Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for SaleNationwide

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 252 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — your 5/5 user rating and the 6.8/10 expert rating both point to a car that delivers on its mission. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is a performance sedan that rewards you with a sharply focused driving experience, standard all-wheel drive, and a playful character. It is also described as somewhat dated, with a cabin that shows its age and infotainment that trails newer rivals.

The main trade-offs are poor fuel economy and uncomfortable seats, along with outdated technology. If you want a compact sedan that blends performance with everyday practicality, that is the STI’s core appeal.

The market shows 31.7% good and great deals, so there is still some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

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

The STI’s appeal comes from a simple, durable-feeling formula: a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission. The expert review also describes it as a car that stays true to its performance heritage rather than chasing the latest tech trends.

Its powertrain is presented as a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with a focused, old-school character, and the review notes that you have to work the revs to stay in the powerband. That kind of setup can be rewarding, but it also means the car asks more of you than a typical commuter sedan.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term ownership risk is that the STI’s performance-first design can make wear, maintenance, and previous driving style especially important to verify.

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

At 71.8% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified or driven hard. Focus on overall condition, because the STI’s performance-oriented nature makes signs of abuse, wear, or neglected maintenance more important than they would be on a typical sedan.

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 one with the biggest feature gaps.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, plus a manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The review notes that peak power arrives high in the rev range, so the car rewards committed 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 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: The STI 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 play if you want the STI experience without paying extra for comfort and convenience upgrades. You still get the core performance hardware, the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and the aggressive STI look.
• Limited: This is the best-value trim if you want the most complete version of the car. It adds the power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and the only safety upgrade available.

The Limited is also the only trim with the added 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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 252 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.8% 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 $32,904 sits slightly below last year's $32,908.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is usually helpful if you plan to sell later. A steady price pattern can make it easier to estimate your car’s future value without worrying about sharp swings.

The STI’s performance reputation and enthusiast appeal should help keep demand alive among the right buyers. Well-kept examples are likely to remain easier to move than ordinary used sedans with similar mileage.

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 for the class.

The Limited trim is the only one that adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. If safety tech matters to you, that trim is the one to target.

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 71.8% 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.
• The 2021 stands out for its sharply focused driving experience, standard all-wheel drive, and playful performance character.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $29,524, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,904 average.
• It remains a rally-inspired performance sedan with standard all-wheel drive and a fun-to-drive personality.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year STI and are comfortable paying a bit more for a stable market, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is saving money and you still want the same core STI formula, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

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 November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.