Follow us today...
If you remember the 1999 Subaru Baja ST-X pickup, you were probably at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Subaru Baja ST-X was a concept vehicle that never made it to production. Subaru did build the Baja in late August of 2002 as a 2003 model, but it was a watered-down version of the Baja ST-X pickup. If Subaru resurrected the Baja ST-X turbo pickup, you would buy it now.
The Baja ST-X concept had a turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine, whereas the Baja had a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine. What else set the four-door Baja ST-X (Subaru Truck Xperimental) apart was its extendable cargo bed with a switchback design. It also sported a Solar Flare Orange paint.
The Switchback design
The Baja ST-X had a rear seat that folded forward, and a large rear window opened to the bed of the compact truck. The retractable rear window would slide into and out of a top portion of the rear seatback when the seat was in an upright position. There was also a hinged door between the back end of the passenger cab and the cargo bed.
Imagine a new 2023 Subaru Baja ST-X with a similar design, based on the 2022 Crosstrek compact SUV powered by an FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer would come mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (CVT) offered in the 2022 WRX.
The 2023 Subaru Baja ST-X would also come with extra ground clearance and dual-function X-Mode for off-road pursuits. The interior would have solar flare orange trim on the seats, dash, and center console like the concept pickup at the LA Auto Show in 2000.
In 2000, Subaru of America pitched the Baja ST-X concept as "the ultimate expression of the Subaru brand essence; fun, freedom, adventure, confidence, and control."
The 2023 Subaru Baja ST-X would likely be a big hit with compact pickup and adventure enthusiasts. The 1999 Subaru Baja ST-X pickup was ahead of its time, but it's now time for Subaru to bring it back.
Would you buy a 2023 Subaru Baja ST-X compact pickup base on the 2022 Crosstrek if Subaru of America offered it this year?
You Might Also Like: The New Subaru EV That Caught Everyone By Surprise
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.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru USA
Follow us today...
Comments
I wouldn't buy one built off
Permalink
I wouldn't buy one built off of the Sport Trek, it would need to be built on a Forester base.
I agree completely! Needs to
Permalink
In reply to I wouldn't buy one built off by Rebecca Balent (not verified)
I agree completely! Needs to have at least 182hp
You mean the Ascent platform,
Permalink
In reply to I wouldn't buy one built off by Rebecca Balent (not verified)
You mean the Ascent platform, that would make a nice midsized crew cab
I would definitely buy a
Permalink
In reply to I wouldn't buy one built off by Rebecca Balent (not verified)
I would definitely buy a subaru baja st-x pickup i need 4 dr.
Been waiting a long time. Best safety features a vehicle could offer. It has the power to pull a toyota 4x4 hanging on an edge of a mt. My baja and i were amazed. I'm ready for more power. Mohilo13
I want one but can you hold
Permalink
In reply to I would definitely buy a by Maureen sullivan (not verified)
I want one but can you hold on till I have a little more money? I want one of the 1st
Baja all the way!
Mohilo
The Baja was offered with a 2
Permalink
The Baja was offered with a 2.5 turbo it was the Baja xt . Same 2.5 l turbo motor found in the Forester XT , legacy gt and outback xt .
I'm pretty sure the original
Permalink
I'm pretty sure the original Subaru concept was supercharged not turbocharged. The Baja was awesome later, starting in 2004, with a turbocharged 2.5.
I'm pretty sure the original
Permalink
I'm pretty sure the original Subaru concept was supercharged not turbocharged. The Baja was awesome later, starting in 2004, with a turbocharged 2.5.
The concept was supercharged,
Permalink
The concept was supercharged, not turbo charged.
Here Kitschy kitschy kitschy.
Permalink
Here Kitschy kitschy kitschy......pspspspspsps
Subaru needs to enter the
Permalink
Subaru needs to enter the pickup truck market. I've been saying that for years! I would rather see it built off the Legacy/Outback chassis, like the Ascent.
Maybe, love Subarus but would
Permalink
Maybe, love Subarus but would need to assess vehicle at an auto show. Also, not keen on the color choice. Really would prefer a unibody truck.
I would consider it, but I
Permalink
I would consider it, but I would prefer it built off of the Ascent base. The best option for me would be a pickup with 5 seats and a 5-6ft bed (basically an Ascent with a pickup body).
I still drive a 2004 Subaru
Permalink
I still drive a 2004 Subaru Baja and love it.
