The 2027 Subaru Getaway: Electrifying the Family Crossover with Unmistakable Subaru Power
For years, the automotive landscape has been subtly shifting, with manufacturers increasingly exploring platform sharing and strategic partnerships to accelerate their electric vehicle (EV) development. Subaru, a brand deeply entrenched in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and safety-conscious families, has navigated this transition with its characteristic blend of thoughtful engineering and distinct identity. While the upcoming 2027 Subaru Getaway shares its fundamental architecture with a familiar Toyota counterpart, it carves out a compelling niche by delivering an electrifying performance package that sets it apart, offering a potent vision for the future of three-row family crossovers.
The perception might arise that the 2027 Subaru Getaway is simply a rebadged version of its Toyota sibling, a notion understandable given the close collaborative efforts between the two Japanese giants in the EV space. We’ve seen this synergy manifest in models like the Subaru Solterra and its Toyota bZ4X counterpart, or the more recent shared designs between Toyota’s bZ Woodland and Subaru’s Trailseeker, and the entry-level Toyota C-HR alongside Subaru’s Uncharted. This collaborative approach allows for faster development cycles and shared technological investment, a crucial element in the rapidly evolving EV market. Therefore, Subaru introducing its own interpretation of a larger, three-row electric SUV, echoing Toyota’s Highlander, was largely anticipated. However, where the 2027 Subaru Getaway truly distinguishes itself, and where it will undoubtedly capture the attention of discerning buyers, is in its deliberate emphasis on robust power and performance, a hallmark that has long defined the Subaru brand.
Beyond the Surface: Subtle Yet Significant Distinctions
While the shared DNA between the Getaway and its Toyota counterpart is evident, a closer inspection reveals carefully crafted design elements that imbue the Subaru with its own unique character. Many of the core body panels are indeed identical, a testament to efficient manufacturing. However, the front and rear fascias have been meticulously re-sculpted to align with Subaru’s design language. Instead of the continuous light bar found on the Highlander, the Getaway features a distinctive six-LED accent light signature, a visual cue that also serves a functional purpose: these lights illuminate to provide a clear indication of the vehicle’s charging status when plugged in. This thoughtful detail underscores Subaru’s commitment to user-friendly EV integration.
Around the rear, the differences continue. While the Highlander sports a unified taillight bar, the Getaway’s rear lighting is artfully split by a prominent “Subaru” wordmark, a touch that adds a personalized and upscale feel. Furthermore, the reversing lights on the Getaway are integrated as rectangular units positioned lower on the bumper, offering a different aesthetic from the triangular elements on the Toyota.
Subaru has also introduced exclusive color palettes for the Getaway, including striking new green and purple hues that cater to a more adventurous and expressive buyer. While wheel options max out at 20 inches, a departure from the Highlander’s available 22-inch offerings, these wheels are designed to complement the vehicle’s rugged yet refined profile. Importantly, the roof rails on the Getaway boast a higher load rating than its Toyota counterpart, a deliberate nod to Subaru’s devoted clientele who embrace outdoor pursuits and require robust solutions for carrying gear. This feature reinforces the brand’s commitment to enabling an active lifestyle.
An Interior Crafted for Comfort and Capability
Stepping inside the 2027 Subaru Getaway, the lineage to the Toyota is immediately apparent, and this is by no means a detriment. The interior design is sophisticated and modern, representing a significant evolution from previous Subaru EV offerings. The cabin layout prioritizes passenger comfort and technological integration, mirroring the premium feel expected in this segment. The choice between a six or seven-passenger configuration, depending on the inclusion of second-row captain’s chairs, provides flexibility for families of various sizes.
Dominating the center console is a substantial 14.0-inch touchscreen, running a user-friendly interface developed by Toyota, which has proven its reliability and intuitive operation. Complementing this is a crisp 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, the largest seen in any Subaru EV to date, providing essential driving information with excellent clarity. Both the driver and passengers will appreciate the thoughtfully placed air vents, ample USB ports, and overhead lighting that ensure comfort and connectivity for all occupants, across all three rows.
Where the Getaway truly differentiates itself in the interior is through premium material options and enhanced convenience features. While the Highlander exclusively utilizes synthetic upholstery, the Subaru offers the option of luxurious leather trim, elevating the cabin experience. Furthermore, a significant advantage for families seeking maximum convenience is the standard inclusion of power-folding third-row seats. This feature, which is optional on the Highlander, streamlines access to the rearmost seating and cargo area, a practical benefit for everyday use. As with all Subaru vehicles, and indeed its Toyota sibling, the Getaway is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance and active safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control, all designed to enhance peace of mind and safety on every journey.
