Used 2016 Subaru WRX for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 7.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 504 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Subaru WRX earns a 4.4/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating, which points to a strong overall ownership and test-drive impression. The model scores 9/10 across Performance, Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the driving experience, performance, comfort, and value, and the WRX’s use-case is clear: it is meant to give you sport-compact excitement without giving up everyday usefulness. That balance is a big part of its appeal if you want a commuter that still feels special on a back road.

The market also shows 29.8% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback also points to a car that feels dependable in daily use, with strong praise for the ride, driving experience, and value. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by describing it as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, which suggests it can handle regular ownership duties while still delivering the performance buyers expect.

Subaru also emphasizes residual value in its cost-effectiveness notes, which can be a helpful sign if you plan to keep the car for the long haul. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is making sure the car was maintained well and not driven hard without proper care.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

At 53.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified or driven aggressively. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the drivetrain and clutch feel consistent with normal use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The WRX is offered in three trims: the base WRX, WRX Premium, and WRX Limited. The base trim is the simplest version, while higher trims add comforts such as a sunroof, leather seating, and an available CVT, so you should compare equipment carefully if you want the best value.
• Powertrain: All trims use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. The manual transmission is precise for drivers who want more involvement, while the CVT is available in Premium or Limited versions and adds paddle shifters.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight suite is available only on CVT-equipped models and includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts. All WRX models include a backup camera.
• Infotainment: The WRX gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.5-inch multifunction display. Available upgrades include navigation, remote start, and a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

Which 2016 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2016 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels: the base WRX, WRX Premium, and WRX Limited.

Here's the short version:

• WRX: This is the simplest way to get the WRX formula, with the same turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive as the higher trims. It makes the most sense if you care most about performance per dollar and do not need extra comfort features.
• WRX Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more convenience and comfort while keeping the core WRX experience intact. It is also one of the trims that can be paired with the CVT, which matters if you want the available driver-assistance features.
• WRX Limited: This is the trim to choose if you want the most upscale version of the car, with leather seating and a power driver’s seat. It suits you best if you want the WRX’s performance with a more polished daily-driving feel.

EyeSight is only available on models equipped with the CVT, so if that safety suite matters to you, make sure you shop accordingly.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it rewards comparison shopping more than impulse buying.

• Deal availability: 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 504 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,264, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Subaru WRX's resale value?

The current average of $14,264 sits slightly below last year's $15,339.

That price movement suggests the WRX has softened enough to create a more buyer-friendly entry point, but it also means future sellers may need to price competitively to stand out. If you buy well now and keep the car in strong condition, you may be better positioned when it is time to resell.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX safe?

The Subaru WRX has earned the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a Good rating in front and side crashes.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru’s EyeSight suite is available only on CVT-equipped models and includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts. All WRX models include a backup camera, along with standard antilock brakes, a reinforced frame system, and multiple airbags.

One caveat to keep in mind is that the driver-assistance package is not available across the whole lineup, so if those features matter to you, you will need to shop for the right transmission.

Should I buy a 2016 Subaru WRX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year adds a new touchscreen infotainment setup and keeps the WRX’s strong performance-and-practicality balance intact.

The bottom line: If you want a used WRX with strong performance, solid owner satisfaction, and a softer price than a year ago, the 2016 is a sensible target. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully for a lower-mileage or cleaner-history example, but the 2016 already looks like a good value point in the lineup.

How does the 2016 Subaru WRX compare to the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Our experts score the 2016 Subaru WRX 8.5/10 and the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 7.5/10. The WRX is the clear choice if you want performance, all-wheel-drive confidence, and a more engaging driving experience. The Cruze is the more affordable and fuel-efficient option, but it does not match the WRX’s excitement or capability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.