A New Subaru Baja Hybrid Pickup? Here’s Why It Could Be Coming Soon

Will the Subaru Baja pickup ever make a comeback? Reports that Toyota could return the Toyota Stout compact pickup raises questions about a Subaru Baja pickup comeback.

The Toyota Stout was the predecessor to the iconic Hilux and the best-selling Tacoma pickup. The Tacoma is growing larger, and there is a place for a new compact pickup in the Toyota lineup. The Stout would be the perfect fit.

Subaru of America has a gaping hole in its lineup because they do not have any pickup. The Brat and the Baja have been gone for some time, and the Baja is the likely nameplate to be revived. 

We have discussed at length here at Torque News and Subaru Report why the Camden, N.J. automaker must bring back the Subaru Baja. 

photo credit: BRAT Wilderness Via @socialsubaru

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With Subaru’s new all-electric vehicle and hybrid model plan, this would be the perfect time to offer Subaru of America customers a Subaru Baja compact truck with hybrid technology.

Or Subaru Corporation could offer a new 2026 Subaru Baja all-electric compact pickup for global distribution. It would go over well in the U.S., Japan, Australia and Europe.

Here is what Subaru Corporation CEO Atsushi Osaki has already said. “As a matter of course, we have been collaborating with Toyota on BEVs for a long time. So, we will make use of that know-how in producing BEVs. We have yet to consider whether the two companies will jointly manufacture BEVs in the U.S.”  

Osaki also said Subaru will expand its EV lineup to eight models, up from an earlier envisioned plan of four new EV models. The new EV goals are significantly ramping up from Subaru’s previous electrification plan. Now, Subaru will add four more EVs by the end of 2028.

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Osaki said the shift in demand for EVs has been faster than Subaru expected, especially over the last year. He noted that Subaru customers in the U.S. are environmentally conscious and increasingly receptive to EVs. A sizable number of Subaru drivers also own Teslas, the Subaru CEO said in the report.

Will one of Subaru’s new electric models be a revived Subaru Baja compact pickup with hybrid technology or an all-electric model? It would make sense as Toyota could bring back the Stout compact pickup. 

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Subaru has not announced any new pickup release, including reviving the Baja. This is all speculation because the Japanese automaker does not share or leak any further model development information. But a compact pickup would fill a gaping hole in Subaru’s all-wheel-drive lineup. 

With Toyota owning 20 percent of Subaru Corporation, collaborating with Subaru on another new model is in their best interests. Maybe it’s the Toyota Stout/Subaru Baja. Stay tuned. 

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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Photo credit: main image Subaru of New England