2021 Subaru WRX

2021 Subaru WRX Highlights

The 2021 Subaru WRX continues to offer a compelling blend of performance and practicality in the sport compact segment. This model year brings subtle enhancements to its feature set, maintaining it as a go-to choice for driving enthusiasts.

2021 Subaru WRX Specs / Key Details

• Compact sedan body style
• Standard turbocharged boxer engine across all trims
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
• Available in WRX and high-performance WRX STI variants
• Keyless entry and push-button start are now standard on the Premium trim
• Choice of manual transmission or Lineartronic CVT (non-STI models)
• Rally-inspired performance and handling

Benefits

• Impressive acceleration and handling capabilities
• Year-round usability thanks to all-wheel drive
• Spacious interior for a sports compact
• Available advanced safety features with the Subaru EyeSight system
• Strong resale value
• Enthusiast-focused driving experience

Related: Here Are The Subaru WRX Years To Avoid

2021 Subaru WRX Overview

Performance

The 2021 Subaru WRX offers two engine options:

WRX (base, Premium, Limited):

• 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine
• 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Standard six-speed manual transmission
• Optional Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual mode

WRX STI (STI, STI Limited):

• 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine
• 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque
• Six-speed manual transmission only

Key performance features include:

• Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Vehicle dynamics control with active torque vectoring
• Brembo performance brakes (STI models)
• Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) (STI models)

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Subaru WRX a top five-star overall safety rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2021 WRX its Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with EyeSight and specific headlights.

Standard safety features on all 2021 Subaru WRX trims include:

• Advanced frontal airbag system
• Side-curtain airbags
• Driver's knee airbag
• Whiplash-reducing front seats
• Ring-shaped reinforcement frame
• Brake assist and brake override systems

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT also include the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which adds:

• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane keep assist

Additional available technology features include:

• Blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking

Driving

The 2021 Subaru WRX offers a driving experience that blends sport sedan agility with all-weather capability. Its turbocharged boxer engine delivers strong acceleration with minimal turbo lag and a broad powerband. The standard six-speed manual transmission provides crisp, precise shifts, enhancing the connection between driver and machine.

For those preferring an automatic, the available Lineartronic CVT in non-STI models offers smooth operation and includes a manual mode with paddle shifters for a more engaging experience. However, enthusiasts often prefer the manual for its more direct control and engagement.

The WRX's all-wheel-drive system is a key component of its handling prowess. It provides excellent traction in various conditions, from dry pavement to snow-covered roads. This enhances performance and contributes to the WRX's year-round usability.

Interior

The 2021 Subaru WRX's interior balances performance-oriented design with daily usability. The cabin is functional and driver-focused, with materials and build quality appropriate for its price point.

Key interior features include:

• Sport front seats with increased bolstering
• 60/40-split fold-down rear seats
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
• Available Recaro performance front seats (STI model)
• Available leather upholstery
• Aluminum pedal covers

The WRX's front seats offer good comfort and support, with ample bolstering to hold occupants in place during spirited driving. The driving position is good, with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel helping drivers find their ideal setup. Visibility is generally good, aided by the relatively low beltline and large windows.

Rear seat space is generous for a sport compact, with adequate legroom and headroom for adult passengers. This practicality is a key selling point for the WRX compared to some of its less spacious competitors.

Cargo space is reasonable for the class:

• 12 cubic feet of trunk space
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats for additional cargo flexibility

The interior design is straightforward and functional rather than luxurious. Hard plastics are present in some areas, but touch points are generally good quality. Higher trims offer a power-adjustable driver's seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. While not the most upscale in its class, the WRX's interior balances performance-oriented features and everyday practicality.

Technology

The 2021 Subaru WRX comes equipped with a range of technology features, including:

• Subaru Starlink infotainment system with 6.5-inch touchscreen (standard)
• Available 7-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Available Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability
• Available 5.9-inch multifunction display for vehicle information
• Keyless entry with push-button start (now standard on Premium trim)

For performance enthusiasts, the available multifunction display can show various vehicle parameters, such as boost pressure and lateral G-forces, adding to the sporty driving experience.

