- Subaru Australia confirmed there are ongoing discussions regarding a new dual cab.
- Reviving the Baja name is a no-brainer here.
- The goal of the refreshed Baja is to be a competitor to the Ford Maverick.
The Subaru Baja was a short-lived “dual option vehicle” that the company produced from 2003 to 2006. The “car” featured an Outback body with a small pickup truck bed grafted onto the back—a kind of spiritual successor to the original Brat.
Even though production only lasted four years, Baja was still loved. Now, with the rise of American “utes” like the Ford Maverick, it’s unlikely the Baja will ever return to Subaru’s lineup. According to Car SalesSubaru Australia may be interested in the Baja’s resurgence—and it’s the kind of vehicle that could be successful in the future.
Photo by: Subaru
Australia loves its cars, and that’s what the Brat is—a truck version of the car. Subaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence said, “There are discussions about the ute… and I can’t share much right now.” It’s unlikely that Subaru will try to build a revived Baja with an actual truck frame. Instead, Lawrence believes the market is open for truck-like vehicles built to handle light tasks.
In the US, the new Baja will compete with alternatives like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline, and, of course, the Ford Maverick. It’s a light truck, which is easy to drive and offers a wide range of capabilities for its intended buyers.
The revised Subaru Baja would fit into that mix quite well. This could also help Subaru regain a bit of its uniqueness, which has been lost of late.
Give us a Subaru Baja Wilderness model with a power outlet in the bed, and you’ve got a compact overland all-star on your hands. We hope Subaru follows through on its new route. And further hope that we can solve it here in America.
Motor Pickup1: The Subaru Baja is a product of a time when automakers produced all kinds of fun vehicles. Currently, the lineup is very good, but not particularly unique. One of the things that makes Subaru so interesting is the uniqueness of the brand, and the revised Baja will return to that idea.
