The Santa Cruz segment had a good two years at introduction and I would assume petered out. I'd love the features of the Subaru with a open bed. Oh well. Back to figuring out if I can swing a towing solution for my loads with a Forester or Outback.
With the Maverick, Ford has proven a market for compact trucks does exist. Ford is selling over 10,000 units a month. However, their only competitor is Hyundai's Santa Cruz, and it barely sells. Ram has a Rampage in South America that could be made at their factory in Mexico to avoid the chicken tax, but doesn't seem interesting in selling a compact trucklet in North America. People talk about a Rav4 based truck from Toyota, but no pics of any mules have come out. I think a Subaru truck based off of a Forester or Outback would be interesting, but it's a shame corporate doesn't want to try it out. A Ford Maverick is in my Top 5 vehicles to test drive when I'm in the market for a new vehicle, but it would be nice to have a few more options in the segment.
Subaru is missing out on a pickup. Ford, Honda and Hyundai/Kia has them. Now Mazda is joining the group. I’m sorry but I don’t think a car should run on batteries and if that’s what I want then I would buy a golf cart.
One thing that no one even considers on electric powered vehicles: they are much lower maintenance. I drove one for 9 years and had no maintenance other than tire replacement and cabin air filter. Those making money on internal combustion engines are going to fight hard against electric vehicles. They aren’t objective and aren’t looking out for the best interest of users.
Thank you for your content! I work for Subaru Of Ann Arbor and have been asked about the Baja returning. I can now inform my customers that it will not happen, and of the new Subaru vehicles coming out!
As a previous owner of a Baja, I LOVED it! I didn't need a full sized pickup truck, I just needed a truck to go to the dump on the weekend, or pick up some building supplies at the big box stores. I am not a carpenter and have no need of a full sized truck or the payments that go along with it. I put on 287K miles on my Baja when I got rid of it and really was looking for another. Sadly all that I looked at had either too many miles, or too much rot, either way, not worth my $$$. I looked at the Santa Cruz and it was a contender, but the ford models have a better track record in my opinion. I took my Subaru Outback to the dealership for oil change (had a coupon) and inspection and on the lot they had a Jeep Gladiator that they took on trade, it fit what my needs were and was the right price range. I ended up buying the Gladiator and haven't looked back. I would STILL entertain a new Baja if one were to be available, but I'm not holding my breath....I DO enjoy my Gladiator being a smaller truck with comfortable seating for 4, it's 4WD is good (not as good as Subaru AWD in my opinion) and seems to get me anywhere I was to go even off-road (it's not a mall crawler). Still, I'm sad they aren't coming out with a new Baja model...
On third Subaru. Currently a Forester Wilderness owner. Fantastic vehicle. Would love a pick up. Probably getting Ridgeline or Frontier in 2025. Wish Subaru had a pick up option. Not happy leaving them.
2017 Outback owner here. Personally, I think they're making the right move by not jumping on the "truck" bandwagon. I had a late 70s Chevy pickup, and still consider something with 4 doors and a 4 ft bed to be more of a novelty vehicle than a truck. Of course, I'm just an old codger who tends to be a contrarian. 😉 I didn't really understand the appeal of SUVs when they came out either, so I bought a new 1999 Explorer to see what I was missing. I understood it even less after owning that thing, so I hope Subaru doesn't mess with the Outback too much for the 2026 redesign. It meets our needs better than anything else out there.
You keep on referring to the Maverick as the competition and price point. That's just wrong. You should be focusing on the Honda Ridgeline level as competition and price point. They're not cheap and yet, because of the brand reputation, they sell very well. I'm more than willing to shell out the $$$ for a small, reinforced unibody truck with all the safety features, from an incredibly reliable manufacturer, Subaru.
Not gonna lie. I never pictured myself as a Subaru owner. But I just bought a forester for a work car/vehicle for my kid when he turns 16 in a few years. And I am quickly becoming a Subaru guy. And I definitely wish they would bring the Baja back
It would be fun to see a good customs shop get an OBW and go ham on it with a sawzall and welder, turning it into a pickup. Imagine how much attention that would get at Subifest.
Subaru has embraced the outdoorsy / adventure image. It seems like a small pickup would fit perfect into that marketing model. Subaru abandoned the performance side by dropping the STI and only giving us a milk toast WRX.
We've went throught 4 Subaru's ( 3 Outback's & 1 Ascent ) over 15 yrs and yep I wanted a Baja to be built. My last lease is up in 5 months and I'll just have to settle down with my 2016 4Runner. Great video Alex as alway's thanks!
Same here. Not buying a new Subaru unless it is a small pickup. I have a full-size truck (Chevy) for towing and hauling but want something smaller for small hauling jobs where I don't want to use my Outback or Foresters.
If you really want a Subaru Baja then you should check out the Hyundia Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz isn't a Subaru with a flat 4 and symmetrical AWD but it's really quirky looking and much different than the Ford Maverick. Personally, I would love to see a 2025 Subaru Brat, but a Baja would be nice too. The Santa Cruz come with a N/A engine or a turbocharged powerplant but no manual shift.
While I’ll agree that the Baja is just a remarkable light pickup, Subarus decision is smart in the end. I do however wish Subaru would post some sort of a survey to find out if a pickup would be something the people would want. Especially with all the high rating Subaru vehicles already have and with such great quality
Hi ya Alex - love your videos - they are very informative, and I look forward to each one. I am also still looking forward to a video on the BRZ tS - including a fairly comprehensive review of the infotainment system. Thanks for these videos - keep them coming!!! Stay safe and healthy!!!
I actually wish they'd make an ultra-lux Legacy sedan: put in the softest, plushest leather, fine wood trim, top-of-the-line Harman Kardon or Bose stereo, big V6, cushiony suspension. And make that model-exclusive--can't get this leather, wood, etc. in the Outback or anything else. Now that would be quite a Legacy.
