The Baja follows in the pioneering tire tracks of the Subaru Outback, the World's First Sport-Utility Wagon¨. The Outback sparked the trend in crossover vehicles that combine positive sport-utility vehicle attributes with the handling, ride comfort and fuel efficiency of a passenger car. The Baja delivers many of the practical attributes of a four-door compact pickup truck, but with the kind of responsive handling and ride comfort that eludes truck-based vehicles. Its practical size makes
it easy to maneuver, while still offering cargo-carrying capability not possible in a sedan or wagon.
From Concept to Showroom
Subaru previewed the design and features of the Baja with the ST-X concept vehicle, first shown in 2000. The ST-X introduced a key to the Baja model's versatility - the Subaru designed Switchback system, which provides the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area, as well as the cargo bed, to meet a variety of needs when transporting people and cargo.
Subaru designed the Baja with the active-lifestyle person in mind. The expandable pickup bed can handle a variety of outdoors equipment, such as mountain bikes, surfboards or scuba gear - even a go-kart. Lowering the tailgate and attaching the Subaru accessory bed extender lengthens the bed to nearly 7.5 feet. An integrated bed liner offers easy cleaning and durability, and other useful features include bed sport bars, a bed light and four tie-down hooks. The Baja also comes standard with roof rails and cross bars, and Subaru will offer attachments for skis, kayaks and snowboards.
Like the ST-X concept vehicle that inspired it, the Baja is configured strictly as a four-passenger vehicle. The rear seating area provides each passenger with the feeling of personal space and comfort, further distinguishing the Baja from the more utility-oriented offerings. There is a rear-seat console box with cupholders integrated in the seat bottom. The Baja builds on the content level of the Outback model, adding luxury amenities and exclusive design features, including silver metallic-finished trim on the left dash switch bezel, the audio bezel, shifter trim plate and door switch bezels.
Ready for Fun on Any Road
The Subaru Baja incorporates Subaru Core Technology, which consists of a lightweight, horizontally- opposed engine, a simple, symmetric drivetrain layout and All-Wheel Drive. The inherently good balance of this design provides superior handling and performance, making the Baja fun to drive no matter where the road leads. In contrast, many compact pickup trucks offer only the option of part-time four-wheel drive, which requires driver intervention and can degrade on-road performance.
In the Baja, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension provides a smooth on-road ride while permitting off-road trail driving. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel, four-channel ABS provide all- road, all-weather confidence. The Baja also includes a standard viscous limited-slip rear differential. Standard 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels and 225/60R-16 all-season tires lend a sporty, rugged appearance.
Rugged Yet Comfortable
The Subaru Baja shares a family resemblance with the Outback, including the enlarged front fenders, large foldable body-color mirrors and integrated foglights. Exclusive Baja design elements include the grill and a stylized alloy design fuel door similar to that of the ST-X concept vehicle. The Baja features exclusive Silver Stone lower body and tailgate cladding, and there is also a Silver Stone monochromatic model with matching body and bumper color for a distinctive appearance.
Text and photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
