2026 Subaru Baja, and it’s not just a rehash of the old quirky pickup from the early 2000s. This one’s got luxury vibes, serious muscle under the hood, and tech that feels straight out of a sci-fi flick. I got a sneak peek at some early renders and specs, and let me tell you—it’s the truck that’s going to make you rethink that boring old SUV in your driveway. Built for adventure without skimping on comfort, the 2026 Baja blends Subaru’s all-wheel-drive magic with modern smarts.
Design
The 2026 Subaru Baja looks tough but not over-the-top, like it could star in an off-road movie without stealing the show. Picture the rugged lines of the Outback but with a short, practical bed slapped on the back—about 193 inches long overall, so it’s compact enough to weave through city traffic but roomy for gear. Up front, there’s a bold hexagonal grille flanked by sharp hawk-eye LED headlights that cut through fog like butter. The fender flares are chunky, giving it that planted stance, and the higher ground clearance means you’re not scraping the underbelly on speed bumps or rocks.
Features
Subaru didn’t hold back on the goodies here. The 2026 Baja is packed with smart tech that makes driving less of a chore and more of a joy. At the heart is the Starlink infotainment system rocking an 11.6-inch touchscreen—crisp, responsive, and loaded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice commands work like a charm; just say “Hey Subaru” and it pulls up navigation or tweaks the climate without you lifting a finger. Over-the-air updates keep everything fresh, so you’re not stuck with outdated maps.
Price
Let’s talk money, because no dream ride comes free. The 2026 Subaru Baja starts around $30,000 for the base trim—yeah, you read that right. That’s right in line with rivals like the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz, but you get Subaru’s legendary AWD standard, no upcharge. Step up to the turbo or hybrid, and you’re looking at $38,000 to $45,000, depending on bells like leather or the Wilderness off-road package with all-terrain tires and lifted suspension.
Mileage
Fuel economy? Subaru’s got you covered without turning it into a penalty box. The base 2.5-liter engine hits about 26 mpg city and 33 highway—combined around 28 mpg, which is solid for a truck that can off-road. The turbo 2.4-liter dips a tad to 24 city/30 highway, still respectable at 27 mpg mixed. But the hybrid? That’s the efficiency king, pushing 35+ mpg combined thanks to the electric assist and Subaru’s boxer engine smarts.