Is Subaru Bringing The Baja Back?
The Subaru Baja was a truck version of the Subaru Outback, and it was quirky, had ground clearance between 7.3 and 8.4 inches, and was available with either a 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer. You could get either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Oh, and of course, it had all-wheel drive.
Baja And BRAT
Sadly, the Baja was only available from 2003 until 2006. With a 42-inch long bed, it was a spiritual successor to the Subaru BRAT, available from 1978-1994. The BRAT had two seats in the cab and could be optioned with two rear-facing seats. The Baja had five seats inside the cab, and you could fold the rear seats and open a door that could connect the cab and the bed.
Rumors
However, there is a rumor that it could be coming back. And why shouldn’t it? Trucks are one of the most popular vehicle styles on the market.
What Would A New Baja Be?
If the Baja were to make a major comeback, it could feature a Boxer 4 and Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. It could be the perfect Subaru vehicle to steal sales away from the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, which both feature shorter truck beds, with the Ford having a 4.5-foot bed while the Santa Cruz has a 4-foot bed.
What if the Subaru Baja came back? It could, once again, be a pickup version of the Outback with a 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque or a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer 4 that would make 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. If available in a Wilderness trim, like the Outback, it could have about an extra inch of ground clearance with natural off-road prowess and abilities. The Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs, and the Baja would probably be able to tow closer to 5,000 lbs. Just think of the possibilities!
At Twin Falls Subaru, we are happy to offer our customers hundreds of new and used vehicles. Our fantastic sales team and finance department will work hard to find the best car that fits your needs. And our dedicated service department will always ensure that your vehicle is taken care of in the best way possible.
We look forward to serving you soon.
4 comment(s) so far on Is Subaru Bringing The Baja Back?
I have seen one of the Brats on the streets here in San Jose. Are they available in the US or was this an import?
The latest edition of something like a BRAT or Baja was the Baja,ending in 2007. We keep asking Subaru to make us a new version to compete with the other small trucks on the market. So far, Subaru of America has told us that is not on the table for a few years. It may be something they more strongly consider by 2030.
I own a 2003 Baja and Subaru really needs to listen to everyone screaming for the return of a new BAJA. Only one big problem, my car is a stick 5 speed manual. If they bring it back it better have an available 6 speed manual NOT JUST A BORING CVT. Don’t bother if that’s the case. Oh ya a two door version would be fantastic too.
We are with you, three pedals are the best configuration!