Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for Sale near Illinois

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 267 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — with a 5/5 user rating and a 6.83/10 expert rating, you’re looking at a car that clearly resonates with drivers who want performance first. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The WRX STI is built around a powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a sharply focused driving experience, so it fits you best if you value involvement over comfort. The trade-offs are real: the ride is harsh and the cabin feels dated, with outdated technology and infotainment.

The market also shows 31.1% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile 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 is rooted in its durable enthusiast formula: a turbocharged flat-four, manual transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. Its performance setup is straightforward rather than complicated, and the expert review describes it as a car that rewards drivers who know how to keep it in its powerband.

It also has a practical maintenance advantage in the form of a manual-only layout that keeps the drivetrain simple. For used buyers, the bigger long-term risk is not complexity so much as how hard the car may have been driven and whether it has been maintained consistently.

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

At 70.8% 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 if the car has been modified or driven aggressively. Focus on wear items that reflect hard use, and pay close attention to the condition of the clutch, tires, brakes, and suspension.

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 system, and navigation. The base trim is the one with the biggest equipment gaps.
• 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 delivers strong punch, but you have to work the revs to access the best of it.
• 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 STI uses a 7-inch Starlink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited adds navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: It returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

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 play 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 standard all-wheel-drive setup.
• Limited: This is the better choice if you want the most complete version of the car. It adds Recaro sport bucket front seats, a power moonroof, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and the only safety upgrades available. It’s the trim to choose if you want the best-equipped STI.

The Limited is the only trim with 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’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 267 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,198, 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 $33,327 sits slightly below last year's $33,520.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you’re thinking about future resale. A car that holds close to its prior-year value usually gives you a clearer sense of what you can expect when it’s time to sell.

The STI’s enthusiast appeal also helps support demand, especially among buyers who want a manual, turbocharged performance sedan with standard all-wheel drive. If you keep mileage reasonable and maintenance records organized, you should be in a better position when you go to resell.

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?

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI 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 safety upgrade comes with the Limited trim, which adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Because it’s manual-only, the STI does not offer some modern driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and reverse automatic braking.

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:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.8% 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 remains a sharply focused performance sedan with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,723, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,327 average.
• It keeps the rally-inspired, old-school performance formula that makes the STI appealing.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model year and are comfortable paying a bit more, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is saving money and you mainly care about the STI’s core performance character, the 2020 is the smarter value path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.