Used 2021 Subaru WRX for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 2.59% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 845 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $22,215.41, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru WRX earns a 4.67/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Performance and Cost effectiveness.

You get a sedan that prioritizes sharp cornering, brisk acceleration, and everyday usability, with standard all-wheel drive as a core advantage. The trade-off is that it is not trying to be a polished commuter first, so you should expect a more focused driving experience than a luxury-like one.

Cons: Poor fuel economy and an outdated technology setup are the main compromises, and the cramped back seat can limit comfort for passengers.

If you want a practical four-door that still feels engaging on a winding road, this year’s WRX fits that brief well. With 31.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The WRX is built around a turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive, which gives it a durable, purpose-built feel for year-round use. Its performance setup is straightforward rather than complicated, and the available CVT keeps the engine in its powerband when you want easier daily driving.

The cost side is less reassuring: fuel economy is not a strength, and premium fuel is recommended. For used buyers, the bigger long-term ownership risk is that the car’s performance focus comes with higher running costs and less comfort-oriented refinement.

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

At 73.6% 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 signs of wear that match the WRX’s performance-oriented personality, including tire condition, brake wear, and interior condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim gives you the essentials, including 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, auto on/off headlights, and a 7-inch screen. The Limited adds leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights.
• Powertrain: You get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, and a CVT is available. The manual returns 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the CVT returns 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
• Safety package: EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, but it is available only on the Premium and Limited with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are available only on the Limited.
• Infotainment: The base car uses a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 7-inch screen. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface is described as easy to use despite dated graphics.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX is not efficient by compact-sedan standards. The manual is the more efficient setup at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the CVT returns 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the value play if you want the WRX’s core formula at the lowest entry point. You still get standard all-wheel drive, the turbocharged engine, and the basic infotainment and comfort equipment, but you give up the nicer cabin touches and the more advanced safety options found higher up.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds heated seats, pushbutton start, fog lights, larger wheels, and the bigger touchscreen. It also opens the door to the CVT and EyeSight, which makes it the trim to target if you want more convenience and available driver assistance.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most complete WRX experience short of the STI. It adds leather, a power driver’s seat, adaptive LED headlights, and access to the most advanced safety and convenience features, but it costs more and is best for buyers who want the fullest equipment list.

The safety package is tied to the CVT on Premium and Limited trims, so manual-transmission shoppers should keep that limitation in mind.

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

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

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 845 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.59% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,215.41, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru WRX's resale value?

The current average of $23,068 sits slightly below last year's $23,682.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become a bit more favorable for buyers, which can also mean a future seller may need to price competitively to stand out. The WRX’s strong enthusiast appeal helps support demand, but its running costs and age-related tech limitations can keep resale from climbing too aggressively. If you maintain the car well and keep it stock, you are more likely to preserve value than if the car shows heavy wear or modifications.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX safe?

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

The WRX does not come standard with the latest safety features, and that matters if you want a more modern driver-assistance setup. Subaru’s EyeSight system adds adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, but it is available only on the Premium and Limited with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are limited to the Limited trim.

That means the manual-transmission version gives up access to the newest safety tech, which is an important trade-off for used buyers to weigh. If safety equipment is a priority, you should focus on the right trim and transmission combination rather than assuming every WRX is equally equipped.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru WRX 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 73.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.59% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It delivers sharp cornering and brisk acceleration in a practical sedan package.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,599, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $23,068 average.
• It blends practical daily use with a strong enthusiast identity.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $26,330, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $23,068 average.
• It sharpens the formula with updated powertrain, suspension, and technology.

The bottom line: if you want the best balance of price, performance, and available inventory, the 2021 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better value path; if you want the newer update and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

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