Electric Cars

The automotive landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift, with unibody pickup trucks gaining unprecedented popularity among North American consumers. In this evolving market, the long-discontinued Subaru Baja, a vehicle once considered ahead of its time, is being re-evaluated for a potential comeback. This analysis explores how a modern iteration of the Baja, drawing inspiration from the forthcoming 2026 Subaru Outback, could emerge as a formidable contender against current segment leaders like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. By leveraging contemporary design elements and powertrain innovations, a resurrected Baja could capitalize on the current demand for versatile, car-based pickup solutions, potentially reclaiming its place as a beloved and highly successful offering in Subaru's lineup.

Subaru Baja's Potential Revival: A Deep Dive into Design, Performance, and Market Impact

In the mid-2000s, Subaru introduced the Baja, an innovative unibody pickup truck that combined the comfort and ruggedness of the Outback wagon with the utility of a small truck bed. Despite its forward-thinking concept and critical acclaim for reliability and versatility from entities like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, the Baja struggled to find its footing in a market then dominated by traditional, ladder-frame pickups. Selling approximately 30,000 units over its production run from 2002 to 2006, it ultimately fell short of Subaru's initial sales projections and was discontinued without a successor.

Fast forward to the present, the market dynamics have drastically changed. The success of modern unibody trucks, particularly the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, demonstrates a strong consumer appetite for vehicles that blend car-like driving dynamics with pickup truck functionality. This shift creates a prime opportunity for Subaru to reintroduce the Baja. A revitalized Baja would likely be built upon the architecture of the upcoming 2026 Subaru Outback. This strategy would enable it to inherit the Outback's advanced features and robust capabilities, while adopting a distinct pickup truck bed designed to surpass the cargo capacities of its rivals.

While the 2026 Outback's more aggressive styling has drawn some debate, its bold aesthetic could surprisingly lend itself well to a pickup variant, hinting at a potentially undisclosed plan by Subaru for a Baja revival. Such a model could feature practical exterior enhancements like integrated rear bumper steps and redesigned taillights to complement a folding tailgate. Under the hood, the new Baja would likely offer a choice between the efficient 180-horsepower 2.5-liter Boxer flat-four engine and the powerful 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer flat-four, mirroring the Outback XT trims. Furthermore, integrating a hybrid powertrain similar to that in the new Subaru Forester Hybrid—which combines Toyota's battery technology with Subaru's 2.5-liter engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive—could provide a compelling answer to the Ford Maverick Hybrid. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) would likely be standard across all models, though the inclusion of a manual gearbox, a feature of the original Baja, remains a hopeful but improbable prospect.

The automotive industry is buzzing with renewed interest in compact, unibody pickup trucks, making it an opportune moment for Subaru to re-enter this segment. The original Subaru Baja, despite its initial commercial struggles, has cultivated a dedicated following and is now considered a cherished cult classic, with well-preserved models commanding high prices on enthusiast platforms. Drawing on the legacy of both the Baja and its even quirkier predecessor, the Subaru BRAT, a modern Baja could prove to be a significant success. By reviving this unique vehicle, Subaru has the chance to introduce a highly competitive and beloved model that could significantly bolster its contemporary vehicle lineup and appeal to a new generation of adventure-seeking buyers.

Volvo is making substantial enhancements to its EX90 electric SUV for the 2026 model year, aiming to overcome the initial software issues that plagued the 2025 release. These comprehensive updates focus on improving both charging capabilities and the vehicle's overall technological performance. The new model introduces an advanced 800-volt electrical system, which is designed to facilitate quicker charging times and greater energy efficiency. Furthermore, the EX90's computing power has been significantly boosted, integrating sophisticated AI and data processing to refine safety features, driver assistance systems, and infotainment experiences. These strategic improvements reflect Volvo's commitment to delivering a seamless and reliable luxury electric vehicle, addressing past criticisms and setting a new standard for the EX90's performance.

