How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX STI cost?

Prices have softened 1.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 266 listings available, which gives you a workable amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $32,208.46, 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 suggests strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.83/10. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The WRX STI is positioned as a performance sedan that blends fun with practicality, and it does that through a powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and an engaging driving experience. The trade-offs are clear: the ride is harsh and the seats are uncomfortable, and the technology feels dated. For you, that means this is a better fit if you want a focused driver’s car rather than an easygoing daily commuter.

Only 29.7% of listings are marked as good or great deals, so you may need to shop selectively to find the best value.

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 a simple, durable-feeling formula: a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission that keeps the car mechanically straightforward. The expert review also describes it as a focused performance car rather than a complicated one, which can be reassuring if you want a used sports sedan with a clear purpose.

Its performance setup is demanding, though, and the car’s age shows in the cabin and ride quality. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that hard driving and a rougher ownership life can make condition matter more than mileage alone.

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

At 71.4% 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 if the car has been modified or driven hard. Focus on wear items that reflect aggressive use, and pay close attention to the condition of the clutch, tires, brakes, and suspension. Because this model is performance-focused, a clean-looking car can still hide expensive issues.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim includes manually adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift handle, keyless access with pushbutton start, and Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery. 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, and navigation.
• Powertrain: The WRX STI uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. It comes only with a manual transmission and Subaru’s all-wheel drive, and it asks you to work the revs to stay in the powerband.
• Safety package: Standard safety 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 gets a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited adds navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The system is functional, but it does not feel especially modern.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA-rated fuel economy is 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. In testing, it returned 18.7 mpg. 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 trim: This is the simpler choice, but it lacks the Limited’s upgraded seats, moonroof, premium audio, and navigation. It still gives you the core STI experience, including the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and the standard performance hardware.
• Premium/top trim: The Limited is the better pick if you want the most complete version of the STI. It adds Recaro sport bucket front seats, a power moonroof, eight-way power-adjustability for the driver’s seat, Harman Kardon audio, and navigation.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

The Limited is also the only trim with blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 266 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.67% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,208.46, 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 $33,760 sits slightly below last year's $34,333.

That softer pricing suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more carefully now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and whether the car has been kept stock and well maintained. Performance cars can hold demand, but the best examples usually bring the strongest money.

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 STI’s manual transmission limits the availability of more advanced driver-assistance systems, so the safety list is fairly basic by modern standards. The Limited trim is the only one that 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:

• 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It delivers a focused, manual-transmission performance experience with standard all-wheel drive and a powerful turbo engine.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,839, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,760 average.
• It remains a rally-inspired performance car with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of performance, practicality, and current-market availability, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, 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 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.