Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for Sale nearBoston, MA

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX STI cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 271 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is a performance sedan that prioritizes a sharply focused driving experience, standard all-wheel drive, and a powerful engine over comfort or everyday polish. It is a more hardcore choice than a typical sporty compact, so it fits you best if you want a car that feels like a commitment and rewards enthusiastic driving.

The trade-offs are clear: the ride is harsh, the seats are uncomfortable, and the technology feels outdated. The 31.7% good-and-great-deal share suggests there are still attractive listings if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

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

The WRX STI’s appeal comes from its focused performance, standard all-wheel drive, and old-school character rather than from modern refinement. Its performance setup is straightforward, and the manual-transmission-only formula keeps the car mechanically simple in some respects while also limiting the availability of newer driver-assistance tech.

The fuel-economy figure of 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined also points to a car that asks for commitment in day-to-day ownership. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the same traits that make it special — hard use, a stiff ride, and a dated cabin — can make condition and maintenance history especially important.

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

At 71.6% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially on cars that may have been driven hard. Focus on signs of wear that match the STI’s performance-first personality, including the clutch, suspension, tires, and interior condition. Because this model is built around enthusiast use, a clean history and consistent maintenance matter more than usual.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, LED headlights that move with the steering wheel, a quad-tip exhaust, heated side mirrors, manually adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift handle, keyless access with pushbutton start, Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, eight-way power-adjustability for the driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon premium stereo system, navigation, and an optional low-profile rear spoiler.
• Powertrain: It uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired only with a manual transmission and Subaru’s all-wheel drive. It delivers strong acceleration, but you have to work the revs to stay in the powerband.
• Safety package: Standard safety features include Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a full array of airbags, and a backup camera. The Limited adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Infotainment: The STI comes with a 7-inch Starlink touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sensible layout. The Limited adds navigation and the Harman Kardon premium sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: It returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, and it requires premium fuel.

Which 2021 Subaru WRX STI trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is offered in 2 trim levels: base and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the value choice if you want the STI experience without paying for extras. You still get the core performance hardware, the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and the same aggressive styling and driving character that define the car.
• Limited: This is the better pick if you want the most complete version of the STI. It adds Recaro sport bucket front seats, a power moonroof, a Harman Kardon premium stereo system, navigation, and the only meaningful safety upgrade in the lineup, so it suits you best if you want the most equipment and can justify the higher price.

The only safety-package upgrade in the lineup is on the Limited, which adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you should shop carefully and compare listings closely.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 271 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,202, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI's resale value?

The current average of $32,753 sits slightly below last year's $32,941.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to resell later. A steady price trend can make it easier to estimate future value because you are not dealing with sharp swings in demand. For a performance car like this, condition and history will matter a lot when it comes time to sell.

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 WRX STI safe?

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety features include Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a full array of airbags, and a backup camera. The safety list is fairly basic because the manual transmission limits the availability of more advanced driver-assistance systems. The Limited trim adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, but the base trim does not get that upgrade.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru WRX STI 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:

• 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines a powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a sharply focused driving experience.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $29,748, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,753 average.
• It emphasizes rally-inspired performance with a turbocharged engine, a massive rear wing, and standard all-wheel drive.

The bottom line: You should choose the 2021 if you want the current-year market and are willing to pay for the STI’s focused performance character. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value path because it delivers the same old-school appeal for less money.

How does the 2021 Subaru WRX STI 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.