Pike & Pitch: 2026 Subaru Pike XT Review

First impressions

Look at it for more than five seconds and you'll notice the Pike XT is trying to be two things: a sensible Subaru and a statement piece. The paint has a pearlescent blue-green that Subaru calls "Riverbed" and the grille carries a subtle scale-like pattern — tasteful, not tacky. From the driver door it looks conservative; from the waterline it's oddly marine. That duality carries through everything the Pike XT tries to do: practical answers with theatrical accents.

Key specs (top line)

• Powertrain: 2.4L horizontally opposed four-cylinder + 18 kWh PHEV battery pack + electric motor (front)
• Combined output: 325 hp, 380 Nm torque
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD with electric front assist
• Transmission: e-CVT with simulated ratios
• Curb weight: 1,780 kg (approx.)
• Electric range: 35 miles (WLTP-style testing)
• 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
• Top speed: 143 mph
• Price as tested: $41,995 (base $38,995 + options)

On the road

The Pike XT does what Subarus do: put power where the pavement needs it and refuse to fuss. The hybrid system masks turbo lag with an eagerness from the electric motor, so initial roll feels brisk and linear. The simulated shifter on the e-CVT gives the Pike a sportier feel than Subaru CVTs of old; it's artificial, yes, but useful when you want to hustle through a canyon or climb a coastal pass.

Cornering is composed thanks to low center of gravity (that boxer engine works wonders) and the standard adaptive dampers. The steering has a nice weight — not numbly precise, but communicative — which suits the Pike's personality. In fast sweepers the chassis holds without drama; if you push hard you'll find some understeer before the electronic aids take over, but that's expected in a 1,780 kg AWD crossover with 325 hp.

Top speed and acceleration

With 325 hp on tap the Pike XT will hit an indicated 143 mph. That number feels more theoretical than a daily necessity, but the acceleration is the point: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds is genuinely quick for a vehicle in this class. The instant torque from the motor helps mid-range overtakes — an area where many hybrids shine. If you plan to tow or sprint repeatedly, make sure you specify the optional heavy-duty cooling pack; Subaru engineers were honest about thermal limits under repeated high-load runs.

Fuel economy & charging

Subaru quotes a combined fuel economy in the upper 40s mpg-equivalent with regular mixed use and full charge, and our week of mixed city/highway driving averaged 42 mpg-e with about 20 miles of daily electric-only commuting. With the 18 kWh battery the Pike XT is perfect for homeowners who can top-up overnight and erase a lot of short trips from the gas engine entirely. Charging is 7.4 kW AC standard: a full charge in roughly 2.5–3 hours on a capable wallbox.

Practicality & interior

Inside, the Pike is all-business with a few fishy flourishes. Seat materials are weather-resistant — a nod to people who tow kayaks, surfboards, or an actual aquarium. Rear legroom is generous and cargo space is 520 liters with the rear seats up, expanding easily for weekend gear. The rear hatch opens wide and the load floor sits low for simple loading of crates, crates of bait, or a stroller — you get the picture.

The infotainment is modern: a 12.3-inch center screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a good set of physical climate controls. Cabin fit-and-finish is improved over previous Subarus, with less rattly trim and better soft-touch materials where your elbows actually land.

Fish smell (yes, we checked)

Two sentences into our test, someone in our crew announced a faint maritime scent. Subaru says the Pike's interior material choices were developed with outdoor types in mind, including anti-odor fabrics and washable mats. We conducted a deliberate "fish-smell" test: a small container of seaweed on the back seat for an afternoon. The Pike neutralized the odor faster than competitors thanks to cabin filtration and a handy cabin air recirculation setting named "Harbor Clean" — marketing copy? Yes. Does it work? Also yes.

Tech & safety

The Pike XT comes standard with Subaru EyeSight 4.0 — adaptive cruise with lane centering, automated emergency braking, and intersection-collision mitigation. The lane-keep is less twitchy than some systems and multi-speed adaptive cruise is excellent for long highway stints.

What I liked

• Confident AWD behavior and predictable handling.
• Real electric-only range for short commutes.
• Practical interior with durable materials.
• Playful exterior theme that never becomes cartoonish.

What I didn't

• Curb weight dulls the last inch of agility compared to lighter rivals.
• Price climbs quickly with options — add the towing pack and climate tech and you’re in premium-crossover territory.
• Infotainment sometimes lags during heavy touchscreen use.

Verdict

The Subaru Pike XT is more than a novelty marine-themed model. It’s a very practical, quick, and theoretically useful plug-in crossover that hides its amphibious jokes behind solid engineering. The fish-leaning design is a nice bit of character without getting in the way of the car’s primary job: getting you and your gear there reliably, quickly, and with a mild, pleasant hint of seaside atmosphere — usually from the ocean, not the upholstery.

If you want a crossover that behaves like a proper Subaru but has the personality to make strangers smile at the valet, the Pike XT is worth a look. If you’re chasing maximum dynamics for canyon runs or the absolute cheapest commuter option, shop elsewhere. For most buyers who like their vehicles sensible with a side of salt, the Pike is a superbly pitched compromise.

Quick nuts-and-bolts: 325 hp, 35-mile electric range, 0-60 in 5.9s, starts at $38,995. Fun: guaranteed.