Acceleration

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
4	6	4.5

A bit sluggish with nonturbo 4-cyl: expect about 10.5 sec 0-60 mph. Turbo much stronger off the line and delivers fine passing power, though with some turbo lag. In either, automatic transmission slow to downshift for passing.

Fuel Economy

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
5	4	4.9

Test Baja Sport with automatic transmission averaged 21 mpg. Test Turbo with automatic averaged 18.0. Baja Sport uses regular-grade fuel, Turbo requires premium.

Ride Quality

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
6	6	4.7

A more controlled ride than most SUVs--even car-based ones. Not as smooth as some compact cars, however.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
6	6	4.7

More cornering lean than most cars, but Baja handles and stops with far more assurance than the typical SUV. Brakes don't feel especially strong, but provide drama-free stops.

Quietness

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Quieter than any like-priced SUV, and less noise than in typical crew-cab pickup, though test example suffered loud wind whistle in crosswinds. Nonturbo engine somewhat gruff and throbby; turbo smoother. Some coarse-surface tire drone.

Controls

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Basic dashboard design OK, but a few controls are small or hard to find. Visibility hindered by roof styling. Cabin assembly good, but materials, design nothing special, even in leather-equipped top-line Turbo.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.8

Good head and leg room for six-footers, but taller occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel. Comfortable, supportive seats.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4.6

Seats just two, with good head room for those under 6-ft. Leg space tightens as front seats move aft. Entry/exit no strain, but not super easy.

Cargo Room

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
4	4	7.3

Cargo bed only 3.5-ft long, but lengthens to about 5-ft with tailgate and optional bed extender down. Folding rear seat and opening small "Switchback" panel adds another 2 ft, but the pass-through isn't large. Interior offers good small-item storage.

Value within Class

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
5	4	6.3

Baja has less utility than a regular compact pickup, but its versatility, features, and carlike behavior have appeal. Turbo models are pricey for their size, but furnish far better acceleration than Sport versions. With either, you get most of the all-wheel-drive traction of a conventional SUV but with greater fuel efficiency and less unnecessary bulk.

Total Score

Baja Sport, auto.	Baja Turbo, auto.	Class Average
47	47	52.5

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62