Positioned Against the Ascent: A New Era for Subaru SUVs
It’s crucial to understand that the 2027 Subaru Getaway is not intended to replace the venerable Ascent, Subaru’s long-standing, gasoline-powered three-row SUV. Instead, the Getaway represents an entirely new pillar in Subaru’s SUV lineup, catering to the growing demand for electrified family transportation. When comparing the two, the Getaway is approximately two inches longer overall than the Ascent, but its electric powertrain and battery packaging allow for a significantly longer wheelbase – over six inches more. While the Getaway is roughly two inches wider, it sits nearly three inches shorter in height, contributing to a more planted and dynamic stance.
Ground clearance for the Getaway is rated at 8.3 inches, a minor reduction from the Ascent’s 8.7 inches. However, Subaru confidently states this figure is best-in-class among three-row electric vehicles, acknowledging that its Toyota counterpart likely offers similar capability. This thoughtful engineering ensures the Getaway can handle varied terrain and inclement weather conditions with confidence, a key consideration for Subaru owners. In terms of practicality, cargo capacity in the Getaway is impressive, slightly surpassing that of the Ascent, regardless of whether the rear seats are deployed or folded. This generous cargo volume further solidifies the Getaway’s position as a capable and versatile family vehicle.
The Most Powerful Subaru Enters the Electric Arena
While automotive enthusiasts may still be eagerly awaiting the return of a high-performance STI variant, family drivers will undoubtedly rejoice in the power and acceleration promised by the 2027 Subaru Getaway. This new model is poised to deliver a driving experience that lives up to its name, and importantly, it’s set to outperform its Toyota counterpart in this critical area.
The Toyota Highlander’s EV offerings include a 221-horsepower single-motor front-wheel-drive setup as its base configuration, with an optional upgrade to a 338-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. In contrast, Subaru has positioned the 2027 Getaway exclusively with a potent 420-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain from launch. This deliberate choice is central to Subaru’s brand identity, delivering the balanced and responsive AWD performance its customers have come to expect. This setup is projected to enable a 0-60 mph sprint in 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 AWD, with the possibility of introducing the Highlander’s 338-hp system at a later date, offering buyers even more choice within Subaru’s electric ecosystem.
Range and Recharging: A Balance of Performance and Practicality
At its introduction, every 2027 Subaru Getaway will come equipped with a substantial 95.8 kWh battery pack, a larger option that will also be available on the Highlander. Subaru has indicated that the Getaway will eventually offer the Highlander’s standard 77.0 kWh battery pack as well, providing a more accessible entry point. Subaru projects a driving range of slightly over 300 miles for the Getaway on a full charge. While this represents a modest decrease compared to the Highlander’s estimated 320 miles, it’s a reasonable trade-off for the significant increase in performance the Getaway offers.
In a significant move towards enhanced charging convenience, the Getaway will feature a built-in NACS port, granting it access to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network. This integration addresses a key concern for many EV adopters, simplifying long-distance travel. However, it’s worth noting that, in line with Subaru’s current EV charging technology, the maximum charging rate remains at 150 kW. While this is a respectable figure for 2027, it’s not segment-leading. Under optimal conditions, the Getaway can achieve a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, a duration that is becoming increasingly competitive within the EV market.
Pricing and the Path Forward: Value in Differentiation
Anticipated to start in the low $60,000 range, the 2027 Subaru Getaway is expected to be priced a few thousand dollars above its Toyota counterpart. This premium is justified by the Getaway’s superior power output and larger standard battery. The high-end Getaway model observed during its debut, showcased with an electrochromic glass roof, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, heated third-row seats, and exquisite green leather upholstery, suggested a price point commensurate with its luxurious appointments.
The Getaway’s primary challenge, aside from broader market adoption of EVs, may lie in its inherent similarities to the Toyota Highlander. A more pronounced differentiation between the EV offerings from both manufacturers would provide consumers with even clearer choices, especially considering the Highlander’s long-standing brand recognition as a pioneer in the three-row family crossover segment, with decades of proven success across multiple generations.
The 2027 Subaru Getaway, while a new entrant, presents a compelling package on paper. It promises the power, spaciousness, and range that are essential for families considering a seven-seat electric vehicle. As we look forward to its market release in late 2026, the Getaway is poised to redefine expectations for electrified family transport, offering an experience that is both exhilarating and practical.
If you’re a discerning driver seeking an electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance and embraces the adventurous spirit synonymous with Subaru, the 2027 Subaru Getaway warrants your immediate attention. Explore your local Subaru dealerships or visit Subaru’s official website to learn more about pre-order opportunities and to schedule your first drive in this groundbreaking electric vehicle.
