Subaru had a pickup truck. Baja was the model that lasted for only four seasons and one generation. But, Subaru’s design and versatility make old fans remember this pickup. These are the same segments where most trucks are struggling nowadays. And with the growth of SUVs and crossovers by the Japanese carmaker, as well as the popularity of mid-size trucks, we expect the 2020 Subaru Baja to join the party.
After the comeback of Ford Ranger, we can see more and more pickups entering the mid-size market. Jeep launched its model (Gladiator) and joined the truck market again after 30 years. The FCA also plans to introduce the new Dodge Ram Dakota. Nissan Frontier is coming into a new generation in 2021. So, Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma will have to fight to keep their supremacy. With the new 2020 Subaru Baja pickup truck and its Boxer engine, dealerships will offer a new, unique vehicle.
2020 Subaru Baja Truck Specs
There is no doubt the new 2020 Subaru Baja pickup truck is getting the Boxer engine. This unit is famous because it is a flat-four mill that provides better stability. While most other companies are using inline-four units, Subaru is taking advantage of a smooth and more precise ride. The downside of this type of powertrain is noise. However, Subaru fans love it and they will recognize a boxer engine easily.
So, what can the 2020 Subaru Baja get from this kind of drivetrain? Flat design is available for six-cylinder engines as well. A 2.5-liter turbo-four is capable to produce 310 horsepower for the special SRI edition of WRX. The 2020 Subaru Baja would rather stick up to a flat-six mill that produces 256 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Engineers will probably pair it with an all-wheel drive. A CVT has a special edition for all Subaru models, and it works more like the standard automatic gearbox.
Concept
The new 2020 Subaru Baja is not going to be built on the body-on-frame platform. The company is not offering such architecture. The combination of the unibody concept with a flat engine will offer a sportier ride. The truck is going to use lighter materials to drop the overall weight. Well, we still don’t know how will the new Baja pickup look like. We suppose – unique, like Subaru’s crossovers and SUVs.
Interior should be comfortable, and the cabin will offer two-and four-door layout. On the other hand, there won’t be a choice for the size of the bed. The company could bring back a few old-school details, but the new Baja truck will be modern and it will meet all needs for drivers of all generations.
2020 Subaru Baja Release Date and Price
The 2020 Subaru Baja will join the mid-size segment. Like the Honda Ridgeline, it is not going to be the classic pickup, a working machine. Maneuvering and handling will make the Baja different from its main rivals and more attractive to buyers. The sporty truck is coming out next year. The company will launch it during the first quarter of 2020. The price must be competitive, so the V6 truck will probably cost around $25,000.
Who canned the terminology that a pickup BoF is more “capable” than a unibody arrangement? Kids born in the 90s? Capable of what? Going off road? Who cares? If you want an off-roader, get a jeep. If you need a truck, get a truck. I need a pickup.
Merriam-Webster Pickup: a light truck having an enclosed cab and an open body with low sides and tailgate
A pickup should haul most loads (they were called ½ tons for a reason, and they served us well). If I routinely haul 1,000lb+ loads I need a truck.
It should pull most loads (if I’m going to buy a 32ft travel trailer I need more than a pickup).
It should carry people comfortably (There’s no way I can use a pickup in today’s market to pick up my aging parents for dinner. They’re too old to make the climb anymore. They wouldn’t fit into any midsize Truck’s back seat; not even the Ridgeline.
I am not impressed with any of the offerings from Ford, Dodge, or GM that all come with a lift kit to make bubba look cool. They sure don’t add to stability, accessibility, or functionality. I have land and tractors and such, but can’t find a “functional” pickup in today’s market. The flatbed truck I grew up hauling hay with was easier to get into than today’s mid-size pickups.
“functional” 4×4 pickup – simply
1. I can step into the cab without climbing. This allows me to have things in my hands/arms without having to make a production of getting them and me into the truck.
2. Any member of my crew (workers, high school students, parents, …) can get into the seat behind me and sit comfortably.
3. I can stand beside my truck and reach what is in the bed without having to climb up into the bed to get it.