Subaru of New England has the right idea, but too bad U.S. customers won't see the global debut of the Baja Wilderness pickup anytime soon. So instead, see why this model would hit the sweet spot.
Follow us today...
Subaru of America needs one new model to fill out its all-wheel-drive line; the Baja Wilderness pickup. Subaru of New England has the right idea. They recently put the image of the Baja Wilderness on its Instagram page, saying, "You asked, we delivered." Of course, it was just an April fool's joke, but the truth is often spoken in jest.
If only it were true. Subaru of New England said, "Introducing the all-new 2024 Baja Wilderness. Equipped with a 260 horsepower turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, 9.2" of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and up to 75 cubic feet of cargo space, the Subaru Baja Wilderness has everything you need for off-road adventures. So where will the 2024 Baja Wilderness take you?"
photo credit Subaru of New England
We know it would take customers further off the grid to play in the dirt this summer. But, it would also raise Subaru of America to new heights in sales and give the Camden, N.J. automaker the missing vehicle in its all-wheel-drive lineup.
The Subaru Baja pickup would be the hot new model to significantly impact U.S. customers this year. The image below from Battle Wagon Gang represents a desirable 2024 Subaru Baja Wilderness trim level. It's what outdoor enthusiasts want and what Subaru of America needs.
Photo credit: Battle Wagon Gang
Of course, the all-new 2024 Subaru Baja pickup would feature the brand's core values of safety, fun-to-drive, all-wheel-drive, fuel-efficient, a low center of gravity, and dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability. In addition, the new Baja pickup would be extra rugged and ready to go further off the grid.
We can imagine an all-new 2024 Baja Wilderness with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine producing 260 horsepower. The more rugged Baja trim could lead the segment with extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection for off-roaders. Subaru wouldn't be able to build them fast enough.
Subaru's new dual-function X-Mode system would be a perfect fit and a big hit with customers with active lifestyles who want to go further off-road. In addition, because the Subaru Global Platform provides model flexibility between the Subaru of Indiana Automotive's assembly lines and the Subaru plant in Japan, the pickup truck could be built in the U.S. plant.
It could be manufactured alongside the all-new outdoor-themed Crosstrek Wilderness in Lafayette, Indiana. It would be priced around $35,000 and compete with the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road pickup.
photo credit: Toyota
What would happen if Subaru of America asked Subaru Corporation to return the Baja pickup to its lineup and build a new compact version for its U.S. customers? First, Subaru Corporation might surprise SOA and resurrect the Subaru Baja nameplate. They could also give it Wilderness upgrades for outdoor and off-road enthusiasts. Or they could wait a bit longer and give U.S. customers a new electric Baja pickup.
Subaru of New England has the right idea, and they have a lot of clout with SOA, as they are the most prominent U.S. Subaru distributor. It's time for Subaru of America to step up and launch an all-new 2025 Subaru Baja Wilderness Edition pickup for its U.S. customers and dive into the compact pickup market. Would you buy an all-new Baja pickup Wilderness Edition? Leave your comments below.
You Might Also Like: Meet Subaru’s All-New Crosstrek Wilderness - Details And Images Are Here Now
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 of New England
Follow us today...
As a 2003 Baja owner I would
As a 2003 Baja owner I would buy one in a minute, where do I order one? I’ve been waiting.
I don't want to order one.I
I don't want to order one.I want to see it, get in it. Drive it. Kick the tires.
I had a 2004 baha. I loved it
I had a 2004 baha. I loved it. Yes I will buy a 2024 wilderness if I can buy from dealer. I don't want to order one. I want to see it. Get in it. Drive it. You know, kick the tires.
Same here as a 2003 Baja…
Same here as a 2003 Baja owner I can't wait to preorder a new one.
When will pre orders begin?
I can't wait..
I’m in a market for a new car
I’m in a market for a new car and it would be nice to see a Hybrid version of the Subaru Baja and that would be my first choice. As for the oncoming Baja Wilderness, yes I would trade in the used Crosstrek for the Baja, though I would like to see the Baja Hybrid. That would compete with the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz and the oncoming Toyota Compact. What are you waiting Subaru!!!
