No official announcement was made by the manufacturer, but there are rumors swirling that we will see a 2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck. Subaru of course is not a big name in the pickup truck game but they are trying to get their hands dirty.
So what are they going to do in order to disturb the pecking order of the best pickup trucks?
Subaru will try to revive the long-forgotten Baja – a small pickup truck that was being produced from 2003-2006. They scrapped the project because it simply wasn’t making a profit. The pickup was too small, too expensive, made with certain terrain in mind. However, today this truck would have knocked it out of the ballpark with small tweaks and upgrades of course.
So let’s take a look at what a brand new 2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck would look like and what it needs to compete with the best in the category of mid-size pickup trucks.
Interior
We don’t expect small changes in the interior, after all, the 2023 Subaru Baja Truck is 16 years ahead of its latest version. There are going to be big moves on the inside and we suspect fans will love it. One of the main problems with the previous Baja was the lack of gadgets. It didn’t feel luxurious, it was basically a working horse and it looked the part. We can expect Subaru to borrow a lot from one of its best SUVs, Subaru Ascent.
Change it up a bit, make it bigger and more spacious and you got yourself an extremely good interior for a mid-size pickup truck. Buyers will be able to choose from different cab versions, two-door and four-door versions are probable. Huge cargo bedding is to be expected, maybe a cover for it will be available with higher trims. Leather and fabric upholstery are going to be available.
Based on trims there are going to be various color schemes and choices of the upholstery. There are a lot of soft-feeling plastic areas in the Subaru Ascent, and we expect it to be the case with the 2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck as well. To make it look more luxurious the manufacturer could and hopefully will add some silver touches. The dashboard if borrowed will show energy consumption and climate effect which is very modern and environmentally friendly. As far as infotainment goes there will be a central touchscreen. Since it is a pickup truck hopefully not too small, 10 inches should be a minimum.
Connectivity won’t be an issue, expect it to be compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and have Bluetooth as well. This should cover all grounds and allow some quality entertainment to passengers on their long drives. Air conditioning is a must, especially when it’s warm and you are speeding on the off-road and you don’t want dust and dirt going in through your windows. All in all, if the 2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck borrows a lot from Subaru Ascent, we won’t be disappointed at all.
Exterior
The 2023 Subaru Baja Truck was built with off-roading and wild terrain in mind. Well, it is in the name, so obviously expect it to be as sturdy and resilient as they get. Information is still vague about trim levels, but we are sure about basic and wilderness ones. Expect the new Baja to have an aggressive and one-of-a-kind look, Subaru will try to give it a look that is going to turn some heads.
We know for a fact that Wilderness trim level will offer good ground clearance, 9.5 inches to be exact. Don’t expect other trim levels to be much different. All-terrain tires will be available, and depending on where you plan to drive, much needed. Wheels are 17 inches black aluminum alloy. This is a very light and strong material and is the standard in the industry.
You won’t end up with a broken wheel if you push the vehicle to the limits and it is going to make the new 2023 Subaru pickup truck feel like a feather. This will improve fuel consumption and its power to weight ratio. Hopefully, we get more color choices in the wheels department, but that remains to be seen. On the front, Baja will have its cousin’s Ascent look. But the rest of the vehicle should look more like a mid-size pickup which Baja is. We will probably see the headlights and tail lights get a complete remodel. Round-shaped lights are old news, expect them to be shaped like a square or perhaps a boomerang. Since it is an off-roader we might get a set of headlights on the top of the car, which will definitely increase visibility in the wild.
2023 Subaru Baja Truck Engine Options
This is going to rub some people the wrong way but there aren’t going to be any hybrid or all-electric versions of the 2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck. Not sure why Subaru decided to go this path since they themselves said that they will implement all-electric or hybrid vehicles before 2030.
But as far as a powerhouse for the mid-size Baja pickup truck is concerned we can expect a traditional combustion engine. Probably a 2.4 liter turbocharged Boxer. It boasts around 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, which is quite nice. There are rumors about a version with a 3.6 liter Boxer engine. This will enable the new 2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck to topple all obstacles. It produces upwards of 300 horsepower and would give it towing power of more than 6500 pounds.
The problem with the previous Baja was CVT, and fans rejoice since Subaru won’t be using that one anymore. A six-speed manual or an automatic transmission is on the table. An all-wheel-drive system will be standard in the new Baja. Under the hood, Baja is a beast and hopefully, this will prove to be true in the wild as well. We will watch its career with great interest.
2023 Subaru Baja Wilderness Truck Price and Release Date
The truck should drop in the stores’ late summer of 2022 in order to compete with its rivals like Toyota, GMC, Ford, Chevy, and similar. It will also have to be more affordable so it would pique interest from buyers.
After all, Subaru is not a big name in the mid-size truck industry. Expect prices to be around $30 000 for the basic trim. And hopefully personalizing the truck to your needs won’t increase the price greatly.
Once again, thanks to the KDesign we have great teaser photos.
Looks great we are looking at Tacoma’s now (just started) how soon will the loaded ones be available? and does Subaru needs test customers? we have a 2019 Forester Touring that is great. Let me know.