Yeah how much would i be out
Permalink
Yeah how much would i be out of pocket per month...On the ST-X Subaru 2023...Pickup. and how much down...Do you have any pickups now...?
The Baja came in a turbo
Permalink
The Baja came in a turbo model also. Do your research before you guys write articles. SMMFH
100% Yes. I still own *and
Permalink
100% Yes. I still own *and drive* my 03 manual transmission baja. Use the Forester chasis and offer upgraded higher horsepower option with a manual transmission engine. Done. Sign me up.
Own '06 Baja 2.5 manual
Permalink
In reply to 100% Yes. I still own *and by Andi (not verified)
Own '06 Baja 2.5 manual transmission. No turbo. 227000 miles. Still great small truck. Noted loss of power but awesome vehicle for WV secondary roads and more. Definitely would buy... Aside from abs system couldn't ask for better vehicle.
You said they didn't build a
Permalink
You said they didn't build a turbo Baja. but they did. for 2 years. the Manual trans was an option. It was made from 2005-2006. The NA version existed for 4 years. Manual transmission versions are incredibly rare.
What kind of lights are those
Permalink
What kind of lights are those on the roof rack?
I have driven Outback
Permalink
I have driven Outback ,Forster,also own a 2005 Baja. I have Owned the Dodge Rampage also. I like the unibody they are grate to drive . I like the Bajas low bed is easy to load and unload (just picked up a small chest freezer, nice). It could have a little more ground clearance. The four doors our nice but also like the two doors with a small cargo space behind.
I would buy it today if they
Permalink
I would buy it today if they would offer the 6 cylinder instead of these weak 4 cylinder and weak turbo 4 cylinder!!
If you have a weak 4cyl turbo
Permalink
In reply to I would buy it today if they by Mark (not verified)
If you have a weak 4cyl turbo, turn up the boost and/or tune. 2.0Ts are making 250+ HP pretty easily these days.
Subaru should offer 2 unibody
Permalink
Subaru should offer 2 unibody crewcab AWD pickups, IMO...An economy model, based on the 2.5L Crosstrek, with 1500-2000lb towing capacity, and a 2.4T or 6cyl model based on the bigger wagons, with 3500lb+ towing capacity. Preferably, the larger pickup would be like a Ridgeline, with 5000-6000lb towing capacity.
The Subaru AWD and VSC systems are already pretty good, and the aftermarket already offers rear diff-lockers, winchmounts, skids, rockers, rooftop carriers, spare carriers, suspensions, power upgrades, offroad/winter tires, etc.
Priced like the Crosstrek and Outback, they'd probably sell well, and mfrig costs would be minimal if they used existing parts. The unibody Baja was ahead of its time, IMO.
My Crosstrek has been an awesome all-weather econocommuter, and it's just another plus that I can also use it for legal offroad/overland weekends, while still getting 40+MPG on my 50mile commute. Just use stock-sized AT Trails, and take off the rooftop stuff and multi-mount winch, during the week. Even so, siped mudders on 15" rims swap pretty quick and easy for weekend fun if you have a cordless impact and 2 good jacks or a lift.
I had a 2006 Baja and
Permalink
I had a 2006 Baja and absolutely loved it. Years ago my father had a Subaru brat which was similar and that was a lot of fun. I would buy a Subaru Baja in a second. I would also love to see Subaru come out with a small or a mid-size truck in general. I've owned three Subarus they're great cars.
Loved my 03 baja.
Permalink
Loved my 03 baja. Unfortunately I had to sell it, hard times, but I would so love to get another. I really miss that truck.
I’m driving 2003.I would love
Permalink
I’m driving 2003.I would love an updated version with a longer bed and dual fuel
At 84 years young..I still
Permalink
At 84 years young..I still have a 2003 Baja ...over 160,000 mi.! Marron & Silver! Don't think at my age "orange" would be my taste! I would consider a " new Baja " if better choice of colors! It's still the "sexyist " vehicle I've ever owned !
Just saw you in Euless...
Permalink
In reply to At 84 years young..I still by Judith A. Shirk (not verified)
Just saw you in Euless... maybe not but got here afyer searching for what vehicle I saw on the road
At 84 years young..I still
Permalink
At 84 years young..I still have a 2003 Baja ...over 160,000 mi.! Marron & Silver! Don't think at my age "orange" would be my taste! I would consider a " new Baja " if better choice of colors! It's still the "sexyist " vehicle I've ever owned !