Unveiling the 2027 Subaru Getaway: Subaru’s Electric Ascent into Powerful, Three-Row Family Dominance
For years, automotive enthusiasts and practical families alike have awaited a compelling electric evolution from Subaru, a brand deeply associated with adventure and capability. Now, with the unveiling of the 2027 Subaru Getaway, that anticipation culminates in a vehicle that isn’t just a rebadged shared platform, but a distinct statement of intent. While the core architecture undeniably owes a debt to its Toyota counterpart, the 2027 Subaru Getaway carves out its own identity, particularly in the realm of performance, making it arguably the most powerful new Subaru to ever grace public roads, especially for a vehicle offering three rows of seating. This isn’t merely an electric Ascent SUV; it’s a carefully sculpted interpretation of the modern three-row electric crossover, designed to appeal to Subaru’s core demographic and beyond.
The partnership between Subaru and Toyota in the electric vehicle space has yielded several impressive, albeit closely related, models. We’ve seen the Subaru Solterra mirror the Toyota bZ4X, and the shared DNA between the Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota bZ4X-based Woodland Edition has been evident. Similarly, the Subaru Uncharted and Toyota C-HR represent their respective brands’ accessible electric entry points. Therefore, the arrival of a Subaru-badged three-row electric SUV, conceptually similar to the highly successful Toyota Highlander, was a predictable, almost inevitable, progression. What truly sets the 2027 Subaru Getaway apart, however, is its potent powertrain and Subaru’s commitment to infusing it with the brand’s signature adventurous spirit.
Beyond the Surface: Subaru’s Design Philosophy for the Electric Age
While many body panels are indeed shared between the Getaway and its Toyota sibling, Subaru has meticulously applied its design language to ensure a clear visual distinction. The most striking differences are found at the front and rear fascias. Instead of the Toyota’s continuous headlight bar, the 2027 Subaru Getaway features a signature Subaru EV element: six distinctive LED accent lights. These not only lend a modern, sophisticated look but also serve a functional purpose, illuminating to indicate the vehicle’s charging status when plugged in, a thoughtful touch for EV owners.
The rear design also receives a unique Subaru treatment. While the Highlander opts for a full taillight bar, the Getaway’s rear lenses are artfully bisected by a prominent “Subaru” wordmark, adding a premium feel. The reversing lights are also repositioned lower down, adopting a more rectangular shape, further differentiating it from the Toyota. Subaru is also offering exclusive exterior color options, including vibrant green and deep purple hues, appealing to those who seek individuality. While the Toyota might offer larger 22-inch wheels, the 2027 Subaru Getaway caps out at 20 inches, a choice that prioritizes a balance of style and ride comfort. Crucially, the Getaway’s roof rails boast a higher load rating than the Highlander’s, a clear nod to Subaru drivers’ ingrained passion for outdoor recreation, whether it’s kayaking, camping, or backcountry skiing.
An Interior Crafted for Comfort and Connection
Step inside the 2027 Subaru Getaway, and the similarities to the Toyota’s interior layout are immediately apparent. This is a testament to the shared development, aiming to create a refined and user-friendly cabin. The seating configuration remains flexible, offering options for both six and seven occupants, depending on whether captain’s chairs or a bench seat are selected for the second row. The overall impression is one of sophisticated evolution from previous Subaru EV interiors, moving away from overly minimalist designs towards a more stylish and inviting ambiance.
At the heart of the dashboard sits a commanding 14.0-inch touchscreen, powered by a Toyota-developed user interface that promises intuitive operation. Complementing this is a large 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, the most expansive seen in any previous Subaru EV, providing crisp visuals of critical driving information. Thoughtful amenities are abundant across all three rows, including well-placed air vents for consistent climate control, ample USB ports for device charging, and overhead lighting to ensure visibility after dark.
However, Subaru has introduced subtle yet significant enhancements that cater to a discerning clientele. Notably, the 2027 Subaru Getaway offers an optional premium leather upholstery, a feature absent in the Highlander’s all-synthetic cabin. Furthermore, Subaru has made power-folding third-row seats standard on the Getaway, a convenience feature that remains optional on the Highlander. These thoughtful touches elevate the Getaway’s interior experience, providing a touch of luxury and enhanced functionality. As expected from a Subaru, the Getaway is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist and active safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control, underscoring the brand’s unwavering commitment to safety.
The Getaway vs. The Ascent: A New Era for Subaru’s Three-Row Offerings
It’s crucial to understand that the 2027 Subaru Getaway is positioned as a distinct offering and will not replace the venerable, gasoline-powered Ascent. This strategic decision allows Subaru to cater to different market segments and embrace the evolving landscape of automotive propulsion. While the Getaway is a mere 2 inches longer overall than the Ascent, its electric architecture enables a significantly longer wheelbase – over 6 inches more. This increased wheelbase contributes to a more composed ride and improved interior packaging. The Getaway also boasts a slightly wider stance, approximately 2 inches more than the Ascent, while being nearly 3 inches shorter in height.
