Davis Bellew If you’re a Subaru fan, you might be wondering if the Japanese automaker has ever produced a truck. After all, Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive capabilities, and many of its vehicles, like the Outback and Forester, are popular choices for outdoor enthusiasts. So, has Subaru ever made a truck? Let’s find out!
Key Takeaways 🧐
- Subaru has never produced a traditional pickup truck for the North American market.
- The Baja was a car-based vehicle that combined the features of a pickup truck and an SUV.
- The Brat was a small pickup truck that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Subaru has hinted at the possibility of producing a new pickup truck in the future.
What is the Baja? 🤔
The closest thing Subaru ever made to a truck is the Baja, a car-based vehicle that was sold from 2003 to 2006. The Baja combined the features of a pickup truck and an SUV, with a small cargo bed and a four-door cab. The Baja was based on the Subaru Outback wagon and was marketed as a "crossover sport-utility truck."
The Baja was a unique vehicle that appealed to people who wanted the practicality of a pickup truck but also wanted the comfort and handling of an SUV. It was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 165 horsepower and was available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Baja also came standard with all-wheel drive, which is a hallmark of Subaru’s vehicles.
Despite the Baja’s unique design and capabilities, it wasn’t a huge success for Subaru. Sales were slow, and the Baja was discontinued after just four years in production. However, the Baja has since gained a cult following among Subaru enthusiasts.
What is the Brat? 🤔
Before the Baja, Subaru produced a small pickup truck called the Brat. The Brat was a popular vehicle in the 1970s and 1980s and was known for its quirky design and all-wheel drive capabilities.
The Brat had a small cargo bed and two seats in the rear, which were technically classified as jump seats. The Brat was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 67 horsepower and was available with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. The Brat also came standard with all-wheel drive, which was unusual for a small pickup truck at the time.
The Brat was discontinued in the United States in 1987 due to changing safety regulations. However, it is still popular among off-road enthusiasts and collectors.
Will Subaru Produce a New Truck? 🤔
While Subaru has never produced a traditional pickup truck for the North American market, the company has hinted at the possibility of producing a new truck in the future. In 2019, Subaru unveiled the Viziv Adrenaline concept, which featured a rugged, pickup truck-like design. While the Viziv Adrenaline was just a concept car, it generated a lot of buzz and speculation about Subaru’s plans for a new truck.
In an interview with Automotive News in 2020, Subaru of America CEO Tom Doll said that the company is "definitely looking at" the possibility of producing a new truck. Doll acknowledged that there is a strong demand for trucks in the North American market and that Subaru wants to expand its lineup of vehicles.
However, Doll also noted that Subaru would need to find the right partner to produce a new truck. While Subaru has a strong reputation for engineering and design, the company does not have the production facilities to build a truck on its own. Doll said that Subaru would need to partner with another automaker to produce a new truck.
FAQ 🙋♀️
Why hasn’t Subaru produced a traditional pickup truck?
Subaru has never produced a traditional pickup truck for the North American market because the company has historically focused on producing cars and SUVs. While Subaru has a strong reputation for all-wheel-drive capabilities, the company has not prioritized producing trucks.
What is the difference between the Baja and a traditional pickup truck?
The Baja is a car-based vehicle that combines the features of a pickup truck and an SUV. While the Baja has a small cargo bed and is capable of hauling some cargo, it is not as practical for heavy-duty work as a traditional pickup truck.
What is the difference between the Brat and a traditional pickup truck?
The Brat was a small pickup truck that was known for its quirky design and all-wheel-drive capabilities. While the Brat was capable of hauling some cargo, it was not as practical for heavy-duty work as a traditional pickup truck.
Will Subaru produce a new pickup truck?
Subaru has hinted at the possibility of producing a new pickup truck in the future. While the company has not announced any specific plans, executives have acknowledged that there is strong demand for trucks in the North American market and that Subaru wants to expand its lineup of vehicles.
