2027 Subaru Getaway: A New Era of Electrified Family Adventure with Unrivaled Power
For years, the automotive landscape has been subtly shifting, with established manufacturers exploring new frontiers in electrification. This evolution has often seen strategic collaborations, leading to shared platforms and powertrains. Subaru, a brand deeply ingrained in the American psyche for its blend of capability and practicality, is no exception. As we stand on the cusp of 2027, the reveal of the 2027 Subaru Getaway marks a significant moment, not just for Subaru, but for the burgeoning segment of three-row electric SUVs. While its lineage may trace back to a familiar platform, the Getaway carves out its own distinct identity, primarily through a potent emphasis on performance that promises to redefine expectations for an electrified family hauler.
The initial whispers and leaked designs pointed towards a familiar silhouette, and indeed, the 2027 Subaru Getaway shares its fundamental architecture with its Toyota counterpart. This partnership, a cornerstone of modern automotive development, allows for the efficient scaling of electric vehicle technology. However, to dismiss the Getaway as merely a rebadged Toyota would be a disservice. Subaru has meticulously sculpted its own narrative, infusing the Getaway with a character that speaks directly to its loyal customer base and attracts new adopters seeking a more dynamic electric driving experience. This isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a statement of intent, a testament to Subaru’s commitment to innovation while retaining its core values. The demand for powerful, family-friendly electric vehicles is on the rise, and the 2027 Subaru Getaway aims to capture a significant share of this market.
Distinct Design Flourishes: More Than Just a Different Badge
Upon first glance, the similarities between the 2027 Subaru Getaway and its sibling are undeniable. The shared foundation means certain design elements, like the subtle but distinctive fin detail on the front doors, are carried over. This collaborative approach to platform development is a smart strategy, enabling both brands to leverage economies of scale and accelerate the introduction of new electric models. However, where the Getaway truly distinguishes itself is in its front and rear fascia treatments, along with unique styling cues that subtly underscore its adventurous spirit.
Instead of the full-width light bar found on its Toyota counterpart, the 2027 Subaru Getaway sports a signature Subaru EV element: a set of six distinct LED accent lights. These aren’t just for show; they illuminate dynamically to provide visual feedback on the vehicle’s charging status, a thoughtful touch for EV owners. The rear design also diverges, featuring split taillight lenses bisected by a prominent “Subaru” wordmark, a classic design flourish that reinforces brand identity. Rectangular reversing lights, positioned lower on the bumper, further differentiate it from the more angular elements of the Toyota.
Subaru’s commitment to individualization extends to the color palette. The Getaway will be offered in exclusive green and purple hues, colors that evoke nature and individuality, resonating with Subaru’s outdoor-oriented ethos. While wheel sizes max out at 20 inches for the Getaway, a departure from the larger 22-inch options available on the Toyota, these are perfectly proportioned and contribute to the vehicle’s robust stance. Furthermore, Subaru has engineered the roof rails with a higher load rating, a deliberate nod to the active lifestyles of its drivers, who are known for their passion for outdoor pursuits like camping, biking, and skiing. This attention to detail, from the charging indicators to the enhanced roof rack capability, demonstrates a deep understanding of the Subaru owner’s needs and desires.
A Familiar Yet Refined Interior Experience
Stepping inside the 2027 Subaru Getaway, the echoes of shared design philosophy with Toyota are apparent. The interior layout, seating configurations, and overall sophisticated evolution of the automakers’ previous EV interiors are highly familiar. This isn’t a negative; rather, it signifies a mature and well-executed design that prioritizes user experience and comfort. Both vehicles offer flexible seating for six or seven occupants, configurable with either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat, catering to diverse family needs. The cabin feels modern and uncluttered, a far cry from the often utilitarian designs of early EVs.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a commanding 14.0-inch touchscreen, running a user-friendly interface developed by Toyota. Complementing this is a vibrant 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, offering crystal-clear information and customization options, a significant upgrade from previous Subaru EV offerings. Thoughtful amenities abound, including well-placed air vents, ample USB ports for charging devices across all three rows, and convenient overhead lighting, ensuring comfort for every passenger on long journeys.