In terms of ground clearance, the Getaway offers a respectable 8.3 inches, a slight reduction from the Ascent’s 8.7 inches. However, Subaru proudly touts this as best-in-class among three-row EVs, with the caveat that the Highlander likely shares this capability. The practical advantages of the 2027 Subaru Getaway extend to its cargo capacity, which slightly surpasses that of the Ascent, irrespective of whether the rear seats are folded or in their upright positions. This means more room for luggage, gear, or whatever adventure the family has planned.
Unleashing Power: The Heart of the 2027 Subaru Getaway
For enthusiasts who have long clamored for the return of a potent performance icon like the Subaru WRX STI, the 2027 Subaru Getaway offers a different, yet equally exciting, promise of power for family drivers. The name “Getaway” is truly substantiated by its performance figures, which are expected to eclipse those of the Highlander. The Toyota Highlander’s entry-level offering is a 221-horsepower single-motor front-wheel-drive powertrain, with an optional 338-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system available.
In stark contrast, the 2027 Subaru Getaway comes exclusively at launch with a formidable 420-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. Subaru emphasizes that this setup is engineered to deliver the signature balanced all-wheel-drive feel that its loyal customers have come to expect, a characteristic that a more front-biased system, like the Highlander’s entry option, might struggle to replicate. This substantial power output is projected to enable a brisk 0-60 mph time of under 5.0 seconds, potentially half a second quicker than the most potent Highlander variant. Subaru has also confirmed that any future powertrain options for the Getaway will also feature all-wheel drive, with the expectation that the Highlander’s 338-horsepower system will eventually become available, offering a slightly less powerful but still robust option. This focus on performance is a key differentiator for the 2027 Subaru Getaway.
Range, Charging, and the Open Road
At its market introduction, every 2027 Subaru Getaway will be equipped with a substantial 95.8-kWh battery pack, which is an optional upgrade for the Highlander. Subaru also plans to offer the Highlander’s standard 77.0-kWh battery pack as a future option, providing more choice for buyers based on their driving needs and budget. Subaru estimates the driving range for the 2027 Getaway to be slightly over 300 miles on a full charge. While this represents a modest decrease compared to the Highlander’s projected 320 miles, it is a reasonable trade-off for the Getaway’s enhanced power output.
Benefiting from the industry’s evolving charging standards, the 2027 Subaru Getaway will feature a built-in NACS port, granting it access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This is a significant advantage for EV owners seeking convenient and widespread charging options. However, it’s worth noting that, consistent with Subaru’s current EV charging capabilities, the maximum charging rate remains capped at 150 kW. While not class-leading in 2027, this rate is sufficient to achieve a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes under optimal conditions, making longer journeys more manageable.
Pricing, Availability, and the Competitive Landscape
Prospective buyers can anticipate the 2027 Subaru Getaway to have a starting price in the low $60,000 range. This positions it as a few thousand dollars more expensive than the Toyota Highlander, a premium that is justified by the Getaway’s superior power output and larger standard battery. The top-tier Getaway models, as observed in initial showings, appear to command prices reflecting their extensive features, including an electrochromic glass roof, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, heated third-row seats, and the aforementioned tasteful green leather upholstery.
The 2027 Subaru Getaway faces its primary challenge not only from the lukewarm demand for electric vehicles in general but also from its striking resemblance to the Toyota Highlander. Greater differentiation between the electric offerings from these two automakers would undoubtedly provide consumers with more distinct and compelling choices. This is particularly true given the Highlander’s established legacy and strong name recognition, having been a pioneer in the three-row family crossover segment for decades.
Despite being a newcomer in this specific segment, the 2027 Subaru Getaway presents a compelling proposition on paper. It promises the power, spaciousness, and range that are crucial for families considering a seven-seat electric SUV. We eagerly await the opportunity to put these capabilities to the test when the 2027 Subaru Getaway officially goes on sale in late 2026. If you’re a Subaru enthusiast or a family seeking a powerful and capable electric vehicle, the 2027 Subaru Getaway is a model you’ll want to keep a close eye on, and perhaps even reserve your place in line for.
Elevate Your Journey: Explore the Future of Subaru Electric
The arrival of the 2027 Subaru Getaway marks a significant milestone for the brand and for the electric vehicle market. It demonstrates Subaru’s commitment to innovation and its understanding of what its customers desire: capability, performance, and space, all wrapped in an environmentally conscious package.
Ready to experience the future of Subaru and explore the exciting possibilities of electric mobility? Visit your local Subaru dealership or browse online to learn more about the upcoming 2027 Subaru Getaway. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to command this powerful, three-row electric marvel and embark on your next great adventure.