I have a 2014 ram 1500 Laramie crew cab. I bought a brand new and love the truck. I got 10K off the sticker when I bought it. In recent times, I found that I need a small putt putt vehicle for when I drive into the city. For the record, I'm in the Boston area, so Subaru and New England are a good combination. I bought a lightly used 2023 Subaru Outback touring XT 4 months ago. I thought about a Crosstrek, but the appeal of the turbo is what I went with. I am planning on keeping the truck, because there are times when I could just use an open bed. If Subaru had the Baja, I would have been tempted to get rid of the truck, not buy the Outback and get the Baja. Yes, the Baja truck bed is very small, but for the many cases I need it it would be fine. Also, with the trailer hitch, I can tow a small 4x4 trailer for the dump. Anyway, that is my thought on the matter.
You made a great choice with the XT. It's rated to tow up to 3,700 Lbs. I used to have a Toyota Tundra 4x4 Dbl cab with a long (8 Ft) Bed. Key words "used to". With our XT I have towed 4 x 8 & 5 x 8 closed trailers, 4 x7 & 5 x 8 utility trailers on trips up to 600 miles.. loaded to the gills. No problem. Cost $20-30 p/day as needed. Sure beats a truck payment. If Your loads are a ton (2,000 Lbs) or less stick to the XT. We've saved a bundle on gas, insurance, payments, etc and get our stuff where it needs to be for next to nothing.
Get a trailer or rent one. I use my XT for light loads. 3k or less. It replaced my 1500 truck that used to get 12 mpg local. The OB gets 22 local. I still have my 3500 for the heavy stuff like my 5th wheel camper.
Buy a Ford Maverick if you don't have use for a full size truck, they can be had in the mid to high $30k range, and with a turbo too for the people who think that was a great idea (its not). Rather, lease one, don't buy one, I wouldn't trust them once the warranty is up, regardless of what badges are on a gas turbo vehicle of any sort. Terrible idea in the 70's and 80's not any better now,.
I have been dreaming of bringing back the brat. Take a crosstrek and have the roof behind the front row be removable and the rear seats lay down for a 5 ft ish bed with the front two seats and when you need the passengers flip the seats back open and shrink the bed. What can I say dreaming.
Hi Alex, the Subaru Truck/ Ute of the 80’s was big Downunder here in New Zealand and Australia. I was a Maintenance Engineer at the Subaru factory in New Zealand and it would be great to have a Truck/Ute back.
Reading through the comments I find some of this to be funny. I preordered my 2003 Baja and took delivery in Oct 2002, still own it, still drove it daily, she’s just shy of 214,000 miles on it. It has met every need that I have or used it for since replacing the 94 dodge ram I owned prior to buying the outback. The Baja is now 22 years old and I’ve been waiting on Subaru to release a new variant. We are a Subaru family and currently own 4, I hate to say it but I see a Honda ridgeline in my future based on this information.
Why not consider the (redesigned for 2025) Hyundai Santa Cruz? It’s closer in use case and size to the Baja than the Ridgeline. Also starting at a lower price point. I’m a big fan of the Honda, but find the SC would be a good “one car do all”kind of car for me
Excellent video and explanation of new models Alex! I too, would purchase a Subaru Pickup in a heartbeat. Perhaps Subaru will revisit this consideration in the near future. Thank you for sharing your expertise always Alex; much appreciated!
Make a naturally inspired gasoline powered engine. Larger and powerful but no turbo or fancy electronic combustion engine. Those break down too much and are very expensive to fix. Simple powerful regular combustion engine!
I loved Alex's comment about the Baja being built off the Outlook platform. Prior to my 2023 Outback, which I'm very happy with, my previous two vehicles were a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and a Camry sedan. It was often said that the Tacoma back then was a Camry pickup truck. Everybody here has an SUV or a pickup. I'm trusting Subaru's market analysis, which Alex details very well, in not trying to compete in 2025 on pickup trucks.
It would be another re-release of a vehicle that don't sell well....and someone else already mentioned they only sold 30k of them in 3 years...wasn't a great seller....and I doubt Subaru cares to revamp an assembly line to try that failure again. I'd rather they bring back a regular old automatic transmission instead of all the CVT stuff, which would also limit the ability of Subaru to build something like a mini-truck again...the CVT is pretty limiting on what it is capable of, and it has a hard enough time moving around the small cars that Subaru has in their lineup now without issues....they really need to work on beefing the CVTs up, and design a 6 speed automatic to put in at least as an option for those that want a vehicle to last longer than the warranty. I still have my doubts about the CVTs, even with the added cooler on the WIlderness models, which is now extinct, as you cannot get a Wilderness in any of the 2025 models.
With more emission restrictions I highly doubt you’ll see Subaru bring back a traditional automatic transmission. Especially with all of the resources they put in their CVT platform. If they did end up doing another Baja, I would expect it to be at minimum a hybrid vehicle at this point. That is the direction everything is going even though full on EV has slowed and resistance. Seems Toyota had it right with focusing on hybrids. I expect Subaru to follow that path.
@@wildbill23c Times are much different for demand for mini trucks than when the Outback-based Baja was produced in the mid 2000's. Many suburbanites are downsizing from bigger pickups to more economical light-duty housed task orientated vehicles. They're not towing or hauling big loads in these and fit the bill perfectly for this growing demographic. Regarding the CVT, the newer Subaru in-house CVT engineering is far superior to the older designs. I know as I have bench rebuilt the older CVT's and incorporated the many improvements it required and Subaru has stepped their CVT game. My 1984 Brat 4-speed that I bought new was my choice back then, but I prefer not to run a manual for my daily driver any longer. These latest CVT's are perfect for this use.
True. Unfortunately the price points of the mid-size market are ridiculous, and all the crew cab crap they've gone to with useless size truck beds, a 4 door sub-compact pickup may as well exist like the Maverick and there's a lot of them on the road now, trouble is how long is all these underpowered turbo equipped vehicles going to last as many people can't afford a new car every couple years, and I don't care to have a never ending car payment (Lease).
