Flat Out and Flat-Finned: 2026 Subaru Skate XT Review

First impressions — looks like it slipped out of a tide pool

Up close the 2026 Subaru Skate XT reads like a surf fin on wheels: long, low, and unapologetically flattened. The grille borrows Subaru’s hex motif but flattens the vertical plane so the car reads wider than it is. The rear fenders are subtly scalloped, which, on the spec sheet, reads like an aerodynamic exercise; on the driveway it reads like a creative director finally got to name a car after a cartilaginous fish.

Under the hood and what actually moves the pavement

The Skate XT is a hybrid AWD with Subaru’s updated boxer-hybrid layout. There’s a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer that gladly revs to 6,500 rpm paired with a pair of electric motors—one on each axle—to give instantaneous torque fill and true torque vectoring. Subaru quotes 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph, which matches our independent runs within a hair when the roads were dry and the paddles—er, tires—were warm.

Peak combined torque lands at 295 lb-ft and the system delivers a satisfyingly linear push in mid-range that encourages upbeat passing without drama. The electric assist noticeably improves low-speed drivability: city launches are quiet and eager, highway onramps are effortless, and regenerative braking is tuned to be useful without being grabby.

Numbers you can use

The Skate XT’s official combined fuel-economy figure sits at 45 mpg with a modest 14-mile EV-only urban range from the 12 kWh battery. In real-world mixed driving I averaged 38–43 mpg depending on how aggressively I exploited the Sport modes. Subaru’s AWD software defaulted to a rear bias under spirited cornering, which gave the Skate a pleasant, planted rotation rather than nervous understeer.

{ "0-60_mph": "6.1s", "top_speed": "137 mph", "combined_torque": "295 lb-ft", "battery": "12 kWh", "EV_range": "~14 miles", "EPA_combined": "45 mpg" }

Handling — glides like a skate

True to its name, the Skate leans into a low center of gravity and a wide track. The chassis tuning is an odd delight: compliant enough to be forgiving on pitted back roads and taut enough to carry speed through a sweep without feeling floaty. Steering is quick but filtered—subaru’s electric assist gives you enough feedback to place the car without excess chatter. Throw it into a mid-speed transition and the Skate pivots with a mild rear bias that feels more like surf than shove.

Interior and creature comforts

Inside, the cabin has been given a coastal lounge treatment: water-resistant upholstery options (practical), stitched “scale” patterning on the doors (subjective), and a generous infotainment screen that responds quickly and doesn’t require you to stare to scroll. The seats are firm in the way that keeps you supported, which I appreciated on longer drives. Cargo space is decent for a vehicle of this profile; the floor is relatively flat and the rear seats fold cleanly.

Tech, safety, and the little things

• EyeSight Advanced is standard and includes improved lane centering with smoother corrective inputs.
• Adaptive cruise learns gradients better than last year’s system and is less likely to hunt on rolling hills.
• Optional off-road pack adds increased ride height and underbody protection; a must if you’re planning gravel beach runs.

The Fish Test — yes, we did sniff around

We know you clicked for this: does a fish car smell like fish? Short answer: no. Long answer: if you select the optional sea-grain interior finish (a mildly briny-textured synthetic), there’s a faint marine aroma for the first week—think of a new boat that’s never been launched. It fades entirely after a couple hundred miles and a few rounds of ventilation. No, your Skate won’t attract pelicans at stoplights.

Driving the Skate is less about proving a point and more about enjoying a smooth, confident glide—like someone taught you a secret surf line and then handed you a steering wheel.

Maintenance, ownership, and who should buy one

Subaru’s hybrid components are covered by a decent warranty and the boxer engine’s service schedule is familiar territory for any Subaru owner—timing belt gone? Not here; chain-driven and easy-ish to access. The 12 kWh battery is small enough to age gracefully; replacement costs should be moderate compared with full EV packs. If you live where winters are real, the Skate’s AWD and low center of gravity make it a practical daily driver. If you live where summers are eternal, the Surf Pack with UV-tough upholstery is the ticket.

Final verdict — worth the bait?

The 2026 Subaru Skate XT is an unexpectedly coherent entry into fish-themed automotive theater. It’s fun without being a gimmick, capable without being clinical, and styled without taking itself too seriously. It’s not the fastest or the most luxurious car in the segment, but it strikes a rare balance: technical competence with personality. If you want a car that drives like it studied currents and still makes sense in your garage, the Skate is worth a test glide.