Revived Subaru Baja Imagined In Unofficial Rendering Of Little Truck

On episode two of Motor1.com's Rambling About Cars podcast, we devoted a segment to talk about Australian utes and unibody pickups in general, including the defunct . Listener Nathan Mondor sent us a letter on the topic that we read on episode three, and he asked whether there was a future for Subie's Outback-based truck. Now, Mondor has sent us a rendering imagining how the model might look.

The recipe for creating a new Baja is pretty simple. Take the current Outback and create a cargo bed where the rear storage area currently is. Add some bars running from the C-pillar to the floor for adding extra style and structural reinforcement.

Modern Subaru Baja Rendering

Subaru Baja

Mondor's rendering perfectly expresses everything that a new Baja could be. The upward sweeping section along the rear door's window line is an especially nice touch that matches a similar element on the D-pillar of the current Outback.

Subaru introduced the Baja in 2003 as a spiritual successor to the from the late 1970s and '80s. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four with 165 horsepower (123 kilowatts), but there was also a turbocharged 2.5-liter mill making 210 hp (157 kW). Subie retired the model for the 2006 model year.

Listen To Rambling About Cars!

Winter Beaters And What Is A Coupe: Rambling About Cars #3

When discussing the chances of a new Baja on the podcast, the hosts were split. Since the truck would take up production capacity for the strong-selling Outback at the company's Indiana factory, reviving the vehicle doesn't necessarily make sense from a business perspective. Alternatively, the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are on the way, so Subaru should take advantage of the renewed interest in the unibody pickup segment.

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team