Is The 2025 Subaru Baja Real?

Subaru's decades at the forefront of the automotive scene have resulted in quite an extensive catalog for the brand. From sedans like the Subaru Legacy to SUVs such as the Subaru Forester, the manufacturer has produced a diverse range of rides for various use cases. As a result, it has expanded its manufacturing, with several models from the Japan-based Subaru now made in the United States. Meanwhile, there are some Subaru offerings that once served the driving public, only to be discontinued after a few short years. The Subaru Baja — one of the strangest Subaru models to ever make it to market — is one of these vehicles, sticking around from 2003 to 2006.

20 years of the Baja's retirement is fast approaching as of this writing, though the online rumor mill purports it could be on its way back. Some online have claimed that the ill-fated UTE is revving up for a return in 2025, complete with pictures of the revamped vehicle now in modern pickup truck form. The truth is, there is no validity to such claims. Even if a Baja revival could do for Subaru what the Maverick did for Ford, there hasn't been official announcements of a new line of Bajas. 

Those on the internet claiming the truck is coming are merely spreading false information. In fact, the supposed photos found online that support this notion are generated using artificial intelligence to deceive the masses. If you've been tricked by AI car imagery, you're far from alone. Here's how you can better protect yourself and others from this increasingly prevalent form of misinformation.

Thanks to the advent and accessibility of such software, AI-generated imagery has become a plague on the car scene in recent years. With the spread of these images, enthusiasts have been misled into believing long-retired iconic cars are coming back from the grave and new incarnations of current vehicles will have unrealistic looks and features in the coming years. For those not well-acquainted with AI imagery and its deviations from traditional mock-up images, it can be hard to tell the difference. Luckily, at least for now, there are multiple ways to tell if a general image is AI produced, and some tells apply primarily to automotive renderings.

Above is an AI rendering of the fake 2025 Subaru Baja, and at a glance, it's kind of convincing. However, when really giving it a good look, it becomes clear that this is no human-created concept image. First and foremost is lettering, as seen on the tire. The text appears like a white smudge from no discernible language. This is a hallmark of AI renderings, as these machines can't fully comprehend written language yet. Also worth pointing out are the small detailing mistakes, like those on the grill, the Subaru badge, and hubcap. They bend and bow in ways true artistic renderings wouldn't and, in the case of the badge, aren't exactly correct. Finally, there's the overly-perfect, squeaky-clean appearance of it all, which is a common look for AI works.

Regardless of how anyone feels about it, AI and image-generating software based on it is likely here to stay. Expect more AI-generated "concepts" to flood online automotive spaces in the coming years. Thus, it's imperative that we keep our investigative skills sharp to keep them at bay.

As if the AI-generated images of the 2025 Subaru Baja floating around aren't deceptive enough, there's supposed information regarding these fake trucks that have gained traction. Alongside these images, some sources online have claimed key details and features as fact, despite them being easy to debunk. When it comes to visual cues, supposed images of the Baja are all over the place, aside from their AI mistakes. 

Headlight and grill shapes vary greatly from one example to another. Some include a large "BAJA" logo centered across the back, which isn't a design choice Subaru has historically made with its vehicles. Others also include large rear lights or reflectors that don't seem to have any real-world application.

As far as the internals go, there are some odd claims made that don't make the most sense. Some have cited that the alleged vehicle would contain a 3.5L turbocharged V6 engine at 310 hp with an eight-speed automatic transmission. At the time of this writing, Subaru doesn't offer such an engine size, the closest being the 3.6L offered on such models as the Outback and Legacy up until its retirement in 2020. Speaking of the fake Baja's transmission, others have claimed it to be of the Subaru Lineartronic CVT variety. The supposed 2.4L version of the truck could reach 260 hp, with the hybrid version surpassing it at around 300 hp. In either case, that is more than most CVTs can safely handle, so unless some major innovations were made, these new Bajas would be hazardous to push to their limits.

Yes, to put it lightly, the Subaru Baja isn't coming back for 2025. The truck is destined to remain a relic of the past, despite what YouTube videos and false reports have to show and say on the matter. As far as real news, what can Subaru enthusiasts expect from the brand in the coming year and beyond? The company has revealed a bit about what's to come, one of the most intriguing propositions being the Subaru Forester Hybrid SUV. The brand promises increased fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and new technology packed within a model designed for adventurous, all-weather driving. It's set to hit the scene in mid-2025.

Aside from the new Forester, Subaru has announced that a special edition of the Subaru BRZ is on the way, dubbed the Subaru BRZ Series.Purple. It's limited to 500 pieces and comes with all the luxury bells and whistles one would want, from black Ultrasuede upholstery to satin silver-finish 18-inch alloy wheels. The STI Flexible V-bar improves handling, and as the name implies, it's all wrapped in a Galaxy Purple Pearl paint job. 

To top it all off, a 2026 Subaru Outback has been spotted out and about, boasting an up-to-date infotainment system and new body design, and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has been announced. Even without the Baja, 2025 and 2026 are shaping up as big years for Subaru.