I would order one today to…
I would order one today to keep my 2024 Outback Wilderness all black edition company. I'm told it would have a 5k lb towing capacity, so shopping for a 3500lb off road camper.
that would be unreal!!!! I
that would be unreal!!!! I would put one in my garage next to my 2022 out back. My son would definitely put one in his driveway as well. SOA get em built!!!!
My 2006 Baja has gone to
My 2006 Baja has gone to greener pastures. Come on SOA, take my money and add my name to the list!
Some company should take the
Some company should take the "throw back" even further, and make a simple, small pickup. Many years ago I had a Ford Courier, twin to the Mazda B1800. It had one seat row and a bed that was just over 6 feet long that fit a twin mattress perfectly. That little truck was a great basic camper/pickup - inexpensive, functional, and reliable, rather than a $35,000 SUV with an almost uselessly short bed. Please bring back basic pickups rather than dressed up toys for suburbanites. The old Subaru BRAT was a better idea than the Baja, even though it could have used a longer bed.
I told Roy, the sales manager
I told Roy, the sales manager at Hughes Subaru in Athens GA, that I will buy the first Subaru pickup for cash that he gets in. I bought a new Crosstrek from him and have been very satisfied with the dealership.
I would trade in my Forester
I would trade in my Forester today for one. Imo a base Baja would start out around 35,000-38,000 and unfortunately it would be competing with much more affordable options like the Maverick and Santa Cruz. But I would gladly take one over the Outback or Ascent!
Currently own 2 bajas would
Currently own 2 bajas would buy a new one in a turbo trim MANUAL trans in a heartbeat. Even from the opposite view a new ute that's fuel efficient and awd and capable is desired. New Ford maverick and others have proved that.
I would love to buy a 2024
I would love to buy a 2024 model. Given Suburu’s safety & reliability record, it would be the vehicle to contend with. I'm not ready to go electric but if available in gas/diesel, I’m in!
Every 3 months they post...
Every 3 months they post... Here is Photoshop what the new Baja could look like, if they made it, but there are no plans to make it.
The photoshop from battle…
The photoshop from battle wagon gang shows a 4-door with a roll cage blocking the rear doors... come-on-man... make it real if your post a design
But. I really like the vehicle and would buy one today
I am legitimately waiting on
I am legitimately waiting on this as well. Please push for this to be made ASAP!
I would buy a Baja or an
I would buy a Baja or an outback that comes equipped with the 260 HP turbo boxer engine and a manual transmission. I would keep it forever. I’m never getting an electric vehicle.
You bet I would, I also have
You bet I would, I also have a 2003 Subaru BaJa and love it. I've been anticipating this new BaJa for a couple of years, I was under the assumption that Subaru was to release this new BaJa this year 2023. You can imagine my disappointment when I read this article stating that it would now be 2024.
You bet I would, I also have
You bet I would, I also have a 2003 Subaru BaJa and love it. I've been anticipating this new BaJa for a couple of years, I was under the assumption that Subaru was to release this new BaJa this year 2023. You can imagine my disappointment when I read this article stating that it would now be 2024.
I have driven many different
I have driven many different models Subaru’s, now am driving a 2005 Baja. I agree we should bring a new Baja to the Game but I don’t see what all the hype is about all this Wilderness is I have been driving my off road many times . Ya some new change’s are needed but remember we drive on the on the highway more. So let’s keep a good ride, better mileage.
I purchased a 05 Baja for my
I purchased a 05 Baja for my daughter when she turned 16 in 2016. She is still driving it, waiting for a new mini pickup to replace it, this would be it
I used to manage a Subaru
I used to manage a Subaru store in New England and worked hand in hand all the time when Ernie Boch owned it. LISTEN TO THEM "BIG" SUBARU! Start building these babies now!
I have a 2003 Baja with 193k
I have a 2003 Baja with 193k miles. Love it and would like to see anew model.
I would love to be able to
I would love to be able to own a new Baja. I have a 2020 Outback and an Impreza. Subaru is the best vehicle I have ever owned
Always had pickups but traded
Always had pickups but traded my last one on a 2022 forester wilderness. Commonsense told me that they had to come out with a small truck. Gas cans stink and other things you you would like a open bed for.If not in another year I`ll have to switch brands which I don`t want to do. And not EV............
Have. 21 yr old Tacoma with
Have. 21 yr old Tacoma with 320K that I love. A Subaru truck like this is the one vehicle I would give her up for.