If there’s a word to use to describe the current pickup truck market, “expensive” would be the right one. It’s extremely hard to find a relatively affordable pickup these days, but that is going to change soon because Subaru is entering the game.
Get ready for the 2024 Subaru Brat, the most powerful pickup catering to the needs of regular truck buyers.
Current Market Problems
The main problem with today’s pickup truck market isn’t carbon emission or the lack of capable variants. No, the main problem is the prices because pickups have become much more than work machines. They’ve become practical and well-equipped, often pretty luxurious family haulers that bring that extra dose of versatility with the open cargo area.
The only problem is that a typical pickup buyer cannot afford a vehicle like this. That’s why models like Ford Maverick have become a huge hit. Simple and affordable pickups like these seem like a great alternative, but there’s one problem—they are not particularly capable.
That’s where the 2024 Subaru Brat is going to outshine the competition. It will remain affordable, but it won’t make compromises in terms of capabilities. No, it’s going to be a pretty serious machine.
Old Memories for Older Generations
Brat is a pretty familiar moniker. Subaru introduced it back in the 1970s, and that model was also a big hit, famous for its jump seats in the cargo bed. It was a pickup that offered a perfect mix of utility and off-road capability, considering its revolutionary all-wheel drive system, which has been Subaru’s trademark through all these decades.
With such a perfect blend, it gained a cult status among its followers who will be glad to finally see the new iteration after so many years. Younger generations, on the other hand, will be happy to get the opportunity to buy a vehicle they can afford. So without further ado, let’s get to the design characteristics of the new 2024 Subaru Brat.
Exterior Design
2024 Subaru Brat will come as a compact pickup, and it’s pretty clear to see what to expect in terms of aesthetics. In terms of the overall shape, a typical pickup body style is what we are talking about.
While the original model was famous for its jump seats in the back and a single cab layout, that probably won’t be the case with the new model because these are different times and modern drivers have different preferences. They want more versatile pickups that would sacrifice a bit of utility for the sake of comfort and convenience.
Size and Maneuverability
Another important aspect to talk about is the size. We don’t believe that Subaru plans to make the 2024 Subaru Brat as big as Ford Maverick, for example. That pickup features over 120 inches in wheelbase and 200 inches in total length, and we don’t find that particularly compact.
Small pickups need to be easy to drive and maneuverable, and a vehicle that is as long as a full-size SUV definitely isn’t that. We expect the new Brat to be notably smaller, and considering it will most likely be based on the Crosstrek, we may see the same or slightly stretched wheelbase, which goes around 105 inches in the case of the small crossover.
The total length, on the other hand, will probably go a little bit over Subaru’s legendary symmetric all-wheel drive, just like the other typical Subaru features. That’s the thing that would set this pickup apart from the crowd.
All-Wheel Drive System
Namely, if you look at models like Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, they are available with all-wheel drive, which is great. However, we are talking about crossover-based pickups that are essentially front-wheel drive cars, so it’s hard to talk about some spectacular all-wheel drive performance.
On the other hand, the 2024 Subaru Brat will feature Subaru’s genuine all-wheel drive system with equal length half axles and ideal mass distribution. With all that in mind, it’s needless to say that Subaru’s pickup would be far superior when it comes to grip on loose surfaces and off-road potential.
Subaru’s Platform Advantages
But that’s not the only great thing about Subaru’s platform. As you probably know, this Japanese manufacturer is famous for its boxer engines, and the thing with these engines is that even though they may be less efficient or even more complicated to maintain in some cases, they bring a huge benefit when it comes to ride quality.
These engines are positioned much lower, so Subaru vehicles usually feature a lower center of gravity compared to rivals, even though they actually feature higher ground clearance.
With less body roll, there is even the possibility to install a softer suspension setup, which means that these vehicles can at the same time be more comfortable, more engaging to drive, and more off-road capable than most other models on the market. That’s the beauty of Subaru engineering.
Powertrain and Performance
And while we talk about engines and engineering in general, let’s see what are the possible options for the new pickup. Of course, we can refer to the Crosstrek, which comes with three powertrain variants. Base models feature a good old 2.0 L flat 4 from the FB series with 152 horsepower.
It’s not much, but it should be enough to move a pickup of this size conveniently. Those looking for something more capable may count on a 2.5 L unit with around 180 horsepower. Finally, there’s the plug-in hybrid with 148 horsepower, and even though it’s not particularly powerful, it may be a great alternative to the Maverick hybrid with even better fuel economy and the benefit of all-electric mode. For reference, the Crosstrek can make 17 miles solely on electric power.
Potential Engine Options
But that might not be all. A few years ago, Subaru also introduced a new 1.8 L turbo 4 engine, which already found its place in models like Forester and Levorg, though on markets outside North America.
With a max output of 175 horsepower, you may wonder why choose this one over the proven 2.5 L naturally aspirated unit. Well, torque is the key, considering that this one is good for about 221 lb-ft, which in practice means significantly better driving dynamics.
Transmission and Off-Road Capabilities
As for the transmission, CVT is the safe bet. On the other hand, the new Crosstrek is no longer available with a manual gearbox, but we hope it could happen in the case of this pickup, as it would make it more engaging to drive and also more capable in some scenarios.
