2021 Subaru WRX Review
Price Range:Â $20,995 - $35,998





+165
Below Average
6.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The WRX's combination of a high-performance engine and standard all-wheel drive is rare for a small performance car. If you drive it hard, the WRX can be relatively quick in a straight line, and handling is entertaining. Unfortunately, unrefined or unavailable in-car tech, a bumpy ride, sluggish throttle response in town, and a high cost of entry are all major deterrents. We'd recommend taking a closer look at one of its many highly skilled rivals.
For sale nearby
24 listings
- $24,998fair price$70 above market
- 66,423 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- CarMax Dulles (3 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in Sterling, VA
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VA1J68M9822693
Stock: 25862672
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $20,995fair price$273 below market
- 46,460 miles
- 2 accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Auto Trademark (17 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
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Located in Manassas, VA
2021 SUBARU WRX MANAUL AWD SEDAN Call 703-361-6882 - Clean Carfax, 46K Miles Only, Factory Drive/Train Warranty, The WRX is Subaru's most enthusiast-...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VA1A66M9814060
Stock: AT17330
Certified Pre-Owned: No - 35,969 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Rosenthal Acura (17 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in Gaithersburg, MD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VA2T68M9806805
Stock: 6040A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-06-2025
Subaru WRX model years
Subaru WRX types
- Sedan
- STI Limited
- STI
2021 Subaru WRX Review

byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
- Spacious cabin with excellent visibility
- Entertaining handling
- Standard all-wheel drive can enhance traction and performance
Cons
- Unrefined power delivery
- Excessive wind and road noise
- Interior quality lags behind competitors
- STI's high-performance suspension makes for a rough ride
What's new
- Keyless entry and push-button start now standard on the Premium trim
- Based on the fourth Subaru Impreza generation introduced for 2012
Overview
The 2021 Subaru WRX is one of the more affordable performance cars on the market. It's got a relatively powerful turbocharged engine that sends power to the wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. It handles well too, with responsive steering and plenty of grip. Subaru also offers the top-level STI trim with a more powerful engine and a variety of other performance upgrades.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$210/mo  for WRX Base
WRX Base
vs
$158/mo
Avg. Compact Car
The WRX is showing its age, though, especially inside. While it's had some small updates over the years, the basic design dates back to the previous-generation Subaru Impreza that debuted nearly a decade ago. As such, the WRX isn't as refined or fresh as rivals such as the Hyundai Veloster and Honda Civic. It's loud on the street, too, and not in the way we want a sports car to be. Are these deal-breakers? Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to help you decide.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Below Average
6.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The WRX's combination of a high-performance engine and standard all-wheel drive is rare for a small performance car. If you drive it hard, the WRX can be relatively quick in a straight line, and handling is entertaining. Unfortunately, unrefined or unavailable in-car tech, a bumpy ride, sluggish throttle response in town, and a high cost of entry are all major deterrents. We'd recommend taking a closer look at one of its many highly skilled rivals.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
7/10
How does the WRX drive? There was a time when the WRX was a class benchmark in terms of speed and driving. But that time has passed. Acceleration is a surprisingly jerky and unpleasant experience. Full-throttle shifts cause massive lurches forward, and leaving the line quickly requires a launch technique that we feel is mechanically abusive.
Once you're up to speed, though, the WRX becomes more entertaining. Around corners, the WRX has decent grip and changes direction quickly. The steering wheel relates information the way you'd want it to. The Brembo brakes are easy to use in routine driving, and we didn't experience any fade in high-performance driving.
Once you're up to speed, though, the WRX becomes more entertaining. Around corners, the WRX has decent grip and changes direction quickly. The steering wheel relates information the way you'd want it to. The Brembo brakes are easy to use in routine driving, and we didn't experience any fade in high-performance driving.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the WRX? For a high-performance small car, the WRX is pretty competent in the comfort department. The optional Recaro seats are well bolstered and easy to adjust. Ride quality is less impressive. Small bumps aren't an issue, but large bumps and highway imperfections definitely upset the ride. There's also plenty of wind noise generated around the mirrors while on the highway.
The WRX's climate control blows cold air fast even on a hot day. The automatic controls are easy to set and forget. Two-level heated seats up front are quick to warm up too.