@@chuckwalla2967 the market is different now. This could be the last purchase for one. We are not privileged to buy one of each. We need to find one that is the best bang for our money.
I understand where you are coming from and what Subaru is saying. But at the same time with more companies possibly releasing smaller pickups to compete against the likes of Ford and Hyundai. I feel Subaru is missing out big time! If buyers wanted. You already have the platform for two sized pickups with the CrossTrek and (again) Outback! Oh well.. we can dream lol
Alex, the reason why many people are asking fir Subaru to manufacturer trucks because quality of ford, ram abd chevy have gone downhill. I've watching other auo channels of mechanics and customers complaining about the reliability. The main reason why I switched from a die hard ford owner to a 2020 Subaru Forester owner this past Sept 2023. I needed a vehicle fast and found this just off lease. My ford edge compressor fail a second time and i wasn't hearing good news out other ford products so i switched manufacturers
@@wendyc7730 no doubt I think Subaru would make a quality truck. The issue is I think many people forget about quality when it comes to looking at the price and comparing it to others in the market. Paying around $40k for a Subaru truck probably doesn’t appeal to most but I may be wrong
I'm disappointed, but it makes sense from a business perspective. Outbacks, Crosstreks, and Foresters are their core competency; they sold 150-160K of each last year, whereas they only sold 30K Bajas in a span of three years. A car-based truck would also likely cannibalize sales of their existing lineup.
I owned a 2006 Baja Turbo 5-speed, in my mind the most desirable Subaru of its time. I have ZERO INTEREST in the new models you have discussed, and less than zero interest in any EV from any maker. Calling a model that lasted 4.5 years, and that used existing parts for most of its structure, a failure is rather unfair. If Subaru were to re-introduce the Baja, I would have a deposit in my dealer's hands in hours, not days; till then, I will have to look elsewhere (and I am looking within the next 18 months).
Was seriously planning on buying a Subaru truck next year for the wife to drive. Now, no new Subaru for us. I'll just keep her ;09 Forester running until it won't. Please reconsider Surbaru.
I love my outback I am 6,4” my wife is 5,11” she wanted a cross track when we drove it there was not enough room. For me it is still kinda close to being tight. We looked at a forester she was not impressed I remember the brat it was just too small you got to be able to stick plywood in it.
I sure hope they keep the Outback a wagon. I fear they won't. It's the only game in town. There is no direct competition for the Outback. But dealer teaser conversations have told me it won't be a wagon anymore and will be a full-on crossover. "It won't be incumbered by the constraints of the Legacy car platform." "It will look like a Range Rover" Yawn. Everybody's doing that. My fear is the new outback will look the cartoonish and toy-like looking new Santa Fe, which will not age well. I bet it will have oversized trapezoidal wheel wells like many are doing now. And an even more jarring blockier front end. Basically, a jumbo version of the Forester, maybe with more sharp angles. but being just a bit smaller than the Ascent. Then the Ascent will be redesigned to be a larger and much more competitive 3-row SUV. More physical control buttons are a near certainty. A much high price point too I'm told! We shall soon see.
Alex just a general Subaru question. We have out first one a 2021 Crosstrek. Given the AWD system should 1 tire go bad would it be necessary to replace 4 tires due to the AWD system?
Own a22 Forester Wilderness and like quite a bit. Build and performance is great for the price. I love my dealer they are the best. That said our third Subaru will be the last for a while. At 58 I want a little excitement when I look the car and sit in it. I look at the Maverick and just want it. I get the quality but want it. Or a new Colorado. Wife traded in crosstrek. Looked at Subaru electric and disappointed. Went with ford Mach E and fantastic. For me I’ll be ordering a small pick up in a couple months. Love Subaru but go to dealership showroom and snooze. Subaru you’re letting customers down.
Honestly, Subaru took the best from Toyota - their HSD hardware. That fit with mechanical AWD will be magical for my needs - lots of mountains, even the motorways I use are not flat. Hopefully there will be a heat pump to make AC work better during hot days. I couldn’t care less about the direct injection and would be happy to be able to choose port injection on the hybrid 😂
I purchased a 2024 Solterra last month. I would like to preserve the battery and charge it to 80%. Is there a way to make that a default setting and not something I need to set each time?
@ 2:42 Can you provide the link to that video you're referring to? I was trying to see if you linked it in the description but no luck. Great video! Thanks
Alex, you know me and how much I enjoy my 23 Subaru Outback Touring XT (10k miles). However I must disagree with you on the reasoning Subaru will not redo the Baja. Your reasoning was that the first one was a failure...then that reasoning should have been used to not introduce an SUV, the Ascent as Subaru's first attempt the Tribeca was such a dismal failure. Based upon what I know about the '26 Outback, a pickup on the same architecture may have been very difficult.
Hey @Alex, what car do you recommend? I have Accent touring and outback wilderness already. I wanted a small car with fuel efficient since I travel a lot. Subarus has been giving me no issues with the cars I own. So I can't take the risk of buying other cars. You recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Calling the Baja a pickup truck is a stretch…lol. You lose the versatility of the hatchback and can’t fit anything of real size in the tiny bed. A full size pickup would be interesting but the Baja would just be a nostalgia trip from an era where gimmicky cars like them were popular (and even on that front Subaru was late to the trend.)
Subaru Brat would be 100x better, none of that 4 door crap with a useless bed, at least it could have a 6 to 6-1/2 foot bed if they do it right. Even the mid size bloatware trucks are now going to really useless size beds...oh but if you put the tailgate down you get an extra 1-1/2 feet...no just build the damn thing with a usable bed with the tailgate up so everything don't fall out the back seems how people in this country have no clue how to tie down their loads.
All anybody hauls in their pickups is air😉 So the size of the bed doesn't matter. It just looks "cool" to have a pickup. And most are kept spotless clean and never see a dirt road or camping trail.
