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 $23,790, and its year-round low is $22,650.26. That gives you a useful snapshot of where the model sits right now 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 is a strong pick if you want a performance-focused used sedan with a loyal owner following and a clear enthusiast identity. 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, turbocharged power, and all-wheel-drive capability. Many also value its engaging driving experience and everyday usability, especially when paired with the manual transmission.

Expert reviews rate the 2016 and 2020 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert reviews are outdated technology, poor fuel economy, and interior quality that can feel basic compared with rivals. Even so, the WRX’s mix of traction, speed, and practicality keeps it appealing for buyers who want a driver-first car.

31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru WRX models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the WRX as fun to drive, engaging, and strong on performance, with all-wheel-drive confidence showing up again and again in reviews. Expert commentary also reinforces that the car’s core formula stays appealing because it delivers everyday usability alongside enthusiast character.

• 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-maintained example with a clean history and service records, since condition and prior use matter a lot on a performance car like this.

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

Across all model years, at 71.3% 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:

• Safety package: Subaru EyeSight safety system
• Infotainment: Subaru Starlink infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen on WRX Premium and higher trim levels
• 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...

• base: The base trim gives you the WRX’s core formula with the manual transmission, Subaru Starlink infotainment with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the model’s distinctive styling. It is the best-value starting point if you want the WRX experience with the simplest setup.
• Premium: Premium adds the 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and more convenience-focused equipment, making it a strong step up if you want a better daily-use cabin without moving too far up the price ladder.
• Limited: Limited builds on the Premium with more upscale equipment and available safety features, making it a good fit if you want a more polished WRX with broader comfort and tech.
• GT: GT is the most performance- and feature-rich version, adding electronically controlled dampers, drive mode select, Recaro Performance Design front seats, and Ultrasuede upholstery. It suits you best if you want the most adjustable and fully equipped WRX.

What Subaru WRX do most buyers choose?

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

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare and a wider spread of prices and conditions. That usually makes it easier to find a WRX that matches your budget and equipment preferences.

What is the Subaru WRX's resale value?

Most model years are showing price declines, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The biggest drops are concentrated in older and mid-cycle years, while the newest entries are moving more gently. That creates a useful opening for buyers who want a WRX without paying peak pricing.

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

The 2023, 2015, and 2017 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Subaru WRX safe?

• 2023: 9/10
• 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 −4.4% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −0.4%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 32.4% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 31.7%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $28,596. The Subaru WRX offers a distinctive rally-bred character with sharp handling and standard all-wheel drive.

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 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.