The WRX's climate control blows cold air fast even on a hot day. The automatic controls are easy to set and forget. Two-level heated seats up front are quick to warm up too.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? One of the highlights of driving a WRX is the interior's spacious and airy feel. The cabin is roomy enough to fit four adults easily, with large door openings that make it easy to slide into or out of all four major seating positions. Visibility is excellent, with thin roof pillars and large windows as well as a big windshield to see through.
The cabin is well laid out, with logically arranged and easy-to-learn controls. Unfortunately, the driving position is a bit funky because of the steering wheel's limited tilt adjustment. Also, the center armrest is located too far back to be useful.
The cabin is well laid out, with logically arranged and easy-to-learn controls. Unfortunately, the driving position is a bit funky because of the steering wheel's limited tilt adjustment. Also, the center armrest is located too far back to be useful.
Technology
6/10
How’s the tech? The crisp-looking touchscreen in the WRX Premium is aesthetically pleasing, and it responds to commands quickly. Smartphone connection via USB is quick as well, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Once you start operating Subaru's Starlink system, however, things begin to fall apart. Audio quality is substandard and the options list is missing several features. Navigation isn't available, and the voice controls are difficult to use. Another issue: On manual transmission-equipped cars, you don't have access to Subaru's suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.
Once you start operating Subaru's Starlink system, however, things begin to fall apart. Audio quality is substandard and the options list is missing several features. Navigation isn't available, and the voice controls are difficult to use. Another issue: On manual transmission-equipped cars, you don't have access to Subaru's suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.
Storage
6.5/10
How’s the storage? Whether you're comparing the WRX to its hatchback or sedan rivals, it falls behind class leaders in terms of cargo space and small-item storage. In both categories, it's got enough space to get by, but it doesn't offer any smart solutions in the interior. It also doesn't offer a particularly spacious trunk at 12 cubic feet.
If you're buying a WRX with a child seat in mind, there's plenty of space in the back seat, with easily accessed anchor points and enough room for a large rear-facing seat. Load-in should be easy thanks to the wide-opening doors.
If you're buying a WRX with a child seat in mind, there's plenty of space in the back seat, with easily accessed anchor points and enough room for a large rear-facing seat. Load-in should be easy thanks to the wide-opening doors.
Fuel Economy
5.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The WRX has some of the worst fuel economy in its class by EPA standards. With the manual transmission, the WRX gets an estimated 23 mpg combined, which is lower than even high-performance rivals such as the Civic Type R (25 mpg). Our test WRX averaged 24.1 mpg on our highway-biased 115-mile evaluation route, which indicates the EPA figures should be pretty accurate.
Value
6/10
Is the WRX a good value? You have to really want a WRX to buy a WRX. Fuel economy ratings are some of the worst in the class, interior quality is uninspiring, and the price can be hard to justify when you start considering the missing features. A loaded-up WRX can cost as much as a Civic Type R, which is simply a better car.
For the class, the WRX's warranty is average: three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and corrosion coverage for five years/unlimited miles. Roadside assistance lasts the life of the basic warranty.
For the class, the WRX's warranty is average: three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and corrosion coverage for five years/unlimited miles. Roadside assistance lasts the life of the basic warranty.
Wildcard
7/10
The WRX moves quickly between corners, but it does so with less poise than most of its competition. If you've driven a car that's been modified with go-fast aftermarket parts, it's sort of like that — an assortment of upgrades that don't quite play well together. If you're committed to getting a performance Impreza, we think the STI holds a bit more sway in this category, even if it's significantly less comfortable on the open road.
Which WRX does Edmunds recommend?
Get the WRX Limited trim. It's not as powerful or capable as the STI, but it offers more features at a lower price and is more comfortable in day-to-day driving.
Compare 2021 Subaru WRX trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2021 Subaru WRX models
The 2021 Subaru WRX sedan is available in five trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited. The base, Premium and Limited trims use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. An automatic is available as an option on certain trims. Stepping up to the WRX STI gets you a turbocharged 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (310 hp, 290 lb-ft of torque) paired exclusively with a six-speed manual.
