What kind of mileage does a Subaru Baja get?

The Baja typically delivers fuel economy in the low- to mid-20s MPG, with roughly 20 mpg in city driving and about 25–26 mpg on the highway, averaging around 22–23 mpg combined depending on year and transmission.

The Baja, sold for 2003–2004, paired a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The different transmissions produced slightly different EPA figures and real-world results, and highway driving tends to yield better mileage than stop-and-go city use. This article breaks down the official estimates, what owners actually report, and practical tips to squeeze more miles per gallon from this quirky Subaru pickup-crossover.

EPA mileage by model year and transmission

EPA estimates for the Baja reflect two drivetrains and two model years. The numbers are approximate and vary by testing cycle.

• 2003 Baja with 5-speed manual: about 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway; roughly 23 mpg combined.


• 2003 Baja with 4-speed automatic: about 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway; roughly 22–23 mpg combined.


• 2004 Baja with 4-speed automatic: similar to 2003 auto, around 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway; roughly 22–23 mpg combined.

Overall, the manual transmission tends to deliver modestly better highway economy than the automatic, while city mileage remains around 20 mpg across variants.

Real-world mileage and factors

Actual mileage varies with driving style, load, terrain, and maintenance. Baja owners commonly report mid-20s mpg on long highway trips at steady speeds, with city driving typically in the low- to mid-20s. The AWD system adds weight and drivetrain drag, which can temper efficiency compared with rear-wheel-drive or lighter vehicles from the same era.

Tips to maximize MPG in a Baja

Small, practical changes can add up on a 20-year-old vehicle. The following practices help reduce fuel consumption and keep performance balanced.

• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflated tires reduce fuel economy and handling.


• Use the recommended motor oil grade; synthetic oil can offer small gains in efficiency.


• Plan efficient routes and minimize idling; combine trips to reduce warm-up periods.


• Maintain steady speeds on highways and use cruise control when appropriate.


• Ensure the air intake and filters are clean and the exhaust system is in good condition.


• Address maintenance issues promptly (oxygen sensors, spark plugs, etc.), which can affect MPG.

Following these steps helps the Baja approach its typical EPA range and can improve efficiency for daily use.

Summary: The Subaru Baja's mileage sits in the low- to mid-20s MPG range, with manual transmissions typically delivering slightly better highway fuel economy than automatics. Real-world results depend on driving conditions and maintenance; with careful driving and proper upkeep, most owners see mid-20s miles per gallon on highway trips and low- to mid-20s in urban use.

Why was Subaru Baja discontinued?

Subaru stopped making the Baja primarily due to poor sales and a failure to meet expectations, which was caused by its niche market appeal, polarizing design, and intense competition. The vehicle was too niche—not quite a traditional truck and not quite an SUV—and its unconventional styling limited broad market acceptance. Subaru also strategically shifted its focus to its more popular and profitable models like the Outback and Forester. 
You can watch this video to learn about the challenges Subaru would face if they decided to bring back the Baja: 59sCar Reviews hubYouTube · May 27, 2025
Key reasons for discontinuation

• Poor sales performance: Subaru sold only about 30,000 units over its four-year production run, far below its sales projections. 
• Niche market and competition: The Baja struggled to find a broad audience because it didn't fit into the traditional truck or SUV categories and competed with more established models. 
• Unique and polarizing styling: The vehicle's design was unconventional, with features like exposed rear buttresses and a short bed, which led to mixed public reception. 
• High price point: Even though it was based on the Outback, its starting price was significantly higher, making it expensive compared to traditional trucks like the Ford Ranger. 
• Strategic shift to popular models: Subaru decided to focus its resources on more popular models like the Outback and Forester, which offered similar capabilities with more mainstream appeal. 
• Late introduction of the Turbo model: The turbocharged version, which added more appeal, was introduced late in the Baja's lifecycle, failing to significantly boost sales. 

This video discusses why the Baja failed and the reasons why Subaru stopped production: 45s75 STIYouTube · Nov 1, 2017

Will a Subaru last 300,000 miles?

The average Subaru Forester lifespan ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with many well-maintained models exceeding 300,000 miles. That's up to 20 years of reliable service, making it one of the most durable compact SUVs on the market.

Is a Subaru Baja a reliable car?

Among the 216 owners who provided feedback on the 2006 Subaru Baja for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 93% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest.

How many miles per gallon does a Subaru Baja get?

The Subaru Baja's MPG varies by model year and trim, but generally ranges from about 19-21 MPG city and 25-27 MPG highway for the non-turbo models, while the Turbo models are lower, around 16-19 MPG city and 21-23 MPG highway. The combined MPG is often around 21-22 for non-turbo models and 18-19 for turbo models.
 
Non-Turbo Models

• 2003 Subaru Baja: 21 MPG combined city/highway, with 21 city / 26 highway estimates. 
• 2005 Subaru Baja: 21 MPG combined city/highway. 
• 2006 Subaru Baja Sport: 21 MPG combined city/highway, with 19 city / 25 highway estimates. 
• 2006 Subaru Baja Sport (2006): 22 MPG combined city/highway, with 20 city / 26 highway estimates. 

Turbo Models

• 2005 Subaru Baja Turbo: 19 MPG combined city/highway, with 17 city / 23 highway estimates.
• 2006 Subaru Baja Turbo: 18 MPG combined city/highway, with 16 city / 21 highway estimates. 

Factors that affect MPG

• Trim level: Turbo models have lower MPG than non-turbo models. 
• Driving conditions: Actual mileage will vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance.