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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 18 / 24 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 432 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $29,242–$36,722 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Subaru WRX at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.6/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.4/10. The Subaru WRX delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $29,242–$36,722, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru WRX sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Subaru WRX is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Subaru WRX ranks #204 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 36% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $29,242 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 37%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Subaru WRX scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $33,099 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $33,099 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $32,135 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $31,170 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $30,206 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $29,242 | |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $28,278 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $27,314 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $26,350 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $25,386 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $24,422 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $23,458 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Back up lights / Switch 21/07/2022 · 22V522000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.