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 260 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of choice in the market. If you find a listing below $32,197.53, 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 and 6.83/10 expert rating point to a car that delivers strongly for the right buyer. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The WRX STI is a performance sedan that blends fun with practicality, and it is aimed at you if you want something more intense than an ordinary sporty compact. Its powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and engaging driving character are the core appeal, while the dated cabin and rougher edges make it less about comfort and convenience. The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy and uncomfortable seats.

With 30.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively if you want the right mix of price and performance.

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 built around a focused performance formula rather than complexity, with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission that keep the car mechanically straightforward. Its performance setup is described as demanding but rewarding, and the cabin’s dated nature suggests the car is more about durability of purpose than modern polish. The engine and drivetrain are tuned for hard use, so you should expect a used example to reflect how intensely it was driven.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is finding a car that has been abused, modified, or maintained inconsistently.

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 from a technician who knows performance cars. Focus on signs of hard driving, uneven wear, and any evidence that the car has been modified or tracked. Because this model is built around a manual transmission and a high-strung turbocharged setup, condition matters as much as mileage.

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 manually adjustable front seats and the simpler cabin setup.
• 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 Subaru’s all-wheel drive. It is tuned for high-rev performance rather than relaxed everyday driving.
• 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 trim 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, 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 best-value choice if you want the core STI experience without paying extra for comfort and convenience upgrades. You still get the 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, LED headlights that move with the steering wheel, quad-tip exhaust, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, keyless access with pushbutton start, and the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the more complete daily-driver version of the STI. It adds the power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, Harman Kardon premium stereo, and navigation, and it also brings the only meaningful safety upgrade with blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Limited is the trim that adds the safety package upgrade, while the base trim is the more straightforward performance pick.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some patience and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 30.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 260 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 $32,197.53, 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 $33,497 sits slightly below last year's $33,675.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which can help future sellers because buyers can price the car with more confidence. The STI’s performance-focused identity also gives it a clear audience, which can support demand when the car is presented well and kept in good condition. If you buy carefully and maintain it properly, you should have a reasonable path to resale without needing to chase a steep discount.

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 story is more limited than in many modern cars because the manual transmission restricts access to some driver-assistance systems. The only meaningful safety upgrade is on the Limited trim, which adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

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:

• 30.0% 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.
• The 2021 keeps the STI’s focused performance character, standard all-wheel drive, and manual-only setup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,856, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,497 average.
• It stays true to the STI’s rally-inspired, manual-transmission performance formula.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest current-market mix of performance, satisfaction, and availability, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front and you’re comfortable giving up some of the current-year pricing context, the 2020 is the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.