Base
A base WRX is somewhat of a performance bargain. It lacks some of the creature comforts you'll find on other trims, but it does offer the same level of performance as other non-STI models. Standard features include:
- 17-inch wheels with performance tires
- Manually adjustable front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Two USB ports
- Automatic climate control
- 6.5-inch infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Premium
The WRX Premium includes all of the base trim's features, adding:
- Optional automatic transmission
- Sunroof
- 18-inch wheels with performance tires
- Foglights
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Automatic headlights
- 7-inch infotainment display
- All-Weather package
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Heated front seats
Automatic-equipped models also include Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system that includes:
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Limited
The Limited trim builds off the WRX Premium with:
- LED headlights and foglights
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Leather upholstery
An option package for the Limited adds:
- Navigation system
- Harman Kardon audio system
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Reverse automatic emergency braking (CVT-equipped only; warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
STI
The WRX STI is the hottest and most powerful model in Subaru's lineup. It's only available with a six-speed manual transmission with shorter gearing than the WRX's manual, so EyeSight isn't available. Standard features generally mirror those on the WRX Limited. Changes and upgrades include:
- 19-inch wheels with performance tires
- Adjustable drive modes
- Adjustable center differential
- Quicker-ratio steering
- STI-tuned suspension
- Brembo brakes
- STI rear spoiler
- Manually adjustable front seats
- Leather and simulated suede upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- No sunroof
- No foglights
- Optional Recaro front sport seats
STI Limited
The top-level WRX model features all of the STI's performance upgrades. Additional features include:
- Sunroof
- Front Recaro sport seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Navigation system and Harman Kardon audio system
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional low-profile spoiler

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#41 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru WRX from 2008-2022.$748/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.56x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).20.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Subaru WRX Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(86%)
4(7%)
3(0%)
2(3%)
1(4%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Simple and raw, hard to find attributes nowadays.
5 out of 5 starsCanucked, 01/29/2020
2020 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
TL;DR: Seat adjustment is lacking on the Base and the manual trans makes itself just a little bit more difficult to use. But overall the car is simple and raw. It feels great and I love it to bits.
The base model WRX doesn't feel like you cheaped out. The only other options I would've liked would be the Performance Package which is only available from Premium Trim and up. However, … that adds a lot of weight and price to the car which I can live without.
My only serious issue with the interior is the driver's seat. The base has a basic manual adjustable, non-heated, fabric seat. Manual adjustment is fine, you set it once for life basically unless you share the car with someone and it's a whole bunch lighter than motorized seats. I would've like heated seats but a sacrifice I was willing to make to keep the price down. The big issue I have with the seat is no lumber adjustment at all. And even worse: no adjustment for your thighs/ knees. It's a common grumble amongst owners. The position and travel path of the clutch brings you in forward towards the dash but that squishes your legs if you are taller and the front of the seat cushion does not adjust up to meet and support your thighs.
The only other grumble I have is kind of a broad complaint of how shifting works with the 6MT and this engine. First and foremost, I am not a veteran of the stick shift. I have only driven other people's cars with it twice before buying this car. I stalled it 6 times getting it home, mostly at lights trying to get away too quickly. I am getting better, that's me not the car.
While shifting the 6MT (mine has the short throw shifter as well) is satisfying and entertaining and rewarding there are 3 things that make it somewhat challenging.
First is the clutch and it's travel which is sort of up and towards the dash rather than more of a natural forward push towards the firewall. Not a huge deal but it does play into the seat not being super comfy.
Second problem you may or may not notice depending on what your past cars have been is the throttle mapping. It's not linear, meaning 10% throttle does not mean you are using 10% of the engines power or load. There is a point where the slightest adjustment of the throttle will make your seemingly under control revs go shooting up while you're trying to shift.
Third is the rev hang which is well documented and grumbled about with this engine but it's definitely noticeable and often gets in the way. It's a deliberate feature that holds engine revs up when you depress the clutch. It helps with downshifting a bit. However, it is always on and works when you are up shifting as well. The shift from 1st to 2nd is where you will notice it the most. Say you take off in first nice and smooth, rev to 3k, depress the clutch to go into 2nd. Pretty standard right? The problem is at that point 2nd is usually between 1500 and 2k rpm and your engine is holding you at 3k for at least a full second. That particular shift is something I am still trying to smooth out and master.
