How much does the Subaru WRX cost in today's market?

Used Subaru WRX prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Subaru WRX's current nationwide average price is $23,850, and its year-round low is $22,641.78. That puts the model's pricing in a fairly tight band for shoppers tracking used examples across the lineup. Recently, prices have come down for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Subaru WRX a good car?

Yes — the Subaru WRX earns strong marks from owners across the lineup, and its enthusiast-focused character comes through clearly in the reviews. The all-generations owner rating is 4.82/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the WRX for its thrilling performance, sporty handling, all-wheel-drive capability, and engaging driving experience. Reviewers also repeatedly highlight its value as a performance car and its practical everyday usability. Expert reviews rate the 2016 and 2020 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs center on outdated technology, interior quality, and comfort, especially in some older and more basic versions. That said, the WRX remains a compelling used pick if you want a car that feels lively, capable, and distinctive.

26.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru WRX models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the WRX for its performance, driving enjoyment, and all-wheel-drive confidence, and expert reviews reinforce that it delivers a focused, enthusiast-friendly experience. Across the model years, the strongest feedback centers on the car’s engaging character and everyday usability.

• Owners rate the Subaru WRX between 4.33 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by choosing a well-kept example with a clean history and a documented maintenance record.

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

Across all model years, at 71.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Infotainment: Subaru Starlink infotainment with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus either a pair of 7-inch touchscreens or an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX's EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with the manual transmission and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with the CVT are respectable for a performance car.

Which Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2023 Subaru WRX offers these trims:

• WRX: The base trim gives you the WRX formula with standard all-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and the model’s core performance character at the lowest entry point.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim if you want a stronger mix of everyday comfort and equipment, including the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and added convenience features.
• Limited: This trim adds more upscale comfort and convenience, including available driver-assist features and a more premium cabin feel.
• GT: This is the most performance- and feature-rich trim, with Recaro Performance Design front seats, electronically controlled dampers, drive mode select, and a more customized driving setup.

What Subaru WRX do most buyers choose?

The Subaru WRX years with the most listings are 2023, 2022, and 2024.

Higher-volume years tend to be the easiest to shop because you get more listings to compare and a better chance of finding the right color, mileage, and equipment mix. They also tend to be the years most buyers gravitate toward when they want a newer WRX with broad availability.

What is the Subaru WRX's resale value?

Most WRX model years are moving lower year over year, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The changes are generally modest rather than dramatic, with the smallest shifts concentrated in the newer end of the lineup. That makes the market feel relatively stable overall, even as prices continue to ease.

The 2023 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2023, 2021, and 2020 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Subaru WRX safe?

• 2023: 9/10
• 2022: 5/10
• 2021: 6/10
• 2020: 9/10
• 2016: 9/10

The 2023 WRX gets Subaru's EyeSight safety system.

For the safest used buy, the 2016, 2020 and 2023 models all post the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Subaru WRX now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2024 model is at −4.1% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −0.62%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 28.7% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 28.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $28,549. The Subaru WRX offers a distinctive rally-bred character with standard all-wheel drive and engaging handling.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The WRX is an in-betweener in its segment. With 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque generated by its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, the Subaru develops more horsepower (albeit less torque) than a Volkswagen Golf GTI, but less than a Golf R.
• Tech: The WRX's Subaru Starlink infotainment system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and two display configurations.
• Safety: The WRX gets Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which is notable for using stereo cameras mounted in a less-vulnerable position behind the windshield in place of the bumper- or grille-mounted radar units most other automakers use as sensors for their driver aids.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $31,625 (including the $1,020 destination charge) for the base model with the manual transmission.

If you're buying used today, the 2023 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2027 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.