The initial launch of the Volvo EX90 was met with mixed reactions, as its sophisticated design and robust safety features were overshadowed by software glitches. This led to owner dissatisfaction, with some even pursuing legal action or expressing regrets about their purchase decisions. In response, Volvo has swiftly introduced the 2026 EX90, incorporating a suite of upgrades intended to rectify these early shortcomings. This proactive approach underscores the brand's dedication to product refinement and customer satisfaction. The forthcoming model is poised to showcase a more polished and dependable user experience, crucial for solidifying the EX90's position in the competitive electric SUV market and rebuilding consumer trust.

Accelerated Charging and Enhanced Efficiency with the New 800-Volt System

The 2026 Volvo EX90 integrates a groundbreaking 800-volt electrical system, a significant departure from its predecessor's 400-volt architecture. This innovative upgrade is poised to revolutionize the vehicle's charging experience, drastically reducing heat generation during the process and leading to substantially faster charging speeds. Coupled with Volvo's proprietary battery management software, this advanced system ensures optimal energy transfer and conservation. The tangible benefits for owners include the ability to gain an impressive 155 miles of range with just a 10-minute charge, a feature that significantly alleviates range anxiety. Beyond charging, the 800-volt system also contributes to a noticeable increase in power delivery, enhancing the EX90's acceleration capabilities, which were already formidable, allowing it to reach 60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds.

The transition to an 800-volt electrical architecture in the 2026 Volvo EX90 represents a pivotal leap forward in electric vehicle technology. This new system fundamentally improves thermal management during charging, which is critical for preserving battery health and extending its lifespan. By mitigating heat buildup, the EX90 can sustain higher charging rates for longer periods, dramatically cutting down the time spent at charging stations. The synergy between the upgraded hardware and Volvo's refined battery management software creates a highly efficient energy ecosystem. This holistic approach not only boosts charging performance but also optimizes power distribution across the vehicle's components, contributing to the EX90's impressive acceleration and overall dynamic responsiveness. As stated by Anders Bell, chief technology and engineering officer at Volvo Cars, these advancements are designed to instill greater confidence and control in the driver, ensuring a superior electric driving experience.

Advancements in Computing Power and Integrated Smart Technologies

For the 2026 model year, the Volvo EX90 receives a substantial upgrade in its technological core, featuring a dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin-based computer system. This enhancement elevates the SUV's computing capacity to an impressive 500 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This formidable processing power is instrumental in facilitating the seamless integration and operation of advanced data, software, and artificial intelligence, leading to significant improvements in both safety and overall vehicle performance. The increased computational strength allows the EX90 to handle complex algorithms more efficiently, translating into more responsive and sophisticated driver assistance systems and a more intuitive user interface. This upgrade also brings good news for current 2025 EX90 owners, as Volvo plans to offer a one-time free upgrade of their vehicle's computer system at authorized workshops, ensuring they can also benefit from these cutting-edge advancements.

The integration of a more powerful computing platform in the 2026 Volvo EX90 is a strategic move to leverage the full potential of AI and software-defined functionalities. This enhanced processing capability allows for real-time analysis of vast amounts of data, continuously improving the vehicle's safety protocols and operational efficiency. As highlighted by Anders Bell, this translates into advanced safety and driver support features, alongside ongoing enhancements to the infotainment and battery management systems, all delivered effortlessly through over-the-air updates. Such comprehensive improvements are crucial for addressing the initial software-related challenges and ensuring a robust, future-proof user experience. Furthermore, the 2026 EX90 introduces a suite of new features, including connected safety alerts for road conditions, automatic e-call with Emergency Stop Assist, expanded automatic emergency steering in low-light conditions, Park Pilot assist, and an electrochromic panoramic roof with adjustable glass transparency. These additions underscore Volvo's commitment to innovation and driver convenience, although specific details regarding their standard or optional availability will be confirmed upon the release of the 2026 model's configurator.