2021
Subaru WRX

Starts at:
$31,945
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New 2021 Subaru WRX
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Manual
    Starts at
    $27,495
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Premium Manual
    Starts at
    $30,045
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Premium CVT
    Starts at
    $31,945
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited Manual
    Starts at
    $32,095
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited CVT
    Starts at
    $33,995
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX 2021 Subaru WRX

Notable features

Five-seat compact performance sedan
All-wheel drive standard
Manual or CVT (WRX)
High-output WRX STI model available
EyeSight active safety system available

The good & the bad

The good

Comfortable seats
Visibility
Handling and acceleration
Relatively affordable (WRX)
Highway poise

The bad

CVT operation in most situations
Small trunk
Sound quality of standard stereo

Expert 2021 Subaru WRX review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are compact performance sedans with room for up to five people. They have turbocharged engines, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive systems and special bodywork. 

The WRX has a 268-horsepower, turbocharged horizontally opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the high-output WRX STI has a 310-hp, turbocharged horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both versions come with a standard six-speed manual transmission, and a continuously variable automatic is available for the WRX. The STI also includes other high-performance hardware like Brembo brakes and a driver-controlled center differential. 

The WRX faces competition from the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI, while the WRX STI goes up against the Honda Civic Type R

What’s New on the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The mid-level Premium trim of the WRX gains keyless access with push-button start. 

 What Features in the 2021 Subaru WRX Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Summer performance tires
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Aluminum pedal covers
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity

Available features include: 

  • Power moonroof
  • Heated front seats
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Reverse automatic braking

Should I Buy the 2021 Subaru WRX?

If you’re looking for entertaining performance and four-season usability in one car, the WRX and WRX STI are worth a look. That said, we’re not impressed with the automatic transmission, and trunk space is limited.

2021 Subaru WRX review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are compact performance sedans with room for up to five people. They have turbocharged engines, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive systems and special bodywork. 

The WRX has a 268-horsepower, turbocharged horizontally opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the high-output WRX STI has a 310-hp, turbocharged horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both versions come with a standard six-speed manual transmission, and a continuously variable automatic is available for the WRX. The STI also includes other high-performance hardware like Brembo brakes and a driver-controlled center differential. 

The WRX faces competition from the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI, while the WRX STI goes up against the Honda Civic Type R

What’s New on the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The mid-level Premium trim of the WRX gains keyless access with push-button start. 

 What Features in the 2021 Subaru WRX Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Summer performance tires
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Aluminum pedal covers
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity

Available features include: 

  • Power moonroof
  • Heated front seats
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Reverse automatic braking

Should I Buy the 2021 Subaru WRX?

If you’re looking for entertaining performance and four-season usability in one car, the WRX and WRX STI are worth a look. That said, we’re not impressed with the automatic transmission, and trunk space is limited.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Subaru WRX base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    5.0
    Subaru WRX
    Starts at
    $27,495
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.5
    Honda Civic Type R
    Starts at
    $36,995
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.4
    Honda Civic Si
    Starts at
    $27,500
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2018
    4.7
    Subaru WRX STI
    Starts at
    $36,095
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.6
    Subaru WRX
    Starts at
    $27,195
    21 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.7
Performance 5.0
Value 4.7
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

It’s a very well built car

This car was exactly what I was looking for. Great all wheel drive system and great performance. Not too bad in gas mileage either for the performance it puts down. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun affordable and practice sports sedan.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.0
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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My third and best Subaru

I absolutely love my 2021 WRX. It's an absolute joy to drive. I would totally recommend to friends. It has plenty of power and handles like a dream.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The 2021 Subaru WRX is available in 3 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • Premium (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The 2021 Subaru WRX offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The 2021 Subaru WRX compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2021 Subaru WRX has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Subaru WRX owners.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Subaru WRX. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.7

Subaru WRX history

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