Back in the days when compact pickups were a very popular segment, Subaru has an interesting model in the offer, called Baja. For the time, it featured a pretty unusual, car-like design, with not so rugged look and, more importantly, with a unibody platform. However, the original model didn’t last for too long. Still, there is a big number of Subaru enthusiasts who absolutely adore this pickup truck, even today. These days, when small pickup trucks are becoming popular again, many car enthusiasts speculate about Subaru’s possible comeback to this segment. While some sources suggest the Japanese manufacturer will use the familiar nameplate, others suggest something different. In any case, we will call it the 2021 Subaru Pickup Truck for now.
At this point, the officials are completely quiet about this model. So, we can only rely on rumors and most of them suggest that the new model will probably ride on a unibody platform and compete with models like Honda Ridgeline. Others, however, suggest that a completely different approach is also in consideration.
2021 Subaru Pickup Truck Comeback: What To Expect
At this point, when the 2021 Subaru Pickup Truck is just a rumor, everything is possible. Still, we can try to predict some of the most basic design characteristics of this potential model. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the platform and in this case, there are two possible scenarios. One of them sounds very likely, the other one no so much.
Unibody Design
While most of today’s pickup trucks still use good-old body-on-frame platforms, there are some exceptions as well. Of course, we are talking about the Honda Ridgeline, but there are also a couple more models on the way, including Hyundai Santa Cruz. Those models would be the biggest rivals if the new 2021 Subaru Pickup Truck is about to stick to the original design philosophy.
If this scenario happens, the new model would ride on the company’s new modular platform, which underprints pretty much everything in the lineup. Still, the new Subaru truck would probably share most of its parts with the legendary Outback. Other sources, though, suggest that the new model would be bigger and that it would be based on the mid-size Ascent.
Body-on-Frame Design
Despite that the vast majority of car enthusiasts count on a modern unibody design, there are some sources that speculate about the possibility to see a typical truck design. This means a body-on-frame layout. The only problem with this design approach is that Subaru doesn’t have such a platform in its portfolio and that the development of a new one would cost a fortune, particularly if it would be developed for just one model.
Therefore, one of the possibilities is to see cooperation with some other truck makers. Naturally, that would most likely be Toyota, as the two companies already work together. This means that the 2021 Subaru Pickup Truck would be based on Toyota Tacoma, which is the most popular mid-size pickup truck in North America.
2021 Subaru Pickup Truck Styling and Interior Design
Of course, one of the things that come to mind is the styling. In this case, we have no doubt that the new 2021 Subaru Pickup Truck would follow the company’s current design language. Most likely, the front end would be based on Ascent or Outback. The rest of the vehicle would come in a typical pickup layout. Of course, we count on a double cab layout.
On the inside, we expect a lot of influence from the two aforementioned models as well. This particularly refers to the dashboard design, which looks pretty amazing in these two models. In practice, this means attractive aesthetics, quality materials and lots of standards and available equipment.
2021 Subaru Pickup Truck Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, things are pretty clear, at least in terms of the new turbo-four, which will certainly find the place in this model. Of course, we are talking about a 2.4-liter unit. It puts out quite an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Still, the company could easily offer a naturally-aspirated engine in most basic versions.
2021 Subaru Pickup Truck Release Date and Price
The 2021 Subaru Pickup Truck is still just a rumor, so take all these paragraphs with a big reserve. Still, some sources suggest it could arrive already in the next year. If this happens, we presume that base versions would go under 30.000 dollars.
Why introduce a Subaru Pickup? Look up definition of pickup in dictionary. Honda Ridgeline is too small; cabin wise.
What should a pickup (PU) be capable of?
1. Carrying bulky items; refrigerators, couches, washers/dryers…Load large items by rolling item on dolly up against tailgate and tilting into bed. At least 1,000lb payload.
2. Accessing items in middle of pickup bed while standing beside PU. Should not require crawling into bed to get needed items. 1Klb load capacity does not require jacked up PU.
3. Carrying 4-5 full size men. Or, family with 3 young adults and no one is scrunched. Or, 3 car seats in the back seat area and two adults up front comfortably.
4. Getting into the driver’s seat without making it a production. Sitting onto front seat carrying drawings, materials, stuff and sitting them beside me, simply easy. No climbing required.
5. Transporting elderly parents needing walkers, who can’t climb. Or, ladies, young and old, in skirts who don’t have to expose themselves climbing into a truck.