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.

With 250 listings available, you have a workable amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $32,201.77, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — the 5/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.83/10. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The WRX STI is aimed at you if you want a performance sedan that blends fun with practicality, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual-only driving experience that stays focused on engagement. The trade-offs are clear: the ride is harsh, the seats are uncomfortable, and the technology feels dated.

The result is a car that makes the most sense if you value driving intensity over everyday polish. 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are some opportunities 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 durable, purpose-built performance character: a turbocharged flat-four, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission that keeps the car mechanically simple compared with more automated performance rivals. The expert review also describes it as a focused, old-school performance car rather than a tech-heavy one.

Its dependability story is helped by straightforward hardware, but the car’s age and hard-edged setup mean you should expect a used example to show wear more quickly if it has been driven hard. For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is finding a car that has been modified, abused, or neglected.

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

At 71.2% 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 the drivetrain, clutch, suspension, and tires. Because this model is built for hard driving, condition matters as much as mileage. Pay close attention to signs of modification, track use, or uneven wear.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim gives you the core STI formula, while the Limited adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon premium stereo, and navigation. The base trim is the value play if you want the essential performance hardware without paying for extra comfort features.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired only with a manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It rewards you when you keep the revs up, but it asks for more effort than a relaxed daily driver.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes 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 base car uses a 7-inch Starlink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited adds navigation and the Harman Kardon premium audio 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 trim to target if you want the pure STI experience at the lowest entry point. You still get the 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, LED headlights, heated front seats, keyless access with pushbutton start, the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It is the best-value choice if you care most about the driving hardware and can live without the extra comfort and convenience features.
• Limited: This trim makes sense if you want the more complete daily-driver version of the STI. It adds the power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and the only meaningful safety upgrade in the lineup: blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

The safety-package upgrade is limited to the Limited trim, so if those driver-assistance features matter to you, that trim is the one to buy.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 250 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,201.77, 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 $33,803 sits slightly below last year's $33,962.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to resell later. A car that holds close to its prior-year value usually gives future sellers a clearer pricing benchmark. The STI’s focused enthusiast appeal can also help support demand when the car is clean and well maintained.

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

Because the STI is manual-only, it misses some modern driver-assistance features that rely on computer control of the throttle and brakes. That means you should not expect the same breadth of active safety tech you might find in newer performance cars.

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:

• 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.2% 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 delivers a focused, manual-only performance-sedan experience with standard all-wheel drive and a strong emphasis on driving engagement.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,930, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,803 average.
• It remains a rally-inspired performance car with standard all-wheel drive and a more old-school driving feel.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year market with stable pricing and strong owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the better default choice. If your priority is saving money upfront, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the core STI formula.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.