Subaru isn't exactly the biggest automaker out there. But as far as America is concerned, its cult following is undoubtedly larger than life, at least sometimes.
While it lacks the tremendous power of a Japanese powerhouse like Toyota, that does not mean Subaru is neglecting its duties. If you look at its US roster, most nameplates already received the 2024MY upgrades – Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and BRZ. Only the Solterra all-electric and WRX are still waiting for them as 2023 model-year cars.
Even better, Subaru presented at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show the sixth generation 2025 Forester compact crossover SUV with a "completely redesigned style, updated technology, and convenient new features." There's also the company's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, upgraded standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen inside, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the outside.
That's a great package, right? And it is all complemented by the classic 2.5-liter boxer engine with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the wheels through a traditional CVT gearbox. So, what comes next after the 2025 Forester arrives at nationwide dealerships in spring 2024? While no one but the Subaru corner office head honchos knows best, outside of the real world, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators has an idea or two they love fleshing out. And, not necessarily concurring with reports from across the rumor mill, these virtual projects usually revolve around the resurrection of Subaru's light truck nameplate to fight the Ford Maverick king of the unibody compact pickup truck sector.
Generally speaking, there are two options to discuss – the old-school Subaru BRAT (which is an acronym for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter") produced from 1978 to 1994 and the newer Subaru Baja (2003-2006). However, slowly yet steadily, everyone is focusing on the latter because the BRAT was a light-duty, four-wheel drive coupe utility (Ute) version of the Subaru Leone. Meanwhile, the fresher Baja was precisely what's needed now – a unibody design with four doors borrowing heavily from an existing model, aka the Subaru Legacy and Outback station wagon.
The good folks from the AutomagzPro channel on YouTube, too, have some AI-assisted CGI thoughts about a much-debated rebirth of Subaru's light truck nameplate, and they have chosen the Baja as the definitive representative of the company's pocket-sized truck that will revolutionize the compact sector. Interestingly, the resident pixel master isn't satisfied with just one unofficial design project – and the video feature embedded below has no less than three different styling options. So, which is your favorite – and would you buy one if it's based, as the host says, on the $29k 2024 Outback rugged station wagon crossover, complete with the 2.5-liter boxer and CVT plus 'symmetrical' AWD?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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