- Digital artist imagines Subaru’s quirky Baja pickup reborn with Tacoma’s tough, off-road DNA.
- Kia recently entered the market with the Tasman and Subaru could cash in on demand for trucks.
- Subaru’s last pickup was the Baja from the mid-2000s, based on the Legacy/Outback.
For years, Subaru enthusiasts have been clamoring for the return of the quirky yet endearing Baja pickup. A vehicle like this seems like a perfect fit for Subaru’s DNA, particularly given the brand’s reputation for rugged, go-anywhere versatility. Yet, despite the persistent buzz from fans, Subaru has stubbornly avoided adding a pickup to its lineup – at least so far.
Curious about what a modern interpretation of the Baja might look like, digital artist Theottle has taken matters into his own hands. Using the 2024 Toyota Tacoma as a foundation, Theottle has envisioned a fresh, contemporary take on Subaru’s long-lost pickup.
Read: Could A 2025 Subaru Forester Baja Challenge The Hyundai Santa Cruz And Ford Maverick?
The connection isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem, as after all, Toyota and Subaru share a close working relationship. The two brands have collaborated on several vehicles, from the BRZ/86 sports car duo to the Solterra and bZ4X electric crossovers. So, the idea of Subaru borrowing the Tacoma platform for its own midsize truck doesn’t seem entirely outlandish, especially in an age where badge-engineered partnerships are all too common.
As this revived Baja is based on the Tacoma, it retains the Toyota’s proportions and underlying architecture. But the rendering goes beyond a simple rebadge, as the artist has redesigned the front fascia to include new headlights and a black grille. A bumper also clad in black adds to the aggressive looks of the pickup and gives the impression that it could handle even the most difficult terrain.
Illustrations Theottle / YouTube
Elsewhere, the front and rear fenders have been changed and are now finished in black. There are also new black panels on the doors and a set of unique wheels.
While we love the truck’s front end, the rear leaves a little more to be desired. The familiar Subaru taillights make an appearance, but their diminutive size looks somewhat out of place on a vehicle with these dimensions.
This isn’t the first time we’ve shared renderings of a potential new Baja from Subaru. In February, we featured another set of other renderings from Theottle, although they were based on the new-age 2025 Subaru Forester.