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Subaru WRX's fuel economy reflects its performance-oriented nature. According to the EPA, the WRX achieves the following fuel economy estimates:

WRX with manual transmission:

• AWD/Manual (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• AWD/CVT (mpg): 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

WRX STI:

• AWD/Manual (mpg): 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined

2021 Subaru WRX Reviews

2021 Subaru WRX consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Owners praise the vehicle for its value, quality, reliability, and performance.

Reasons to Buy It

• Strong performance and handling capabilities
• Standard all-wheel drive for all-weather usability
• Spacious interior for a sports compact
• Available advanced safety features with the EyeSight system
• Engaging driving experience, especially with manual transmission
• Practical four-door sedan body style
• Strong resale value
• Rich rally heritage and enthusiast following

Problems

• Fuel economy lower than some competitors
• Interior materials and design may feel dated compared to some rivals
• Firm ride may be uncomfortable for some as a daily driver
• Road and engine noise levels are higher than some competitors
• Subaru Starlink infotainment system may feel basic compared to more modern systems

Explore: Which Years Of Used Subaru WRX STIs Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Subaru WRX is uniquely positioned in the sport compact market, offering an appealing blend of performance, practicality, and all-weather capability. Its turbocharged boxer engine and all-wheel drive system provide strong acceleration and excellent traction, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, especially in regions with challenging weather conditions.

One of the WRX's key strengths is its versatility. While it can deliver thrilling performance on twisty roads or even on the track, it's also practical enough for daily use. The spacious interior and four-door sedan body style make it more livable than some of its coupe competitors.

The availability of the high-performance Subaru WRX STI 2021 variant further broadens the WRX's appeal, offering even more power and sharper handling for those willing to sacrifice some comfort and efficiency for ultimate performance.

However, potential buyers should be aware of a few negatives. The WRX's performance focus comes with fuel economy and ride comfort trade-offs. The interior, while functional, may feel less premium than some competitors, and the infotainment system, while improved, still lags behind some more modern offerings.

2021 Subaru WRX FAQs

Why is the 2021 Subaru WRX so fast?

The 2021 Subaru WRX's speed and performance can be attributed to several factors:

• Turbocharged Engine: The WRX uses a turbocharged boxer engine, which provides strong power output for its displacement. The standard WRX produces 268 horsepower, while the STI variant pushes out 310 horsepower.
• All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction, allowing the WRX to put its power down efficiently in various conditions.
• Lightweight Design: While not the lightest in its class, the WRX maintains a relatively low weight for a vehicle with all-wheel drive, contributing to its quick acceleration.
• Performance-Tuned Suspension: The sport-tuned suspension helps the WRX maintain stability at high speeds and through corners.
• Rally Heritage: Subaru has applied lessons from decades of rally racing to the WRX's design and engineering.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX getting discontinued?

No, the 2021 Subaru WRX isn’t being discontinued. However, it's worth noting that the 2021 model represents the final year of this generation WRX. Subaru released an all-new WRX for the 2022 model year.

Why is the 2021 Subaru WRX good?

The 2021 Subaru WRX is considered good for several reasons:

• Performance: It offers strong acceleration and handling, especially for its price point.
• All-Weather Capability: The standard all-wheel drive provides excellent traction in various conditions.
• Practicality: Unlike many performance cars, the WRX offers a spacious interior and usable back seat.
• Value: The WRX provides much performance for the money, especially compared to some luxury-brand alternatives.
• Safety: When equipped with EyeSight, it offers advanced safety features uncommon in many performance-oriented vehicles from this model year.
• Enthusiast Appeal: Its rally heritage and turbocharged engine give it a unique character that many enthusiasts appreciate.
• Resale Value: WRXs typically hold their value well compared to many other vehicles.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX a performance car?

Yes, the 2021 Subaru WRX is considered a performance car. It's designed and engineered with a focus on driving dynamics and speed.

Check Out: Subaru WRX Generations: What’s Changed Over The Years?