In 2003 we were looking for a truck and I tried out the Baja. I really wanted to like it but Subaru really missed the mark. First, too freakin' low! Seriously too low. Then there was the plastic between the two back seats. Instead of two buckets with space or a bench seat, it was basically a bench with a big piece of plastic placed between two passengers. Why??!! The bed portion of the truck was too small but that was the point, I think. They weren't designed for people who actually used the truck for what it was supposed to be: a truck that carried things. Anyway, I was really disappointed. We instead bought a crew cab S10 which Chevy discontinued the next year.
IF Subaru was smart...they would say NO to a Baja and make a modern BRAT as a 2DR variant of the Outback. Geared for the active lifestyle. They would have a huge hit on their hands with •••zero competition•••. Not everyone has a litter of kids. Plenty of folks are empty nesters. This seems like such a no brainer. And, it could be a great rally car!
Might have missed it, but any thoughts on the new 3rd gen hybrid that Subaru, toyota, and mazda announced their joint venture on early this year? I would love a hybrid wilderness outback, maybe 2027?
Yes, those fake videos are out of control. Saw them in my feed, low view count several hours after release was a dead giveaway that those are fake spam channels. If Baja was real, it would have been shared immediately by bigger channels.
Ford just made it way easier to compete. They are pretty much refusing to fix the transmission issues. They said it will be fixed by the next generation with a completely new redesign of the transmission. They also increased the price significantly and more raises are coming in the future. Ford is just opening the door for Subaru at this point.
Several of them running around town where I live...oh wait you mean the car not the dang children LOL. Yeah that would be great if they'd keep it a 2 door with a usable bed but we all know what it would turn into so it would be yet another useless SUV minus 1/2 the roof.
the only source that is real is In Australia where subaru's main market is. there are 3 real production models being tested it's based off the 2026 outback coming and it's stunning. I want one. new boxer 6 cyl turbo and no turbo off-road. you're very wrong sir
I'd love to see a Baja, but I have no need for one personally, so wouldn't buy one. I have talked to a few people who have a Hyundai Santa Fe, which looks like it has the spirit of the Baja. They seem to like it because it's basically a car with a pickup bed. Gets most of a car's fuel economy (versus a pickup truck), plus most of the utility from a small pickup. Imagine that with AWD and maybe even as a hybrid (non-plug in), and I really think it'd sell decently well. BUT, I'm no expert in that kind of thing, am not interested in pickups (even coming from Texas, LOL), and haven't done the math Subaru.
No offense although my guess is the last person knowledgeable of a clean sheet design would be a "Salesman". I retired from automotive experimental engineering, If a Janitor knew a "unclassified", he would have more knowledge of a upcoming event. That said, unless Subaru developed a complete clean sheet design for a mini truck, I wouldn't watch for one soon. A spin off of the Outback would be just that and contain all the pros and cons included. Owning (2) Outbacks, I sure would not be in line for one.
Hey Subaru, enough with the gizmos, how about a vehicle with more utility so people like me don’t have to buy a Ford or a Chevrolet or a Dodge or a Hundai
I was really really hoping to get a Baja in the future. The appeal of the AWD, safety, and utility, I’d be so happy.
So was I, my Crosstrek lease runs out on Feb 26 and I was in thinking about getting one. Guess I will buy out the lease at the end of the lease.
The Santa Cruz segment had a good two years at introduction and I would assume petered out. I'd love the features of the Subaru with a open bed. Oh well. Back to figuring out if I can swing a towing solution for my loads with a Forester or Outback.
With the Maverick, Ford has proven a market for compact trucks does exist. Ford is selling over 10,000 units a month. However, their only competitor is Hyundai's Santa Cruz, and it barely sells. Ram has a Rampage in South America that could be made at their factory in Mexico to avoid the chicken tax, but doesn't seem interesting in selling a compact trucklet in North America. People talk about a Rav4 based truck from Toyota, but no pics of any mules have come out.
I think a Subaru truck based off of a Forester or Outback would be interesting, but it's a shame corporate doesn't want to try it out. A Ford Maverick is in my Top 5 vehicles to test drive when I'm in the market for a new vehicle, but it would be nice to have a few more options in the segment.
@@cynvision take a look at the wilderness versions. They change the gearing to get it a 3500 lb towing capacity
I think that the Honda Ridgeline has a 5000 pound tow rating.
Subaru is missing out on a pickup. Ford, Honda and Hyundai/Kia has them. Now Mazda is joining the group. I’m sorry but I don’t think a car should run on batteries and if that’s what I want then I would buy a golf cart.
At least it should run on AA or AAA batteries that are easily replaceable LOL.
I had a 1990 Toyota pickup and thought about putting a STI motor in it, for the sound of the Boxer Rumble in a Yota
@@stirumble2739 I have a VW Bus with a H6 turbo and Subie transmission and axles.
Nah, they’re better to stick to what they do best.
One thing that no one even considers on electric powered vehicles: they are much lower maintenance. I drove one for 9 years and had no maintenance other than tire replacement and cabin air filter. Those making money on internal combustion engines are going to fight hard against electric vehicles. They aren’t objective and aren’t looking out for the best interest of users.
Thank you for your content! I work for Subaru Of Ann Arbor and have been asked about the Baja returning. I can now inform my customers that it will not happen, and of the new Subaru vehicles coming out!
I get asked at least once a day it seems 😂 hopefully this will help spread the word
If Subaru were to release a pickup the ascent would be a better platform
I wholeheartedly agree 👍
As a previous owner of a Baja, I LOVED it! I didn't need a full sized pickup truck, I just needed a truck to go to the dump on the weekend, or pick up some building supplies at the big box stores. I am not a carpenter and have no need of a full sized truck or the payments that go along with it. I put on 287K miles on my Baja when I got rid of it and really was looking for another. Sadly all that I looked at had either too many miles, or too much rot, either way, not worth my $$$.
