Subaru's Pickup Truck Plans: A Maverick Rival in the Making?

Daily Car

16/02/2026

Recent statements from Subaru executives have reignited long-standing rumors about the brand re-entering the compact pickup truck market. Here is a breakdown of the known facts and what a new Subaru pickup could mean for buyers.

Is Subaru actually building a new pickup?

Subaru Australia’s General Manager, Scott Lawrence, has confirmed that internal discussions about a pickup truck are ongoing. While he did not announce that a vehicle has been approved for production, he stated that the company has “a few irons in the fire” regarding an SUV-based pickup. Lawrence made it clear that while the company's focus remains on its core SUV lineup, a pickup is a serious conversation, stating, “it’s never a no.” This confirms the project is being actively evaluated.

What kind of truck would this be?

The proposed vehicle would be a “monocoque-style ute.” This means the body and frame are built as a single, integrated piece, just like a modern car or SUV. This is different from traditional body-on-frame trucks, where the body is mounted onto a separate, heavy steel ladder frame. A unibody design, likely based on the existing Subaru Global Platform used by the Forester and Outback, would prioritize a comfortable ride, better handling, and everyday usability over extreme towing capacity. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive would almost certainly be standard.

How would it fit in the current market?

A Subaru compact pickup would enter a growing segment and compete directly against the Ford Maverick, which has seen significant market success. It would also be positioned against the Hyundai Santa Cruz, another unibody pickup. The demand for such vehicles comes from buyers who want the versatility of an open bed for light hauling without the size, rough ride, or fuel consumption of a larger, traditional truck. A Subaru entry would appeal to the brand's loyal customer base and those seeking a practical, all-wheel-drive alternative.

Will we see the return of the Baja or Brat name?

Reviving a historic name like Baja or Brat is a strong possibility. The original Subaru Baja, sold from 2003 to 2006, was based on the Outback wagon and has since developed a cult following. Using a familiar name would resonate with longtime fans who have been calling for a new small pickup. Another potential path involves Subaru’s partnership with Toyota, which could lead to a co-developed compact truck, potentially even an electric model. Regardless of the final direction, the conversation inside Subaru is more active than it has been in years.

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