In a previous report on a new Subaru truck, fans said they would buy one if the Japanese automaker built it. The first five things truck buyers want are a 6-speed manual transmission and not a CVT automatic; they do want a 6-cylinder engine option; it must have at least 5,000 lb. towing capacity, two trim levels, and it must be affordable. After reading through all the comments, there are five more things you want in a Subaru truck.
Two and four-door options
Not everyone needs a four-door truck, and fans want a two-door pickup option. The Subaru Brat and Baja pickups were too small, and a midsize truck with an extended cab option in addition to a four-door is what is wanted. An extended cab with fold-down seats is another thing fans want in a truck. There is room for storage, and you can also haul people.
photo credit: @subaru_worldwide
Four and six-foot bed options
Fans want a longer six-foot bed as an option in a new Subaru truck. The four-foot bed is not long enough to haul oversized items, and the six-foot bed allows flexibility to carry bigger things. You can also throw a camper shell on the back and use the bed to sleep in when out camping.
6-speed manual and an automatic option but not a CVT
While Subaru will be reluctant to drop the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) because of its improved fuel mileage and EyeSight compatibility, many fans still want an automatic transmission. It’s unlikely Subaru would put in an eight or ten-speed automatic, but it’s on the wish list for a Subaru truck.
photo credit: @good_grief_graffix
Midsize to compete with Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier
Like we said before, the Subaru Brat and Baja were too small for today’s hauling needs. Truck buyers want function and utility, and a midsize truck to compete with the Toyota Tacoma and new Nissan Frontier would be the size fans want.
Fuel efficiency is important
Fans want fuel efficiency, and the best way is to use hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology. Subaru can tap Toyota for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems as they did with the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. And an all-electric truck should be on the drawing board. Subaru gets ready to launch its first-ever all-electric Solterra SUV, and it will have the perfect BEV system to draw from.
Fans would jump all over a 2023 Subaru truck or new Subaru Wilderness truck if the Japanese automaker offered it in North America. With microchip shortages and plant shutdowns in the current automotive climate, it’s not likely anytime soon, but Subaru fans can still dream. Give us your thoughts on a new 2023 Subaru truck in the comments below.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
There's no way Subaru would
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There's no way Subaru would make a truck that large of a bed, 4 foot bed maximum with flip down rear seats and a hatch to add two more. They also aren't going to make a two door option. See the thing is truck drivers aren't going to leave their brands for a subaru, instead it'll get crossover and small suv customers that want extra cargo storage. What would sell good is a truck cabin about the size of the Forester's with a small truck bed similar in size to the old Toyotas, Nissan and Ford rangers. Hyundai's Santa Cruz really stole the baja's chance of a return. Throw a sti boxer engine in a Santa Cruz with Subaru's symmetrical awd system and you'd have a amazing adventure machine.
I have been following this
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In reply to There's no way Subaru would by alex (not verified)
I have been following this idea for a while now. I think with the shortage in microchips and the fact that the legacy is not selling. This would be a great time for them to re tool the factory to produce the Subaru truck. This idea is to good for Subaru to pass up. They have been hit with a lot of bad news lately, and this would put them back in the good graces of their fans, and consumers. I have a vw tiguan now and would trade it in an instant for a Subaru truck. Just saying.
Hi, a Subaru Ambassador here.
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In reply to There's no way Subaru would by alex (not verified)
Hi, a Subaru Ambassador here. I speak to numerous Subaru enthusiasts each and every month. Many Subaru enthusiasts leave Subaru due to needing a Truck. But also I work in a factory with many people who are your typical pick up truck owner and the majority of them agreed that they’d switch to owning a Subaru truck just for Subarus AWD. You can tell me I’m out of my mind, but I build questionnaires and ask people questions in regards to Subarus line of vehicles, news articles etc. so they can have feed back from the general population on how they’re doing and what they want to see. And I get asked the truck question constantly.
So if Subaru builds an adequate truck, with the right size bed, enough room to sit, power to haul, it will sell.
Subaru leads the industry with resale value on their vehicles - this is also a big selling point along with the safety of their vehicles.
You put all of that in a truck and people will buy.
Yes I’ve been saying for…
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In reply to Hi, a Subaru Ambassador here. by Subaru Ambassador (not verified)
Yes I’ve been saying for several years !! Cmon Subaru!! Name a champagne edition ….. Brut! I want one!
There’s no way that Subaru
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There’s no way that Subaru would recoup development and production costs for something with such a small potential customer base. Then add in all the other players coming up with competitive products and it becomes an extremely high risk gamble that some Crosstrek-like frenzy would erupt for just their “truck”. Given the global climate (business and environmental, semi-pun intended) any small truck (Subaru niche) derivative at this point would likely be based on the Solterra platform, but that still needs another couple years to prove out the viability and gauge customer acceptance.
I have a Baja and yeah, the
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I have a Baja and yeah, the bed isn't big enough. Any truck made needs at least 4 feet width to haul sheeting.
I am a Subaru convert and fan
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I am a Subaru convert and fan. I used to own the Subaru Baja, which was the perfect truck for me...I know there are a few out there with my tastes and sensibilities but I'll admit it is a niche market. I do believe it would be a gamble for Subaru to compete in the Mid-size truck arena. But if the truck gets good performance reviews and is competitively priced, it may take a few years, but it should not only hold its own, but do well.
Wanted a Subaru truck but
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Wanted a Subaru truck but circumstances prevented it. So settled for a Ford Maverick instead. If not happy with this choice I will revisit the Subaru after they build a truck and I save up some more money. Hopefully they will have one soon that compares to this Maverick or the Frontier .
Subaru should make a small
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Subaru should make a small truck For America
Because of gas mileage it should be fuel efficient.
Subaru should make a small
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Subaru should make a small truck For America
Because of gas mileage it should be fuel efficient.
If people want to tow, just
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If people want to tow, just get a medium truck. These small trucks should not be bought for towing and should no be saddled with in efficient engines. Thee small light weight relatively inexpensive tracks should be dead simple and have just enough power and torque to carry what is in teh cab and bed....not tow a camper or huge boat. Put a V-6 in there is it loses it entire reason for being for a job it should NOT be doing.