I looked at the Santa Cruz and it was a contender, but the ford models have a better track record in my opinion. I took my Subaru Outback to the dealership for oil change (had a coupon) and inspection and on the lot they had a Jeep Gladiator that they took on trade, it fit what my needs were and was the right price range. I ended up buying the Gladiator and haven't looked back. I would STILL entertain a new Baja if one were to be available, but I'm not holding my breath....I DO enjoy my Gladiator being a smaller truck with comfortable seating for 4, it's 4WD is good (not as good as Subaru AWD in my opinion) and seems to get me anywhere I was to go even off-road (it's not a mall crawler).
Still, I'm sad they aren't coming out with a new Baja model...
On third Subaru. Currently a Forester Wilderness owner. Fantastic vehicle. Would love a pick up. Probably getting Ridgeline or Frontier in 2025. Wish Subaru had a pick up option. Not happy leaving them.
2017 Outback owner here. Personally, I think they're making the right move by not jumping on the "truck" bandwagon. I had a late 70s Chevy pickup, and still consider something with 4 doors and a 4 ft bed to be more of a novelty vehicle than a truck. Of course, I'm just an old codger who tends to be a contrarian. 😉
I didn't really understand the appeal of SUVs when they came out either, so I bought a new 1999 Explorer to see what I was missing. I understood it even less after owning that thing, so I hope Subaru doesn't mess with the Outback too much for the 2026 redesign. It meets our needs better than anything else out there.
You keep on referring to the Maverick as the competition and price point. That's just wrong. You should be focusing on the Honda Ridgeline level as competition and price point. They're not cheap and yet, because of the brand reputation, they sell very well. I'm more than willing to shell out the $$$ for a small, reinforced unibody truck with all the safety features, from an incredibly reliable manufacturer, Subaru.
Not gonna lie. I never pictured myself as a Subaru owner. But I just bought a forester for a work car/vehicle for my kid when he turns 16 in a few years. And I am quickly becoming a Subaru guy. And I definitely wish they would bring the Baja back
It would be fun to see a good customs shop get an OBW and go ham on it with a sawzall and welder, turning it into a pickup. Imagine how much attention that would get at Subifest.
Baja was before its time in the states but I did read that many migrated to Alaska (of all places.) Thanks for the updates.
I'd buy a Baha in a heartbeat! Love my 2025 Outback Touring XT.
Subaru has embraced the outdoorsy / adventure image. It seems like a small pickup would fit perfect into that marketing model. Subaru abandoned the performance side by dropping the STI and only giving us a milk toast WRX.
Sad by your news on no Baja. 😢 Thanks for letting us know tho!
I was in Little Rock yesterday and almost broke my neck when I swear I saw a Subaru pickup-type vehicle. Wasn’t able to get a pic since I was driving.
We've went throught 4 Subaru's ( 3 Outback's & 1 Ascent ) over 15 yrs and yep I wanted a Baja to be built. My last lease is up in 5 months and I'll just have to settle down with my 2016 4Runner. Great video Alex as alway's thanks!
I'm so sad, I was going to trade my Forester for a Baja. I told myself I'd never buy a new car again, but I'd make an exception for a baja!!
Same here. Not buying a new Subaru unless it is a small pickup. I have a full-size truck (Chevy) for towing and hauling but want something smaller for small hauling jobs where I don't want to use my Outback or Foresters.
If you really want a Subaru Baja then you should check out the Hyundia Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz isn't a Subaru with a flat 4 and symmetrical AWD but it's really quirky looking and much different than the Ford Maverick. Personally, I would love to see a 2025 Subaru Brat, but a Baja would be nice too. The Santa Cruz come with a N/A engine or a turbocharged powerplant but no manual shift.
While I’ll agree that the Baja is just a remarkable light pickup, Subarus decision is smart in the end. I do however wish Subaru would post some sort of a survey to find out if a pickup would be something the people would want. Especially with all the high rating Subaru vehicles already have and with such great quality
Subaru needs a new Brat or Baja, I would definitely purchase one immediately!!
Hi ya Alex - love your videos - they are very informative, and I look forward to each one. I am also still looking forward to a video on the BRZ tS - including a fairly comprehensive review of the infotainment system. Thanks for these videos - keep them coming!!! Stay safe and healthy!!!
Thanks! Hopefully we will get one soon that I can cover!
I actually wish they'd make an ultra-lux Legacy sedan: put in the softest, plushest leather, fine wood trim, top-of-the-line Harman Kardon or Bose stereo, big V6, cushiony suspension. And make that model-exclusive--can't get this leather, wood, etc. in the Outback or anything else. Now that would be quite a Legacy.
I have a 2014 ram 1500 Laramie crew cab. I bought a brand new and love the truck. I got 10K off the sticker when I bought it. In recent times, I found that I need a small putt putt vehicle for when I drive into the city. For the record, I'm in the Boston area, so Subaru and New England are a good combination. I bought a lightly used 2023 Subaru Outback touring XT 4 months ago. I thought about a Crosstrek, but the appeal of the turbo is what I went with. I am planning on keeping the truck, because there are times when I could just use an open bed. If Subaru had the Baja, I would have been tempted to get rid of the truck, not buy the Outback and get the Baja. Yes, the Baja truck bed is very small, but for the many cases I need it it would be fine. Also, with the trailer hitch, I can tow a small 4x4 trailer for the dump. Anyway, that is my thought on the matter.
You made a great choice with the XT. It's rated to tow up to 3,700 Lbs. I used to have a Toyota Tundra 4x4 Dbl cab with a long (8 Ft) Bed. Key words "used to". With our XT I have towed 4 x 8 & 5 x 8 closed trailers, 4 x7 & 5 x 8 utility trailers on trips up to 600 miles.. loaded to the gills. No problem. Cost $20-30 p/day as needed. Sure beats a truck payment. If Your loads are a ton (2,000 Lbs) or less stick to the XT. We've saved a bundle on gas, insurance, payments, etc and get our stuff where it needs to be for next to nothing.
