Subaru Baja: A Budget-Friendly Pickup That Deserves a Second Look
The Ford Maverick has become a sales success, with over 94,000 units sold in North America in 2023 and exceeding 131,000 in 2024. This clearly demonstrates a strong demand for smaller pickups, prompting the question: why should South America and Mexico have all the fun? However, with a starting price under $30,000, the Maverick might still stretch the budgets of buyers seeking a second vehicle or those shopping for a primary vehicle on a budget.
If you have an SUV or a mid-size sedan for daily family duties and want a small truck for occasional off-roading or light hauling, the $26,995 base price (plus $575 for all-wheel drive) of a Ford Maverick XL with a turbocharged engine could be excessive for infrequent use. Consider a largely forgotten gem from the early 2000s: the Subaru Baja.
What Makes the Subaru Baja Special?
The data for this overview has been sourced from official literature published by the automakers in question, and automotive maintenance and safety websites, with any conclusions or opinions drawn thereupon being those of the author.
Visually, the Subaru Baja is unlike any other truck on the market today. Marketed as a “Multiple Choice Vehicle,” the Baja was designed to cater to a market that may not be familiar with the term “ute”. Given that the Baja’s body type is based more on the Subaru Legacy wagon than on traditional coupes, “multiple choice vehicle” is a more accurate label. According to Subaru senior designer Peter Tenn, the Baja’s distinctive look was inspired by rally-race trucks, with the intent to be “funky” and “not fit any category.”
Key Specifications: Baja vs. Maverick
While the Maverick XL outperforms the Baja in terms of base specifications, the Baja offers a compelling alternative. Here’s a quick comparison:
Notably, a Turbo variant of the Baja, produced from 2004 on brought the horsepower up to 210 (2004) or 230 (2006) which is comparable to the Maverick’s 250-horse output. Additionally, the Subaru Baja was exclusively available with all-wheel drive, compared to the front-wheel drive base Maverick. Essentially, the Baja is ready for action right off the lot.
Cost Analysis: Baja vs. Maverick
As of early 2025, Kelley Blue Book indicates the following national average fair market prices for the Subaru Baja (2003-2006 models):
Buying a new Ford Maverick Hybrid XL will cost at least $29,285. Even purchasing the most expensive Baja model, you’re saving approximately $20,022. Ford’s build and price website estimates a monthly lease payment of $352 for 48 months after a $2,917 down payment. With this payment structure, the Maverick would still incur payments two years after a turbocharged 2006 Subaru Baja is completely paid off.
Is the Subaru Baja Right for You?
If you’re seeking a primary vehicle and the cost of a new Maverick fits your budget, the advantages of being the first owner are appealing. However, if you’re working with budgetary constraints, searching for a recreational second vehicle for light use, or need a pickup for occasional trips to the hardware store, a reliable, rally-inspired “ute” starting around six grand is an exceptional value.
Before You Buy: Important Considerations
Any twenty-year-old vehicle will show signs of wear and tear. Although Subarus are generally reliable, the Baja is no exception. Always take a thorough test drive and perform a pre-purchase inspection. Based on CarComplaints’ reports, examine all the model years to make sure there are no serious red flags. RepairPal estimates an annual maintenance cost of $564 for a Subaru Baja, with the most frequent maintenance expenses being related to fuel pressure tests ($44-$56) and wheel alignments ($158-$200). All Baja models have been affected by Takata airbag recalls, so verify the VIN of the truck you’re considering to ensure that the recalls have been addressed. So long as you do all the proper due diligence, checking the oil, spark plugs, and listening for any strange engine noises during the test-drive, you shouldn’t have any issues getting several thousand miles more out of this pickup.