The transmission would send power to all wheels, as we already established, and besides perfect symmetry that ensures excellent traction on loose surfaces, Subaru may have a few more tricks to improve off-road potential. First of all, we presume the company will offer a couple of traction control modes, such as snow, dirt, etc.
Then there is the so-called X-Mode, which may not be the exact replacement for a mechanical locking differential but uses sensors to send the right amount of torque to each wheel depending on its traction.
Wilderness Trim
And while we talk about off-road performance, let’s not forget to mention the Wilderness trim. This nameplate has become an integral part of most of Subaru’s lineup.
That moniker represents the most capable off-roaders in Subaru’s range, and the typical upgrades are things like off-road suspension with longer travel and increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a full load of visual upgrades that accentuate the off-road character of these models, such as more aggressive bumpers, massive black cladding, exclusive wheels, and many more.
Interior Design
Finally, a few words about the interior. As we already mentioned, no one expects to see the 2024 Brat with those jump seats, but we still believe that there’s room for a commercially oriented version with a single cab design. And while that’s a possibility, the double or crew cab version is a certain thing.
Due to the aforementioned dimensions, we don’t expect it to be as spacious as in the case of Maverick, but still, it should be spacious enough to accommodate two adults in the back pretty comfortably.
After all, the amount of space should be on par with the Crosstrek, while the stretched rear overhang will ensure enough room for a decently sized cargo bed. The Maverick features a 4.5 ft bed, and the Brat will probably have a shorter one.
Bed Design
The exact size is still hard to guess, but we presume Subaru will find a way to compensate for this lack. Because if you remember the good old Subaru Baja from the early 2000s, you know that model had a pretty interesting bed design which was integrated with the cabin and featured a kind of midgate and rear seats that fold flat. Then there was the bed extender, which altogether allowed this pickup to accommodate much longer objects in the back.
Dashboard and Interior Quality
As for the dashboard design and the overall interior quality, it’s pretty clear that the company will try to save on this and reduce production costs. In that way, it can offer this pickup at a more competitive price. In other words, the overall layout should be pretty similar to Crosstrek, though with a little bit lower-grade materials.
Subaru’s typical straightforward approach is what we expect to see, along with a lot of practical details such as deep door pockets and other storage compartments that focus on practicality have been Subaru’s thing. On the other hand, we don’t expect any compromises in terms of safety and tech features, including the massive 11.6-inch touchscreen, which should be offered in higher trim levels.
Base models, on the other hand, would come with a smaller 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, but things like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and other essential modern tech features should be standard in all variants. The same is true with safety features, where we expect things like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control to be part of the standard equipment.
2024/2025 Subaru Brat Release Date
The 2024 Subaru Brat is generating significant excitement as it marks Subaru’s re-entry into the compact pickup truck market. Scheduled for release in late 2024, likely around November or December, the Brat aims to combine affordability with performance, a strategic move to capture a segment currently dominated by models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
The Brat will be available with two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with an impressive 260 horsepower
2024/2025 Subaru Brat Price
The 2024 Subaru Brat is poised to make a significant impact in the pickup truck market with its competitive pricing and impressive features. The base model, known as the Premium trim, starts at approximately $23,295, while the more rugged Wilderness trim begins at $25,295. These prices make the Brat an attractive option for buyers seeking an affordable yet capable pickup, combining Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system with practical and modern amenities.
For those looking for more performance, the Brat offers a higher-end version equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, providing 260 horsepower and a starting price estimated around $32,000.
Competition to consider
The 2024 Subaru Brat is entering a competitive compact truck market, primarily contending with models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. These competitors have already established themselves by offering affordable, practical, and efficient solutions for urban and suburban drivers. The Ford Maverick, in particular, has gained immense popularity due to its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordable price point, making it a significant player in this segment.
However, the Subaru Brat aims to differentiate itself with its off-road capabilities and robust all-wheel-drive system, which is a hallmark of Subaru vehicles.
Unlike the primarily front-wheel-drive-based competitors, the Brat’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and X-Mode feature enhance its performance on various terrains, making it a strong contender for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking durability and reliability in rough conditions. Additionally, the Brat offers multiple engine options, including a turbocharged variant, ensuring a blend of power and efficiency that can meet diverse driving needs
2024 Subaru Brat Expected 0-60 Time
The 2024 Subaru Brat is generating significant interest among automotive enthusiasts, and many are curious about its performance capabilities, particularly its 0-60 mph time. To estimate this, we can look at the performance of past Subaru models and similar vehicles.
Historically, the Subaru Brat from the 1980s, equipped with a 1.8L engine, had a 0-60 mph time of approximately 14.3 seconds. While this might seem slow by today’s standards, it’s important to note that modern engineering and more powerful engines are expected to significantly enhance the new Brat’s performance.
Considering Subaru’s current lineup, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, which shares some similarities with the expected Brat in terms of platform and powertrain, provides a more relevant comparison. The Crosstrek’s 2.5L engine, which produces around 182 horsepower, can achieve a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8 seconds.
Given that the new Brat is expected to be more powerful and potentially sportier, it’s reasonable to anticipate a similar or slightly faster 0-60 time, likely in the range of 7.5 to 8.5 seconds.