Get a trailer or rent one. I use my XT for light loads. 3k or less. It replaced my 1500 truck that used to get 12 mpg local. The OB gets 22 local. I still have my 3500 for the heavy stuff like my 5th wheel camper.
@@Wrang15 I was looking at the simple 4x4 trailer at harbor freight. I just don't have a lot of places to store the trailer when non-use.
@@m3rdpwr lot of places rent them.
Buy a Ford Maverick if you don't have use for a full size truck, they can be had in the mid to high $30k range, and with a turbo too for the people who think that was a great idea (its not). Rather, lease one, don't buy one, I wouldn't trust them once the warranty is up, regardless of what badges are on a gas turbo vehicle of any sort. Terrible idea in the 70's and 80's not any better now,.
I’d say that a strong hybrid in the Ascent would make a difference in sales.
Thanks for the video! I knew you would have the answer!
I have been dreaming of bringing back the brat. Take a crosstrek and have the roof behind the front row be removable and the rear seats lay down for a 5 ft ish bed with the front two seats and when you need the passengers flip the seats back open and shrink the bed. What can I say dreaming.
Hi Alex, the Subaru Truck/ Ute of the 80’s was big Downunder here in New Zealand and Australia. I was a Maintenance Engineer at the Subaru factory in New Zealand and it would be great to have a Truck/Ute back.
Reading through the comments I find some of this to be funny. I preordered my 2003 Baja and took delivery in Oct 2002, still own it, still drove it daily, she’s just shy of 214,000 miles on it. It has met every need that I have or used it for since replacing the 94 dodge ram I owned prior to buying the outback. The Baja is now 22 years old and I’ve been waiting on Subaru to release a new variant. We are a Subaru family and currently own 4, I hate to say it but I see a Honda ridgeline in my future based on this information.
Why not consider the (redesigned for 2025) Hyundai Santa Cruz? It’s closer in use case and size to the Baja than the Ridgeline. Also starting at a lower price point.
I’m a big fan of the Honda, but find the SC would be a good “one car do all”kind of car for me
Excellent video and explanation of new models Alex! I too, would purchase a Subaru Pickup in a heartbeat. Perhaps Subaru will revisit this consideration in the near future. Thank you for sharing your expertise always Alex; much appreciated!
do it already Subaru!!!!!....if I was going to fork out 40K for a Hyundai Santa Cruz, I CERTAINLY would do that for a SUBARU truck
Make a naturally inspired gasoline powered engine. Larger and powerful but no turbo or fancy electronic combustion engine. Those break down too much and are very expensive to fix. Simple powerful regular combustion engine!
Subaru please design and release a truck! I will buy it I promise. Send some love to your fan base and make it happen!
Was planning on buying one next year (2025) if available.
i'm curious about the hybrids, i can see that working out more than all electrics
I think that’s the move. The hybrid will be a great transition into the EV world.
I agree, I'd buy a non-plug in hybrid but would never buy a fully electric car of any sort, if I wanted an electric car I'd buy a golf cart.
Not sure why Subie is making MORE EV’s when they can’t even give away the Solterra! And that’s with 0 APR for 72 months!
I loved Alex's comment about the Baja being built off the Outlook platform. Prior to my 2023 Outback, which I'm very happy with, my previous two vehicles were a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and a Camry sedan. It was often said that the Tacoma back then was a Camry pickup truck. Everybody here has an SUV or a pickup. I'm trusting Subaru's market analysis, which Alex details very well, in not trying to compete in 2025 on pickup trucks.
Damn it Subaru come on!!!!
What about the 2025 Ascent??
Also, I hope the 2026 Outback doesn’t stray too far from the current design.
Subaru is missing an opportunity... They should reconsider if indeed they have decided against it.
It would be another re-release of a vehicle that don't sell well....and someone else already mentioned they only sold 30k of them in 3 years...wasn't a great seller....and I doubt Subaru cares to revamp an assembly line to try that failure again.
I'd rather they bring back a regular old automatic transmission instead of all the CVT stuff, which would also limit the ability of Subaru to build something like a mini-truck again...the CVT is pretty limiting on what it is capable of, and it has a hard enough time moving around the small cars that Subaru has in their lineup now without issues....they really need to work on beefing the CVTs up, and design a 6 speed automatic to put in at least as an option for those that want a vehicle to last longer than the warranty. I still have my doubts about the CVTs, even with the added cooler on the WIlderness models, which is now extinct, as you cannot get a Wilderness in any of the 2025 models.
With more emission restrictions I highly doubt you’ll see Subaru bring back a traditional automatic transmission. Especially with all of the resources they put in their CVT platform. If they did end up doing another Baja, I would expect it to be at minimum a hybrid vehicle at this point. That is the direction everything is going even though full on EV has slowed and resistance. Seems Toyota had it right with focusing on hybrids. I expect Subaru to follow that path.
@@wildbill23c
Times are much different for demand for mini trucks than when the Outback-based Baja was produced in the mid 2000's. Many suburbanites are downsizing from bigger pickups to more economical light-duty housed task orientated vehicles. They're not towing or hauling big loads in these and fit the bill perfectly for this growing demographic.
Regarding the CVT, the newer Subaru in-house CVT engineering is far superior to the older designs. I know as I have bench rebuilt the older CVT's and incorporated the many improvements it required and Subaru has stepped their CVT game. My 1984 Brat 4-speed that I bought new was my choice back then, but I prefer not to run a manual for my daily driver any longer. These latest CVT's are perfect for this use.
I’m a buyer for a small Subaru pickup right now 100%
Smart move. It wouldn't be as popular as people would like to believe. There's a reason why the Baja got discontinued the first time around.
True. Unfortunately the price points of the mid-size market are ridiculous, and all the crew cab crap they've gone to with useless size truck beds, a 4 door sub-compact pickup may as well exist like the Maverick and there's a lot of them on the road now, trouble is how long is all these underpowered turbo equipped vehicles going to last as many people can't afford a new car every couple years, and I don't care to have a never ending car payment (Lease).