This transmission is not the easiest in the world. It's a bit old fashioned and the only assist is the spotty hill assist which you have 0 control over. It makes it a bit of a learning curve but it's not super difficult. I am confident driving it in any situation and I've only been at it for 5 days.
That was a lot of words to describe just an issue with seat adjustment and a couple shifting woes but I think the detail will help some people.
Things I like about the car: The simplicity of the base model. It feels a lot like my first car, a 1996 Impreza, but obviously much quicker and more exciting. Visibility is incredible. It has the same "fishbowl" feel as the older Subaru's I've driven. There is a ton of space in this car, including the rear seats which can actually fit full size adults. They've maintained the mechanical feel of the car despite the electric power steering and drive-by-wire throttle. I am a huge fan of hydraulic power steering but this electric steering is surprisingly good. The only difference I've noticed is the lack of a bit of "rubber banding" feel from a hydraulic steering set up. Finally: obviously the car is pretty and obviously the car is quick. There are tons of videos on its performance available for you to peruse.
2020 STI v 2018 WRX
5 out of 5 starsKrish Bellamkonda, 07/22/2020
2020 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
@12 months- I traded the 20 STI for 21 BMW 330i. STI was a great car, but I wish I had kept the WRX since at my age (early 40s) I wanted a more settled ride and didn’t want to worry about taxing the clutch( STI is way less forgiving than WRX). With the used car prices the way it is, I got 3000 more than what I paid 1 year ago with 7800 miles. Decided to switch to 330i until next STI. …
As the title says, I traded in a 2018 WRX base for a 2020 STI base. 2018 WRX was a great car, with excellent driving dynamics, awesome value and more than enough power for tooling around town. I was averaging 30 mpg consistently with spirited driving giving me around 25 mpg on premium gas. Life was good, but given the 2020 STI might be the last of the kind, I decided to test drive it and see if I wanted an upgrade. I had concerns over the ride quality, clutch engagement and general refinement which was a tad below WRX due to an older powertrain dating back to 2004. But I came back very impressed on how well it drove, how engaging it was compared to 2018 WRX. Since I believe cars should be left the way they came from the factory(no aftermarket engine tuning), I decided to move to a STI.
STI Strengths:- STIs drive very differently from the WRX. It is a much mature car at higher speeds and also the engine is free-r revving to redline. Although they look the same, the cars are entirely different from dynamics point of view. Also with the drivetrain's ability to switch between rear-bias to front-bias and drive modes(S,S#), the car handles like extremely well. The ride quality of 2020 is way improved over 2017 STI, but not as supple as WRX base trim(17 inch wheels).But suspension tuning and all the reviews about STI's ride harshness is exaggerated. If suspension is holding you back from STI, you should really test-drive the car. The car(STI) is much quieter with more quality materials than base WRX. Although with WRX and STI, quietness is not the forte of either. STIs offer very predictable handling and what I observe is that more you engage with the car, more you pay attention to the shift points and nuances of clutch engagement, it is way more rewarding than WRX. Also the WRX has very irritating lumpy power delivery where you get abrupt dropoffs when you rev hard. STI is way smoother and has much more linearity in the way power is delivered. Also, the clutch engagement point more sorted out than WRX although it is a tad harder. The shifter is much nicer with clear throws(with STI short shift kit). It is way shorter than WRX(with short shift kit). It feels more direct in terms of engagement and also, vibrations. With STI, my gas mileage is between 20-23 mpg. It has gone below 20 during the break-in period. So gas mileage is definitely not one of the strengths of this aging engine. But my goal was to become a better driver(more technical) and also take the vehicle to track in stock form at some point. STI is like 9/10s of a budget sports car which needs 9/10s of engagement from the driver to have fun, where WRX is like 6/10s of a budget sports car which needs 6/10s of engagement from the driver to have fun. Which brings us to WRX strengths.
