Subaru’s Baja Pickup Is Back After 18 Years! Here’s What the Modern Design Looks Like

Subaru’s Baja, a pickup truck discontinued in 2006
Makes a comeback through rendering after 18 years
It is reborn with a modern design

The Subaru Baja, a unique passenger pickup truck introduced by the Japanese automaker, originally debuted as a concept at the Subaru Design Center in North America. Designed specifically for the U.S. market, the Baja featured a 4-door, 4-seater configuration, blending the functionality of a pickup truck with the comfort of a passenger vehicle.

Despite its innovative design, which offered more seating capacity than a standard two-seater pickup while maintaining a rear bed for cargo, the Baja struggled to meet its annual sales goal of 24,000 units. After just four years, production ceased in 2006, and the Baja faded from memory.

A Fresh Look: Baja’s’ Modern Revival through a Digital Rendering

The Baja, once forgotten after the first-generation model was discontinued following a brief four-year run, is now regaining attention thanks to a new rendering by an overseas designer. This modern take on the Baja retains its original 4-door, 4-seater configuration but incorporates contemporary design elements.

At the front, the rendering adopts the grille design from the original Baja, though it has been expanded into a larger diamond shape. The horizontal grille pattern remains, but the bars have been thickened for a more robust and solid appearance. The pattern now extends to four lines, complementing the larger grille, with a black trim added to enhance the overall design.

Sharper Headlamps and Futuristic Daytime Running Lights

The headlamp design has evolved from the previous horizontal box style to a sharper, more angular shape. The inward-facing portion of the headlamp is now styled in an “L” shape, while inside, a thick “C”-shaped daytime running light adds a modern, high-tech touch. This line-shaped DRL enhances the vehicle’s futuristic look. Below the headlamp, an angular body panel and a spacious air intake contribute to the bold front-end design.

The air intake features a horizontal pattern, with additional horizontal daytime running lights positioned at the top. The bumper and overall front design are more muscular and sculpted than the previous version. Black accents on the bumper add sophistication, while a silver-colored front splitter creates a striking contrast.

Distinctive Rear Design and a Refined Interior

Red accents have been added to certain sections of the bumpers and side rocker panels, giving the vehicle a distinctive look. Angular plastic cladding is applied around the wheel arches along the sides, enhancing the rugged appearance. Red roof rails sit atop the roof, while angular lines define the A-pillar and roofline. This sharp design extends along the window belt line, from the B-pillar to the C-pillar, giving the profile a cohesive, bold look.

At the rear, vertical tail lamps mirror the front’s design, featuring a “C”-shaped layout similar to the daytime running lights. The aggressive rear diffuser is finished in black, and the round quad exhaust tips contribute to the vehicle’s sporty aesthetic. The modernized interior boasts a larger vertical display, a shelf-style digital instrument cluster, an updated steering wheel, and wood accents on the dashboard, adding a premium feel to the cabin.