@@chuckwalla2967 the market is different now. This could be the last purchase for one. We are not privileged to buy one of each. We need to find one that is the best bang for our money.
Thanks for the update, disappointed but content with my 2024 OBW. Would love to see a Baja Wilderness though!
I understand where you are coming from and what Subaru is saying. But at the same time with more companies possibly releasing smaller pickups to compete against the likes of Ford and Hyundai. I feel Subaru is missing out big time!
If buyers wanted. You already have the platform for two sized pickups with the CrossTrek and (again) Outback! Oh well.. we can dream lol
Interesting. My Subaru salesman said the Baja will be back in a wilderness trim but there arent any details yet. Not sure what to believe.
Subaru fan now got a Subaru XC and I’m looking forward to buying the new Subaru Baja😊
Thank you for the heads up, I just hope they don't mess up the Outback and make it look like a Range Rover as rumored.
Alex, the reason why many people are asking fir Subaru to manufacturer trucks because quality of ford, ram abd chevy have gone downhill. I've watching other auo channels of mechanics and customers complaining about the reliability. The main reason why I switched from a die hard ford owner to a 2020 Subaru Forester owner this past Sept 2023. I needed a vehicle fast and found this just off lease. My ford edge compressor fail a second time and i wasn't hearing good news out other ford products so i switched manufacturers
@@wendyc7730 no doubt I think Subaru would make a quality truck. The issue is I think many people forget about quality when it comes to looking at the price and comparing it to others in the market. Paying around $40k for a Subaru truck probably doesn’t appeal to most but I may be wrong
I'm disappointed, but it makes sense from a business perspective. Outbacks, Crosstreks, and Foresters are their core competency; they sold 150-160K of each last year, whereas they only sold 30K Bajas in a span of three years. A car-based truck would also likely cannibalize sales of their existing lineup.
Not from me. No truck, no new Subie. I'll keep patching together my old Foresters.
The outback wilderness look pretty good as a Baja 😂
Would be neat!
I am willing to pay the same price of an Outback for a Baja.
I owned a 2006 Baja Turbo 5-speed, in my mind the most desirable Subaru of its time. I have ZERO INTEREST in the new models you have discussed, and less than zero interest in any EV from any maker. Calling a model that lasted 4.5 years, and that used existing parts for most of its structure, a failure is rather unfair. If Subaru were to re-introduce the Baja, I would have a deposit in my dealer's hands in hours, not days; till then, I will have to look elsewhere (and I am looking within the next 18 months).
I want an Ascent in a wilderness trim, also with a hybrid powertrain together
I want a forester wildness hybrid. That would be perfect!
I would defiantly own one as well.
Was seriously planning on buying a Subaru truck next year for the wife to drive. Now, no new Subaru for us. I'll just keep her ;09 Forester running until it won't. Please reconsider Surbaru.
I love my outback I am 6,4” my wife is 5,11” she wanted a cross track when we drove it there was not enough room. For me it is still kinda close to being tight. We looked at a forester she was not impressed I remember the brat it was just too small you got to be able to stick plywood in it.
Just saw an article from Subaru talking about their new Baja.
I sure hope they keep the Outback a wagon. I fear they won't. It's the only game in town. There is no direct competition for the Outback. But dealer teaser conversations have told me it won't be a wagon anymore and will be a full-on crossover. "It won't be incumbered by the constraints of the Legacy car platform." "It will look like a Range Rover" Yawn. Everybody's doing that. My fear is the new outback will look the cartoonish and toy-like looking new Santa Fe, which will not age well. I bet it will have oversized trapezoidal wheel wells like many are doing now. And an even more jarring blockier front end. Basically, a jumbo version of the Forester, maybe with more sharp angles. but being just a bit smaller than the Ascent. Then the Ascent will be redesigned to be a larger and much more competitive 3-row SUV. More physical control buttons are a near certainty. A much high price point too I'm told! We shall soon see.
that was very good Alex, thank you again 💯
Would love a Wilderness Forester Hybrid.
Alex just a general Subaru question. We have out first one a 2021 Crosstrek. Given the AWD system should 1 tire go bad would it be necessary to replace 4 tires due to the AWD system?
Hey Alex, I'm hopeful for the 26 Outback to have AC vents in the ceiling. It's extra hot where I live.
Own a22 Forester Wilderness and like quite a bit. Build and performance is great for the price. I love my dealer they are the best. That said our third Subaru will be the last for a while. At 58 I want a little excitement when I look the car and sit in it. I look at the Maverick and just want it. I get the quality but want it. Or a new Colorado. Wife traded in crosstrek. Looked at Subaru electric and disappointed. Went with ford Mach E and fantastic. For me I’ll be ordering a small pick up in a couple months. Love Subaru but go to dealership showroom and snooze. Subaru you’re letting customers down.
Honestly, Subaru took the best from Toyota - their HSD hardware.
That fit with mechanical AWD will be magical for my needs - lots of mountains, even the motorways I use are not flat.
Hopefully there will be a heat pump to make AC work better during hot days.
I couldn’t care less about the direct injection and would be happy to be able to choose port injection on the hybrid 😂
I purchased a 2024 Solterra last month. I would like to preserve the battery and charge it to 80%. Is there a way to make that a default setting and not something I need to set each time?
@ 2:42 Can you provide the link to that video you're referring to? I was trying to see if you linked it in the description but no luck. Great video! Thanks
@@Veeetz here you go! ua-cam.com/video/4awm7xJr2oE/v-deo.htmlsi=OwQCrP5HtNZqlueH
@@alexpmo Thank you!
@@Veeetz You're welcome!
IDC about a pickup truck, the only thing I want Subaru to bring back is a real hi/lo transfer case in the US. Please?
what about upgraded/redesigned ascent?
