Since hitting the market in 2021, the Ford Maverick has single-handedly sparked a fire under the compact pickup truck segment, becoming one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. Japanese auto giant Subaru has finally taken notice of this trend and is on the edge of bringing one of its long-gone models back from the dead to challenge the Maverick.
With the announcement of this game-changing pickup ticking closer, here are nine key reasons why you should anticipate the 2025 Subaru Baja ahead of its release.
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1. Best-In-Class Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency has been a trump card for compact pickups against their body-on-frame counterparts, and the Subaru Baja looks to take this to a whole new level. Currently, the Ford Maverick is the most fuel-efficient pickup on sale, with an EPA rating of 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for the non-hybrid variant. However, once the Baja launches, it is set to make these figures obsolete.
Powered by a fuel-efficient boxer engine, the 2025 Subaru Baja is estimated to get around 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. This makes it an exciting offering for those looking to cut down on fuel costs. The already impressive fuel efficiency will get even better when Subaru inevitably launches a hybrid variant of the Baja, rumored to achieve between 40 to 50 MPG in the city and over 35 MPG on the highway.
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2. Japanese Reliability
The Maverick has been at the forefront of the car world since its launch but not always for the best reasons. The model has been plagued with reliability issues since day one, much to the disappointment of buyers and critics alike.
The Subaru Baja aims to turn the tables when it comes to reliability, finally bringing US buyers a compact pickup they can rely on. Consumer Reports placed Subaru ahead of Ford in their 2022 reliability ratings. Given the longevity of other Subaru models, we’re confident the Baja will serve its buyers reliably for years to come. Additionally, Subaru buyers can expect lower maintenance costs, averaging $617 annually compared to $775 for Ford models like the Maverick.
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3. Efficient Powertrain
Subaru will offer several efficient powertrains with the 2025 Baja. The base model will feature a 2.0 L FB20D inline-4 engine, producing 156 horsepower and 196 NM of torque. This engine is perfect for those seeking a mix of efficiency and performance in their city runabout.
The new Baja will also share most of its underpinnings with the current Subaru Outback SUV, sitting on the same Subaru Global platform. Higher trim levels are expected to come with the Outback’s 2.4 L turbocharged inline-4, delivering 260 horsepower, giving the Baja an edge over the Ford Maverick’s 250 horsepower.
Subaru’s commitment to hybrid technology is evident with their eBoxer platform, which pairs the iconic boxer engine with an electric motor, promising an impressive 40 MPG overall fuel efficiency rating.
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4. Awesome Towing Capabilities
Ford’s compact pickup struggles to tow over 2,000 lbs without the optional towing pack. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Baja is set to impress with its towing prowess. The base model will have a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, putting it in line with the more expensive Hyundai Santa Cruz.
For those who want to travel in style with a heavy trailer, the top-of-the-range Baja will offer an unparalleled 5,500 lbs of pulling power, simply decimating the competition.
5. Legendary Name
The Baja name might sound familiar to some, and for good reason. Subaru previously used this name on another Outback-based compact utility vehicle sold in the United States from 2002 to 2006.
This four-door, all-wheel-drive pickup was beloved for its practicality and sporty driving characteristics. Reserving a new Baja is like reserving a piece of nostalgic pie, offering both history and modern advancements.
6. Better Availability
New car prices have soared recently, with supply chain issues hindering vehicle production. Greedy dealers have taken advantage by marking up prices significantly. These factors have made getting your hands on a new compact pickup more difficult than ever.
The Ford Maverick is a prime example, with buyers waiting 6 to 8 months for delivery. Subaru plans to make the 2025 Baja more readily available by producing it in the United States at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
This plant was the birthplace of the older Baja and currently produces some of the most popular Subarus on sale. Subaru’s strong nationwide dealer network will also help remedy availability issues encountered by the competition.
7. Handsome Looks
While Ford has taken a safe and simple design approach with the Maverick, Subaru is expected to do the opposite with the upcoming Baja. It will have a rugged but distinctively Subaru exterior, borrowing design elements from the current generation Outback.
The 2025 Subaru Baja will stand out with fender flares and a 4 1/2-foot bed spacious enough for all your cargo. It would be exciting if the Baja includes rear-facing jump seats on the truck bed, reminiscent of the Subaru Brat from the ’80s, though this will depend on modern safety regulations.
8. Off-Road Capability
Most compact pickup trucks prioritize city driving, relegating off-roading to an afterthought. The Subaru Baja, however, is set to be the most capable vehicle in its segment. With 8 to 9 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system standard in all trim levels, the Baja will excel off the beaten path.
It will also feature Subaru’s X-Mode, an off-roading mode designed to tackle any terrain. A 2025 Subaru Baja Wilderness model, built from the ground up for tough terrains, is also anticipated.
9. Affordable Price
Affordable vehicles are in high demand, and the new Subaru Baja aims to fill the pickup truck-shaped hole in the market. While vehicles like the Ford Maverick exist, buyers often have to pay extra for essential options to make them tolerable on longer drives.
With a starting price around $25,000, the 2025 Subaru Baja will offer a utilitarian yet comfortable option for compact pickup truck buyers. Although Subaru has been tight-lipped about a release date, we expect the all-new Baja to hit the roads starting in 2025.
