Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Subaru WRX
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
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%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which WRX Year Should You Buy?
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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Subaru WRX (1 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
Own a 2021 Subaru WRX that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Subaru WRX
Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?
We rate the 2021 Subaru WRX's reliability 7.6/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru WRX have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Subaru WRX worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #204 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 36% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX cost?
The 2021 Subaru WRX starts at $29,242 and ranges up to $36,722 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which WRX years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest WRX years we've rated are 2015 (7.1/10), 2016 (7.2/10), 2019 (7.3/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Subaru WRX have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Subaru WRX are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Exterior lighting (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Subaru WRX
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More Subaru Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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