX for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 3.18% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 831 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of cars to compare on price and condition.

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.

The data points to a sedan that prioritizes driving engagement over refinement, with sharp cornering, brisk acceleration, and standard all-wheel drive. That makes it a strong fit if you want everyday practicality with a more playful, performance-focused character.

The main trade-offs are a stiff ride and a cabin that feels dated and low-rent compared with more polished rivals. Those compromises matter most if you want a quieter, more upscale daily driver.

Only 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards careful comparison shopping.

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 practical sedan body. The expert notes also point to a balanced engine layout and a drivetrain setup that helps keep the car planted and composed when you’re driving hard.

On the ownership side, the available maintenance perk language suggests some trims can include a first scheduled maintenance visit at no charge. That helps a little with early ownership costs, but the car’s performance focus still means you should expect a used example to reward careful upkeep.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is buying a car that has been driven hard without the maintenance history to match.

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

At 72.9% 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 on cars that show signs of modification or heavy use. Focus on the condition of the drivetrain, clutch or transmission behavior, and signs of wear that would be consistent with enthusiastic driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car comes with 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims add features like 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, a larger screen, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable seating.
• Powertrain: The WRX uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. You can get a six-speed manual or an available CVT, and the manual returns 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
• Safety package: EyeSight with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning is available on 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 gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims get a 7-inch screen. The system supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto? No — the data only confirms standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available navigation and a premium stereo.
• 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 entry point if you want the WRX’s core formula at the lowest price. You get the turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and the basic infotainment and comfort equipment, but you give up the extra convenience and safety features found higher up the range.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, and a larger touchscreen. It also opens the door to the CVT and the EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which makes it the smarter pick if you want more everyday usability.
• Limited: This is the trim to choose if you want the most equipment. It adds leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights, plus access to additional driver-assistance features through an option package.

The safety package is not available on every trim and transmission combination, so pay close attention to how the features are bundled before you buy.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting deep discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 831 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.18% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,221, 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 $22,905 sits slightly below last year's $23,657.

That decline suggests the market has eased, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper short-term resale gains if you plan to sell soon. Still, the WRX’s performance reputation and broad enthusiast appeal help support demand among shoppers looking for a sporty sedan with all-weather traction.

If you keep the car clean, documented, and unmodified, you’re more likely to preserve value than if you buy a rough example with a questionable 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 Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. That means manual-transmission shoppers miss out on the main driver-assistance suite. 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:

• 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.18% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 keeps the WRX formula focused on sharp cornering, brisk acceleration, and standard all-wheel drive.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,441, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,905 average.
• It emphasizes rally-bred performance in a practical sedan package.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $26,164, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,905 average.
• It sharpens the formula with a newer powertrain and improved handling.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the current-year WRX at a softer price and you’re comfortable shopping carefully for condition and history. If you’re price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want the newer update and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

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