I saw one of these in the san Fernando valley, in Los Angeles.yesterday.
It was kind of olive green , I nearly broke my neck turning around to see it
It has a large imprint on the tailgate that says Subaru
My first Subaru truck was a BRAT when they first came out. I also owned two Baja’s. I would suggest renaming a new truck A Wilderness BRAT. This might be more fitting as a small truck that loves to go exploring in the outback wilderness!
I would gladly take one
Been a Subaru driver since 2000. First was the Forest green Forester. It just would not quit and we put it through the wringer, sold it in 2019 and people were fighting over it. Have a 2018 Subaru Forester Touring and love it. Also a 2019 Outback Touring-great ride but retired it as that is what I did also. I would gladly test this new one out, I am a loyal fan.
Interested, but the frontend view of the vehicle pictured in this post is not appealing, looks more like some of the all electric vehicles.
My 06 Baja didn’t have a cvt ? I wish it did , my traditional automatic it came with sucked on gas mileage, but it was a great little truck ! I worked like a truck but all the stupid American hype of needing to tow 6,500 lbs is dumb if you need to tow a 5th wheel get a large truck ! Stop trying to make a compact compete with large truck we don’t buy them for large projects.
You’re right! Why try to make a small pickup with large pickup capabilities. In fact, it should be the smallest pickup on the market.
Agree! Smallest pick up on the market is a perfect selling point. Larger cab space than prev Baja, but keep the 4 foot bed with optional flip extender and up the MPG. The new Santa Cruz looks massive next to the 06 Baja. Hate it but right now its the closest option.
Having owned numerous Subaru models continuously since 1978, a Subaru’d Toyota truck would not make me happy.
Use the Ascent drive train and body, make the bed usable and I would bite.
I don’t want a Toyota with a Subaru badge.
I still drive my 2003 baja.
Make a all new DIESEL !
It’s good to know that Subie won’t cave to the trendies by making it electric.
Would this de a good vehicle to tow behind a motor home?
I’m still driving my 03 Baja ! 209,000 miles. Never loved a truck more !
I want one but can’t find it to buy. Any Subi dealers in Texas selling them?
Want a mid size truck non-electric truck. Santa Cruz, Ridgeline, new Dodge Dakota or new Subie Baja???? Waiting to trade my 2017 all black Z71 1500. Great truck but don’t have TV Trailer any more! Waiting!!
I’m presently looking at the 2024 Ranger Tremor, 2023-24 Sant Cruz, and would be open to the thought of owning my first Subaru. I have a need for a small bed, 4 doors, and all wheel drive. I have a desire for the larger engine, a 6 speed manual shift and some performance handling in all weather conditions. I’m very interested in this vehicle. Just hurry up, before I purchase something else. lol.
I have owned 2 Brats and a Forester and have been looking at the Maverick and Santa Cruz. I was hoping that Subaru would jump on the hybrid train. These days, 40 MPG sounds really attractive.
Had ya 2006 baja & had 262,000 miles. Loved it. Please let me know if&when there is a 2023 version;would love to own. Thanks 563-260-2242
I’d like a new Baja, too. I share mileage between the Baja as my daily driver and my Bimmer as the nights and weekends car., so it’s not very high mileage. I really do love the Baja. It just feels right and fits right. It’s had maintenance challenges, but I still think Subarus are pretty bullet-proof. Slightly bigger on the new model (e.g. Ascent chassis) would be great. Just … soon, please! I’ have ready money waiting for it.
Any update on thi Subaru truck hope the make electric soon
I’m on my 4th suby.
i buy one of those if given the chance.
How large is the bed in the Subaru pickup?
Can’t wait to see one in person. I have 3 Bajas right now (03, 05, 06), two are turbos. Totally Love these little trucks. I had thought Subaru missed their opportunity when the Santa Cruz came out.
I have owned more than 15 Subaru’s over the years and have been writing to the makers for years asking them to make a pick up truck again. Now is the perfect time for Subaru to compete with the Maverick and Sante Cruz. Hurry up will ya! I am ready to trade my outback limited for a new Subaru truck! I normally trade every 2 years for a new Subaru because of the guaranteed buy back that they offer, but I have gone 3 years without trading this time because I haven’t found anything I like better and I really want a Subaru truck. Lets make it happen Subaru!!!
I wish I still had my BRAT. The original!
I want it to seat 6 NOT jut 5… also the front is not very appealing. however, still interested
I have owned many work trucks, Toyota’s 1974 1/2 ton and the Toyota 1988 1 ton, 2- F-250/HD’s, 2-f-150’s and 4 different Subaru’s SUV’s. All the Subaru SUV’s are still in Family. A 4 door truck with a 6 1/2 foot bed would be a winner. Standard should be BBS forged TRO type 18 inch rims ONLY. Put the turbo H-4 , with the option of a turbo H-6 turbo engine with towing of 7000 pound camping trailer or boat. No CVT transmission. A mini Allision trans, And have a 2 door with a 8 foot bed work truck. Subaru would take over the small truck market.
Put big brakes on the trucks.
Would live one!!! Come on bring it!! I can’t wait