What is another name for the Subaru BRAT?

The Brumby is the alternate name used in Australia and New Zealand for the Subaru BRAT.

The BRAT, standing for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, was introduced by Subaru in the late 1970s as a compact pickup with rear seating. In those southern Hemisphere markets, Subaru branded it as the Brumby, offering the same mechanical package under a different name.

Branding and naming practices

Here's a quick look at how the BRAT was marketed across regions and what the alternate name signifies.

Regional naming variations

Before listing the regional branding, note that the name Brumby appeared in Australia and New Zealand, while the global or North American market generally used the BRAT designation.

• Australia — Subaru Brumby


• New Zealand — Subaru Brumby


• North America and most other markets — Subaru BRAT

These regional naming variations reflect Subaru's marketing approach rather than any change to the vehicle's core specifications.

Summary

The simplest answer: Brumby. In Australia and New Zealand, the Subaru BRAT was sold as the Brumby, while in other markets it retained the BRAT name. The model's distinctive rear seating and all-wheel-drive setup remained the same across names.

What does Subaru BRAT stand for?

BRAT is an acronym for Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter. It was a small pickup truck produced by Subaru that was sold in the United States and other countries but not officially in Japan. The name reflects its part-time all-wheel-drive system, its use as a recreational vehicle, and its ability to handle off-road terrain.
 

• Bi-Drive: Refers to the vehicle's part-time, selectable all-wheel-drive system. 
• Recreational: Indicates the vehicle's purpose as a fun, recreational vehicle. 
• All-Terrain: Describes its capability to be driven on various types of terrain. 
• Transporter: Highlights its function as a vehicle for carrying cargo and people. 

What's the difference between a Subaru BRAT and a Subaru Baja?

The main differences are that the Subaru Brat is a simpler, older, and more rugged two-door utility vehicle with a manual-focused drivetrain, while the Subaru Baja is a larger, more modern, four-door vehicle based on the Outback wagon with more powerful engine options and creature comforts. The Brat was first released in 1978 and produced until 1994, while the Baja came later, from 2003 to 2006.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Subaru Baja and the Outback based design: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Sep 1, 2024
Subaru Brat

• Era: 1978–1994 
• Design: A smaller, more rugged, and utilitarian vehicle with a true 4WD system that included a low-range gear. 
• Engine: Features a less powerful, carbureted engine, unlike the fuel-injected engine in the Baja. 
• Cab: Typically a two-door, regular cab configuration, sometimes with rear jump seats. 
• Features: Older amenities like crank windows and optional A/C were common. 
• Pros: Simplicity, toughness, and ease of maintenance. 

Subaru Baja

• Era: 2003–2006 
• Design: A larger, more modern, and refined vehicle based on the Outback wagon platform, with four doors. 
• Engine: Offered more powerful engine options, including a turbocharged model with up to 165 horsepower. 
• Cab: Crew cab configuration with seating for four people. 
• Features: Included modern conveniences such as A/C, power windows, and a bed extender for longer items. 
• Pros: More powerful, comfortable, and practical for carrying passengers. 

This video explains the design philosophy and features of the new Subaru Brat concept: 40sTheAutoReportYouTube · Jun 14, 2025

What is Subaru mooing?

"Moo Moo Subaru" is a community-driven trend where Subaru owners leave small toy cows on other Subaru vehicles as a sign of appreciation and camaraderie. It's similar to the "Duck Duck Jeep" trend and involves placing a cow, often with a note, on a fellow owner's car to brighten their day. The movement was inspired by the Subaru name rhyming with "moo" and a connection to the Subaru logo's representation of the Taurus constellation (a bull).
 
Key aspects of the Moo Moo Subaru movement:

• How it works: Participants leave a small toy cow on another Subaru they encounter. Often, a note saying "You have been Moo'd!" is included, sometimes with a QR code to a Facebook group. 
• Inspiration: The trend was started by a Subaru owner who wanted a mascot for her car, similar to the rubber ducks left on Jeeps. She chose cows because "moo" rhymes with "Subaru" and because the Subaru logo is part of the Taurus constellation. 
• Purpose: The goal is to spread joy and create a sense of connection among Subaru owners. It's a form of random act of kindness. 
• Community: The movement has grown through social media, with large online groups dedicated to sharing "moo-ving" experiences. 
• Variations: The type of cow can vary, from small figurines to keychains, and participants get creative with how they leave them. 

Was the Subaru BRAT sold in the USA?

The Subaru BRAT pickup was a small, light utility pickup truck sold in the US from 1978 to 1987. As a response to the market demand of the times for car-like pickup trucks, Subaru vehicles produced the BRAT (Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter) for an audience that wanted something a little different.