Subaru Will Hit It Out Of The Park If It Brings A New Truck With No CVT

This week, we ran a story about an all-new 2023 Subaru Wilderness truck, and Subaru enthusiasts would buy it if Subaru of America built one. We read all the comments and came up with five common features fans want in a new truck. If Subaru makes it, they will come.

No CVT but a 6-speed manual

The number one feature fans do not want is an all-new 2023 Subaru truck with a Continuously Variable automatic Transmission (CVT). Many Subaru owners despise the CVT, and they don't want it in a Subaru pickup. Of course, it needs a 6-speed manual gearbox, and Subaru already has a good one in its Crosstrek subcompact SUV.

photo credit: Subtle Solutions @subtlesolutions

The reason Subaru keeps the CVT is because of two reasons; EyeSight and fuel mileage. Subaru hasn't been willing to spend the money to make EyeSight compatible with a manual transmission. And Subaru loves the CVT because it improves fuel efficiency.

Bring back the 3.6-liter Boxer but with a turbo

While the FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine would be a good fit for a new Subaru truck, many fans want a 6-cylinder engine with more horsepower for towing. The current 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Outback XT and Ascent family hauler produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Subaru could increase power in the FA24, but a 3.6-liter Boxer with a turbocharger would be a good option.

photo credit: KDesign AG (Kleber Silva)

5,000 lb. towing capacity

A Subaru truck has to have enough towing capacity to pull a midsize trailer. The new pickup would need to have at least 5,000 lbs towing capacity and up to 6,500 lbs.

Standard and Wilderness trim levels

If Subaru offered two trim levels, it would satisfy two types of buyers. The standard Premium trim level would be for those wanting a truck for light duties and powered by the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Subaru Wilderness trim level for heavy-duty, towing, and off-road recreation would come with a new 3.6-liter 6-cylinder turbocharged Boxer producing 300 horsepower.

Make it affordable

The new Subaru truck needs to be affordable. Subaru's loyal followers want a truck with a starting MSRP of around $29,000 for the Premium trim level. The top-trim Subaru Wilderness truck would have a starting price of $36,995 and could be fully loaded for just under $40,000.

Subaru's loyal fans have spoken, and they would buy a new 2023 Subaru Wilderness truck if it offered five things. They don't want a CVT, offer a 6-cylinder engine option; it must have at least 5,000 lb. towing capacity, two trim levels, and it must be affordable. The five features are doable. Are you listening Subaru?

Give us your thoughts and let Subaru of America know what you want in a new 2023 Subaru Wilderness 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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Photo credit: main image used with permission from Subtle Solutions @subtlesolutions