Subaru Pickup Dream

Outback Pickup

Picture this: the 2026 Subaru Outback has just rolled onto the scene—much to the mixed emotions of its loyal fans—at the New York Auto Show. While some folks are still wrapping their heads around Subaru’s latest design departure, with its more boxy and SUV-esque silhouette, others are seeing it as a canvas for something entirely fresh. Enter the world of independent renderings, where the concept of an Outback pickup starts to make a splash.

Design

Critics have had a field day with the latest Outback’s transition from its previously loved raised wagon design to something resembling a traditional SUV. The new body style, though, has inadvertently opened the door for it to be imagined as a compact, unibody pickup. This isn’t just idle speculation either—artists like Dimas Ramadhan, aka Digimods Design, have taken this idea into the digital realm, crafting renderings that pay homage to the good old Subaru Baja. The digital designs retain the Outback’s front end but extend the wheelbase, making room for a practical truck bed. While the renderings opt for the standard Outback bumper to keep things familiar, it’s the overall silhouette that catches attention.

Market Potential

Subaru jumping into the compact pickup game isn’t as far-fetched as it seems, especially with the success stories of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. These models have been proving that there’s a booming market for small, versatile trucks. A Subaru entry on this front, potentially tapping into the legacy of the Baja, could shake things up. Imagine an Outback-based pickup running on the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that churns out 260 horsepower—perfect for weekend warriors and light off-road enthusiasts alike. Paired with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it could be the go-to compact pickup for anyone wary of venturing too far off the beaten path.

Driving Experience

Driving an Outback pickup would likely reflect what’s already admired in the SUV version. The SUV nature means handling might feel a bit more top-heavy compared to a traditional sedan, yet that’s balanced by the stable ride Subaru’s AWD system offers. The powertrain, when matched with the CVT, ensures a smooth transition of power and maintains that unique Subaru driving sentiment even if you decide to take a detour through mountain trails.

Looking back, the Subaru Baja, which debuted in the early 2000s, was ahead of its time. It disappeared silently when it didn’t catch on immediately, but today’s compact truck market could provide a second chance. Subaru hasn’t confirmed anything officially, but a thriving segment might just reignite interest, and reliving the Baja as an Outback pickup might be a stroke of genius in the making. If Subaru goes down this road, it could once again challenge the likes of Ford and Hyundai, with a quirky, premium alternative that’s tough to resist for some drivers.