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 265 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 — the 2021 Subaru WRX STI earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

It’s a performance sedan built for drivers who want a sharply focused, high-commitment experience rather than everyday softness. The standard all-wheel drive and powerful engine make it feel serious and engaging, while the dated cabin and rough ride keep it from feeling polished.

The main trade-offs are the harsh ride and the uncomfortable seats, and the outdated technology also stands out. Even so, if you want a car that prioritizes involvement over comfort, this one fits that brief well.

Only 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market has some value opportunities but not a flood of them.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

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

The WRX STI’s appeal comes from its focused performance character, standard all-wheel drive, and straightforward mechanical setup. Its manual-only layout and performance-first design suggest a car built around driver involvement rather than complexity.

It returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, and it requires premium fuel. That means ownership costs can run higher than you might expect from a compact sedan, especially if you drive it often.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is that a hard-driven performance car may have seen more wear than its mileage alone suggests.

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

At 68.7% 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 aggressively. Pay close attention to tire wear, clutch feel, suspension condition, and signs that the car has been used hard.

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 more basic equipment set.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired only with a manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It’s tuned for strong performance, but it asks you to work the revs to stay in the powerband.
• 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 base trim 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 value play if you want the STI experience without paying extra for comfort and convenience upgrades. You still get the core hardware, the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and the same performance-focused character as the pricier trim.
• Limited: This is the best choice if you want the most complete version of the STI. The Recaro front seats, power moonroof, upgraded audio, and navigation make it feel more finished, and it also adds the only meaningful safety upgrade with blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Limited is the only trim with the added safety package.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 265 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,202, 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 $33,127 sits slightly below last year's $33,192.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to sell later. A steady price pattern can make it easier to estimate your car’s future value and avoid sharp depreciation surprises.

Because demand is tied to the STI’s enthusiast appeal, condition and history will matter a lot when it’s time to resell. Clean examples with strong documentation should hold buyer interest better than cars with questionable maintenance or accident history.

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’s manual-only, it doesn’t offer some modern driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and reverse automatic braking. That leaves the safety tech list relatively basic compared with many newer rivals.

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:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.7% 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 powerful turbocharged engine.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,102, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,127 average.
• It keeps the rally-inspired, old-school performance character that makes the STI appealing.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year market and are willing to pay a bit more for a stable, well-supported used-car pool, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is saving money and you’re comfortable with the same basic formula, the 2020 is the better value path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.