2021 Subaru null

Note: The provided vehicle label was incomplete, so this analysis uses the 2021 Subaru Impreza as the closest matched Subaru model. Kelley Blue Book currently shows the 2021 Impreza with a private-party resale value of about $13,800 and a trade-in value of about $11,500, with depreciation of $4,281 or 23% over the last 3 years.

With an estimated current value of $13,800, the 2021 Subaru Impreza has held value better than the typical mainstream compact car. KBB’s model-level curve shows the car dropping from roughly the mid-$17,000s in 2024 to $13,800 now, which indicates a moderate, steady depreciation pattern rather than a sharp cliff. CarEdge’s Subaru depreciation data places Subaru at about 35.1% depreciation for 2021 models, showing the brand as a relatively strong value retainer versus the broader market.

Value Summary

The 2021 Subaru Impreza’s current estimated private-party value is $13,800, and its trade-in value is about $11,500. Against the model’s new-car pricing, that means roughly 23% depreciation over three years, or about 7.7% per year on average. That is a solid result for a compact car, especially in a market where many sedans lose value more quickly after the first two years.

Using the available 2024 and 2025 KBB curve points, the model lost about $1,357 from 2024 to now after a larger $2,150 drop in 2025 and a smaller upward adjustment at the current point, which suggests the market has stabilized after earlier declines.

Depreciation Curve Analysis

The 2021 Impreza’s depreciation curve is relatively smooth. KBB’s yearly track shows the car at about $15,681 in 2024, $13,531 in 2025, and $13,800 now. That pattern implies the steepest value loss happened in the earlier ownership years, with later depreciation slowing as the vehicle entered the core used-car age band.

Compared with Subaru’s broader reputation, this curve is favorable. Subaru is consistently cited among the brands with stronger resale performance, and CarEdge’s Subaru depreciation figures show the brand retaining a meaningful share of original value compared with many rivals. For shoppers evaluating compact cars, that matters because the Impreza’s all-wheel-drive setup helps cushion depreciation relative to many front-wheel-drive competitors.

The steepest depreciation period for most vehicles is the first 3 to 5 years, and the Impreza follows that general rule even though its losses are less severe than average. For owners, the model has likely already passed its most aggressive value drop, which makes the next several years important for timing a sale before age and mileage start to accelerate the decline again.

Value Retention Factors

The Impreza holds value because Subaru buyers often prioritize all-weather capability, safety, and practicality over luxury features. That demand supports resale strength, especially in regions with snow, rain, or rough roads. Subaru’s overall brand depreciation performance reinforces that pattern, with the marque retaining a higher portion of value than many mass-market brands.

Mileage has a strong effect on this model’s value. A clean, lower-mileage car will usually sit above the $13,800 benchmark, while high mileage can push it closer to trade-in territory. Condition matters just as much: a well-kept example with complete service history, no accident record, and minimal interior wear will command a much better price than a cosmetically tired one.

Market demand also influences value retention. Compact AWD cars remain attractive to budget-conscious buyers who want winter confidence without moving into SUV pricing. That keeps the Impreza relevant, but its mainstream positioning and modest performance credentials limit upside compared with niche enthusiast vehicles.

Future Value Projections

Assuming a moderate depreciation pace from the current market level, the 2021 Impreza could be worth about $12,500 to $12,800 in one year, $10,800 to $11,300 in three years, and $8,800 to $9,500 in five years. Those projections reflect a slowing decline rather than a steep collapse, which is typical once a car is past the initial rapid-depreciation phase.

The best time to sell is usually when the vehicle is still viewed as a newer used car rather than an aging commuter. For this Impreza, that window is now through the next 12 months, before mileage, age, and wear push it deeper into the low-$10,000 range. Selling while the car is still under the strongest Subaru value-retention halo should maximize proceeds.

Comparison to Competitors

Relative to segment peers, the 2021 Impreza appears stronger than average on depreciation. Subaru’s brand-level retention is better than many mainstream compact sedans, and the Impreza’s AWD system gives it a practical edge over front-wheel-drive rivals. That said, enthusiast-oriented compacts and some crossovers can outperform it in resale strength because they attract more loyal used-car demand.

If value retention is the top priority, better alternatives often include Subaru’s own Crosstrek and Forester, which tend to post stronger used values and broader market demand. The Crosstrek in particular benefits from crossover body style appeal, while the Forester combines Subaru AWD with stronger family-utility demand, both of which can support better residual values than a compact sedan.

Bottom line: The 2021 Subaru Impreza shows modest, controlled depreciation and remains a reasonably strong value-retention choice for a compact car. It is not a top-tier collector or niche resale vehicle, but Subaru’s brand strength, AWD appeal, and practical positioning help it outperform many direct rivals.