No official details yet but that is coming as well
Alex, you know me and how much I enjoy my 23 Subaru Outback Touring XT (10k miles). However I must disagree with you on the reasoning Subaru will not redo the Baja. Your reasoning was that the first one was a failure...then that reasoning should have been used to not introduce an SUV, the Ascent as Subaru's first attempt the Tribeca was such a dismal failure. Based upon what I know about the '26 Outback, a pickup on the same architecture may have been very difficult.
Hey @Alex, what car do you recommend? I have Accent touring and outback wilderness already. I wanted a small car with fuel efficient since I travel a lot. Subarus has been giving me no issues with the cars I own. So I can't take the risk of buying other cars. You recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Calling the Baja a pickup truck is a stretch…lol. You lose the versatility of the hatchback and can’t fit anything of real size in the tiny bed. A full size pickup would be interesting but the Baja would just be a nostalgia trip from an era where gimmicky cars like them were popular (and even on that front Subaru was late to the trend.)
Subaru Brat would be 100x better, none of that 4 door crap with a useless bed, at least it could have a 6 to 6-1/2 foot bed if they do it right. Even the mid size bloatware trucks are now going to really useless size beds...oh but if you put the tailgate down you get an extra 1-1/2 feet...no just build the damn thing with a usable bed with the tailgate up so everything don't fall out the back seems how people in this country have no clue how to tie down their loads.
All anybody hauls in their pickups is air😉 So the size of the bed doesn't matter. It just looks "cool" to have a pickup. And most are kept spotless clean and never see a dirt road or camping trail.
In 2003 we were looking for a truck and I tried out the Baja. I really wanted to like it but Subaru really missed the mark. First, too freakin' low! Seriously too low. Then there was the plastic between the two back seats. Instead of two buckets with space or a bench seat, it was basically a bench with a big piece of plastic placed between two passengers. Why??!! The bed portion of the truck was too small but that was the point, I think. They weren't designed for people who actually used the truck for what it was supposed to be: a truck that carried things. Anyway, I was really disappointed. We instead bought a crew cab S10 which Chevy discontinued the next year.
My dad would love to have the Baja but looks like his wish won’t come true.😂
The need to put larger engines enough with the 4 cylenders
I loved my brat….wish it had not rusty away…it was based on the old G model
IF Subaru was smart...they would say NO to a Baja and make a modern BRAT as a 2DR variant of the Outback. Geared for the active lifestyle. They would have a huge hit on their hands with •••zero competition•••. Not everyone has a litter of kids. Plenty of folks are empty nesters. This seems like such a no brainer. And, it could be a great rally car!
Missing the market with more EVs and no unibody Pickup.
I really wanted the brat back on the outback frame unfortunately with them not doing it my first car in 15 years is going to not be a subaru
Might have missed it, but any thoughts on the new 3rd gen hybrid that Subaru, toyota, and mazda announced their joint venture on early this year? I would love a hybrid wilderness outback, maybe 2027?
Yes, those fake videos are out of control. Saw them in my feed, low view count several hours after release was a dead giveaway that those are fake spam channels. If Baja was real, it would have been shared immediately by bigger channels.
Ford just made it way easier to compete. They are pretty much refusing to fix the transmission issues. They said it will be fixed by the next generation with a completely new redesign of the transmission. They also increased the price significantly and more raises are coming in the future. Ford is just opening the door for Subaru at this point.
I wish they’d bring back the Brat. Minus the seats in the bed. 😊
I am willing to pay more for a manual transmission in an outback.Make that an option..
we need a new Brat!
Several of them running around town where I live...oh wait you mean the car not the dang children LOL.
Yeah that would be great if they'd keep it a 2 door with a usable bed but we all know what it would turn into so it would be yet another useless SUV minus 1/2 the roof.
They don't have any plans for a truck in the future, until they do. LoL
the only source that is real is In Australia where subaru's main market is. there are 3 real production models being tested it's based off the 2026 outback coming and it's stunning. I want one. new boxer 6 cyl turbo and no turbo off-road. you're very wrong sir
Thanks!
Thanks for the super chat!
Technically the small truck failed twice. The BRAT failed too.
Stick with what works
I'd love to see a Baja, but I have no need for one personally, so wouldn't buy one. I have talked to a few people who have a Hyundai Santa Fe, which looks like it has the spirit of the Baja. They seem to like it because it's basically a car with a pickup bed. Gets most of a car's fuel economy (versus a pickup truck), plus most of the utility from a small pickup. Imagine that with AWD and maybe even as a hybrid (non-plug in), and I really think it'd sell decently well. BUT, I'm no expert in that kind of thing, am not interested in pickups (even coming from Texas, LOL), and haven't done the math Subaru.
No truck, I'm now very sad.
No offense although my guess is the last person knowledgeable of a clean sheet design would be a "Salesman". I retired from automotive experimental engineering, If a Janitor knew a "unclassified", he would have more knowledge of a upcoming event. That said, unless Subaru developed a complete clean sheet design for a mini truck, I wouldn't watch for one soon. A spin off of the Outback would be just that and contain all the pros and cons included. Owning (2) Outbacks, I sure would not be in line for one.
i want a 8k subaru brat.
I want a full-sized 6 passenger capacity Subaru truck, I know this will never happen
2 seater subaru truck when?
I'm pretty sure you were wrong that Subaru isn't coming out with a small truck it's just the year is wrong
First, never got to do that, lol
Congrats! lol 🥳
@@alexpmo Awesome video as always. Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
The lease of my second Outback is coming to an end. This time I'm going to get an EV. But it won't be a Solterra. Sorry!
Hey Subaru, enough with the gizmos, how about a vehicle with more utility so people like me don’t have to buy a Ford or a Chevrolet or a Dodge or a Hundai
Cool
Where can I get your shirt? I want one 😁😁😁
@@michellemieux7439 here you go! subarugear.com/product/658506-adidas-camo-polo
Is the Baja the same as the Brat? Are both myths? Are both not in consideration? So weird and catastrophic of Subaru reliability.