WRX Strengths:- Whereas WRX is a much more chuckable, agile car with predictable body roll/handling, STI is more of a heavier feeling car(hydraulic power steering) with little/no body roll and more precise handling and built for more serious, precise driving. WRX is lot more fun than STI in "chuckability' factor and puts a smile no matter how you drive it. The ease of driving WRX is something I miss with the STI. STI is meant for more track duty and this is where it is a bit of a letdown "around town". So STI is more technical than WRX. So if you deeply engage with the vehicle it is fun, Whereas WRX is fun no matter whether you deeply engage or merely engage. So for a daily driver, I would pick WRX over STI to put you in a better mood no matter how your day has been. Also it is easier to drive, when it comes to overall effort. I have a Corolla Hybrid which I use for daily drive, so I don't miss WRX as much. In addition, gas mileage for WRX (30 avg, 25 worst) is amazing for a car a that's as much fun as it is. Also, the turbo spooling and whine is something which is more audible and fun with WRX. In STI, it is replaced by rumble. I personally liked WRX turbo whine better. Also, WRX has better overall drivetrain vibration management than STI. STI shifter(being direct, not cable) has a constant vibration which exaggerates over bad roads. It is not a big deal, but it does irritate you, depending on how engaged you are. In short, if you don't want to be engaged at 9/10s, then WRX is a vehicle for you. Because STI does not tolerate relaxed driving as much as the WRX
It isn't a Lexus, it's a sports car
5 out of 5 starsWasatch John, 05/09/2020
2020 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I've read numerous reviews before buying my WRX. It receives great ratings for acceleration and handling. Most reviews have scored it low for ride and amenities. This a sports car! The ride is firm like it should be, yes the road noise does come through, but in my opinion it's not distracting. As far as amenities go, I have the Limited with the Harmon Kardon stereo and Nav. It has just … the right amount of things I need. Some higher end cars have more things that are in my opinion too much and I would never use them. The WRX to me has the right balance for a performance sports sedan.
Back for my third WRX
5 out of 5 starsThird one in a row!, 08/29/2021
2021 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
After a 2013 and a 2019 WRX, took an excellent Subaru trade-in offer and bought a 2021. Went from the Premium level to Base, and my first impressions of the 2021 are very positive.
What did I lose in going down one trim level? First, the sunroof. My response: Who will miss it? This WRX is to be a winter car anyway. (I have a Miata to drive in the summer.) Second, the heated seats. … Response: For $2500, I'll buy a new down jacket. Third, the slightly smaller tires/wheels. Response: I have to change out the wheels/tires for winter ones anyway, so who cares?
My driving impressions are quite positive: Car has a pleasing rumble, and the quad exhaust tips look good. .My 2019 was white with black wheels, but I went back to WR blue for this one. Great choice, as looking at two white Subarus in the garage is quite boring. (My wife has a Forester.)
This car, unlike my last one, has a short-throw shifter, which I initially thought was a "Who cares?" option. I've decided that I like it. I can feel the slightly-crisper throws, especially between 2nd and 3rd gears. It seems as if this option gives the car a more sporty feel. Note that there is no STI labeling on it, though.
Driving this car is a pleasure. I continue to think that, if you have to drive somewhere, why not make it a fun experience? With the WRX, one has immediate power, great traction and handling, fine visibility, and enough creature comforts to satisfy. I keep thinking that this car is well-thought out--accessible engine that seems to hold a lot of oil for its displacement, sturdy suspension, and of course all-wheel drive. It seems overbuilt (as a rally-based car), and I like the feeling that I have this sturdiness as a I drive it in non-rally situations.
It is a great feeling to have a 3 series BMW on my tail as I'm entering a freeway, touch the accelerator, and leave him in my unhealthy exhaust. On service and repair, it is comforting to know that my service manager at Subaru By the Bay in Northern Michigan has driven his own WRX, and my mechanic has built his WRX into an even more high performance machine.
Note that I am over 70 (thus out of the usual WRX driver demographic) but I feel that this car and I belong together. My wife likes the comfortable seats. Besides, I've read that a manual shift helps delay dementia. What more can I ask?
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Subaru WRX, so we've included reviews for other years of the WRX since its last redesign.
2021 WRX Highlights
Sedan
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,495 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $210/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the WRX models:
- EyeSight Assist Monitor
- Projects alerts and warnings (about pedestrians, potential collisions) into a head-up display on the windshield.
- Reverse Automatic Braking System
- Automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond to alerts and obstacles while backing up.
- EyeSight Lane Keep Assist
- Recognizes lane markings on both sides of the car and will guide you back to the middle if you drift too far from the center.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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