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 277 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, it lands as a strong enthusiast pick. 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 fun-to-drive character that sets it apart from a typical compact sedan. The trade-offs are clear: the ride is harsh and the seats are uncomfortable, and the car is somewhat dated with outdated technology and infotainment.

If you want a car that prioritizes involvement over comfort and modern polish, this model year fits that brief well. The market also shows 33.2% 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 built around a proven formula: a turbocharged flat-four engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission. Its performance focus and straightforward layout support the sense that it is engineered for durability in enthusiast use, even if it is not the most refined car in daily driving.

The engine’s character is demanding rather than delicate, so long-term ownership risk for used buyers is more about maintenance history and how hard the car was driven than about comfort or convenience.

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

At 70% 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 cars that may have been modified or driven hard. Focus on overall condition, signs of abuse, and whether the car’s maintenance and wear match its mileage and asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim gives you the core STI formula with 19-inch alloy wheels, summer performance tires, LED headlights that move with the steering wheel, a quad-tip exhaust, heated side mirrors, manually adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift handle, keyless access with pushbutton start, Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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, navigation, and an available low-profile rear spoiler.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired with a manual transmission and Subaru’s all-wheel drive. It is tuned for high-rev performance, so you need to keep the engine in its powerband to get the most from it.
• 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 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, 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 that gives you the essential STI experience at the lower price point, with the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and the core performance hardware. If you want the most direct path into the model and care most about driving feel, this is the value play.
• Limited: This is the better-equipped choice if you want the most comfort and convenience the STI offers, including Recaro sport bucket front seats, a power moonroof, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and the added driver-assistance features. It suits you best if you want the STI experience with more everyday livability.

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 is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop, but the best listings still deserve quick attention.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 277 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.0% 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 $33,321 sits slightly above last year's $33,318.

That small increase suggests the market has stayed stable rather than swinging sharply in either direction. For a future seller, that kind of pricing pattern can be helpful because it points to predictable demand and fewer signs of rapid depreciation.

The model’s enthusiast appeal also helps support value, especially when the car is well kept and documented. Listings that are accident-free and priced near the market average should remain easier to move than neglected examples.

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 Limited trim adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Because it is only offered with a manual transmission, it does not include 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:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70% 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-only setup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,491, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,321 average.
• It keeps the rally-inspired, analog performance character that makes the STI appealing.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year market with stable pricing and strong enthusiast appeal, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the better value path, especially if you can find one with a solid history and condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.