Baja Wilderness was an April Fool’s joke, but we won’t write off its comeback. Those rumors are louder and more frequent than before. Subaru is back in the game in the crossover and SUV segments. Now, the company is looking to expand its presence and revive an old nameplate. Interest is high in the 2024 Subaru Baja, so the carmaker could push it forward.
The new Ascent SUV is the largest vehicle in the family and many find it suitable as the base for the truck’s architecture. The previous Baja was also built on a unibody platform. But, Subaru makes it up with the 4WD and exceptional driving quality. Nowadays, it takes more than that – the pickup also needs to tow.
Short History
The truck was produced in the US between 2003 and 2006. It was similar to the Outback, but 6 inches longer. Also, the company had a similar concept that unfortunately didn’t enter production. That was the ST-X. The Baja pickup wasn’t available worldwide. Still, American truckers remember this vehicle. The discontinuation was somehow strange. The Japanese company partnered with Toyota and the deal was to build their vehicles in the plant where the Baja was built. The truck never entered the second generation afterward.
Latest Rumors
Speculations about the revival of the are back again. There was an April’s Fool joke by a certain auto magazine, but it heated up the discussion during the next few weeks. Anyway, fans see the 2024 Subaru Baja as a compact pickup truck. This segment is new, with only a few models available. Experts were not sure about Ford Maverick, but after its success, now we can see more small pickups coming. Hyundai Santa Cruz is already there, and soon, Toyota Stout, Chevrolet Chevelle and Dodge Dakota could join the party.
Anyhow, the Baja will offer a totally different concept, with a Boxer engine and lower center of gravity. Since the towing capacity is not the priority, a unique driving impression will make this truck different from others. Still, the question remains if there is enough interest in this class.
2024 Subaru Baja Dimensions
The previous pickup was based on the Outback crossover, which is still available in the US. The new one will follow in those footsteps and use the same platform. The compact truck should be a bit longer, leaving more space for bed and cargo. The 2024 Subaru Baja should be between 195-200 inches long. Two- and four-door layouts are options. We assume Subaru will go with a larger cabin, to provide extra room for passengers, although, the cabin won’t be too comfortable.
2024 Subaru Baja Specs
Under the hood of the 2024 Baja will be one of the existing configurations for Subaru vehicles. For example, Outback is using a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated mill with 182 hp. That is also something we expect from a compact pickup. But, the truck can also carry over a turbo-four system with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a potential upgrade for the future if the Baja lives up the expectations.
It is more likely that a small truck is getting a hybrid unit instead, to maximize fuel savings. A combination of a 2.0-liter engine and electric motors won’t deliver too much power, but the mileage could hit 33 mpg. Also, Subaru is using the plug-in hybrid technology with an electric range available. A few things are certain for the truck – it will use Boxer engines (flat-4 configuration) and 4WD, like every Subbie.
2024 Subaru Baja Release Date
The 2024 Subaru Baja is still unconfirmed officially. With the expansion of the compact truck market, this model could and should be out soon. Could – because Subaru bosses are considering the comeback of the Baja for a while. Should – because the timing is perfect, with the rise of the compact pickup segment. Also, the company now partners with Toyota on more projects, and this can be the next joint venture by the two big Japanese automotive giants.