Ford Maverick Gives Subaru The Template For A New Baja Pickup It Needs Now

The Ford Maverick small pickup is a hit with buyers with its versatile bed, excellent fuel economy, and price just under $20,000. It's the template Subaru needs to build a new 2023 Baja small pickup. A report from CarsDirect says Ford maybe add a Maverick performance model to the lineup.

The Maverick is offered in hybrid trim with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Subaru's FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged engine would perfectly match the new 2023 Baja pickup.

photo credit: Ford Motor

The Sport-Adventure Vehicle (SAV) segment is just waiting to be exploited as it's the perfect blend of pickup and compact SUV. Subaru was ahead of its time with the Baja, and it's time they resurrected the small utility pickup.

If Subaru brought back the Baja and offered a new compact pickup, it would be a big hit with a younger demographic of active customers. Subaru of America discontinued the Baja after the 2006 model year because it had some flaws, and it never sold well. But they could quickly fix those problems with the new 2023 Baja.

photo credit: @catchme_outback

With the Hyundai Santa Cruz and new Ford Maverick pointing the way in the Sport-Adventure Vehicle segment, the Baja would fit with Subaru's faithful. It would be an instant hit in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup.

The all-new Subaru Baja pickup could feature the brand's core values of safety, fun-to-drive, all-wheel-drive, and a low center of gravity. The Baja pickup would be rugged and off-pavement ready.

With Ford possibly offering a performance version of the Maverick, Subaru could offer a Baja ST-X, or Baja Wilderness trim level for outdoor enthusiasts. The Baja Wilderness fitted with Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system would be a perfect match and a big hit with customers with active lifestyles who want to go off-road and get further away.

There is a market for a small pickup, and Ford is positioned to take advantage. It's time for Subaru of America to offer an all-new 2023 Subaru Baja Sport Activity Vehicle for its customers in North America and dive into the untapped compact pickup market. Would you buy an all-new Subaru Crosstrek Baja? Leave your comments below.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: main image @catchme_outback