2006 Subaru Baja: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This compact SUV is basically a small station wagon with a pickup-truck bed in place of an enclosed cargo area. It has a raised suspension, SUV-flavored styling, and like all Subarus, comes with all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed engine. Two Baja models are offered; the Sport has a 165-hp 2.5-liter 4-cyl engine, the Turbo a 210-hp turbocharged 2.5. Both come with manual or automatic transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Baja seats four and comes with a bedliner. The wall separating cargo bed from cabin has a panel that folds to create a pass-through beneath the fixed rear window. Roof lights and a bed-extender cage are options. A bed cover is standard on Turbo models with leather upholstery.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.