However, the 2027 Subaru Getaway introduces subtle but impactful distinctions that enhance its premium appeal. Notably, Subaru offers optional genuine leather upholstery, a feature absent in the Highlander’s synthetic-only approach. This adds a touch of traditional luxury that many discerning buyers will appreciate. Furthermore, the Getaway comes standard with power-folding third-row seats, a convenience feature that makes accessing the rearmost row effortless, whereas on the Highlander, this remains an optional extra. These thoughtful enhancements elevate the interior from merely functional to truly comfortable and luxurious, aligning with the expectations of premium SUV buyers. The integration of these premium features, alongside Subaru’s renowned safety suite, positions the Getaway as a compelling choice for families prioritizing both comfort and advanced technology.
Beyond the Ascent: A New Benchmark for Three-Row EVs
Subaru has been clear: the 2027 Subaru Getaway is not intended to replace the venerable Ascent, its long-standing and highly successful gasoline-powered three-row SUV. Instead, the Getaway represents a parallel, electrified offering, designed to complement the existing lineup and appeal to a new demographic of environmentally conscious yet performance-oriented families. The dimensional differences highlight this divergence. The Getaway is approximately 2 inches longer overall than the Ascent, but crucially, its electric platform allows for a significantly longer wheelbase – over 6 inches more. This translates to a more spacious interior cabin and a more composed ride. While the Getaway is about 2 inches wider, it’s nearly 3 inches shorter in height, contributing to a sleeker, more planted appearance.
Ground clearance is a key consideration for any vehicle aspiring to off-road capability or simply navigating varied terrain. The 2027 Subaru Getaway offers a respectable 8.3 inches of ground clearance, slightly less than the Ascent’s 8.7 inches. However, Subaru proudly boasts this as best-in-class among three-row electric SUVs, with the caveat that the Highlander likely matches it. This slight reduction in clearance is a trade-off for the sleeker profile and potentially improved aerodynamics afforded by the EV platform.
Cargo capacity is another area where the Getaway demonstrates its strength. Regardless of whether the seats are in their upright or folded positions, the Getaway offers cargo volume that slightly surpasses that of the Ascent. This is a significant achievement, showcasing the packaging efficiency of the electric powertrain and the thoughtful design of the interior space. For families who rely on their vehicles for everything from daily errands to weekend getaways, this ample cargo space is a critical differentiator. The combination of generous passenger space and superior cargo volume solidifies the 2027 Subaru Getaway as a practical and versatile choice for active families.
The Most Powerful Subaru Ever: A Performance Revolution
For enthusiasts who have long yearned for a resurgence of Subaru’s performance heritage, embodied by models like the WRX STI, the 2027 Subaru Getaway offers a surprising and welcome development. While it may not be a direct successor to a performance sedan, the Getaway promises acceleration that more than lives up to its name, and critically, it’s poised to be quicker than its Toyota counterpart.
The current iteration of the Toyota Highlander offers a 221-horsepower single-motor front-wheel-drive powertrain as its base setup, with an optional upgrade to a 338-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The 2027 Subaru Getaway, however, arrives exclusively with a potent 420-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. This configuration is not just about raw numbers; Subaru emphasizes that this setup provides the balanced, engaging all-wheel-drive feel that its customers have come to expect and admire – a distinct characteristic that the more front-biased Highlander setup might not fully replicate. This substantial power output 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 confirmed that any future powertrain options for the Getaway will also feature all-wheel drive. It is anticipated that the 338-horsepower dual-motor system from the Highlander will eventually become available in the Getaway, likely positioned as a more accessible entry point into the Getaway lineup. This commitment to robust, performance-oriented powertrains, even in a family-oriented SUV, is a bold statement from Subaru. It signals a clear intention to not only compete but to lead in the electrified SUV segment by offering a compelling blend of practicality and exhilarating performance. The 2027 Subaru Getaway is more than just an electric vehicle; it’s a demonstration of Subaru’s unwavering dedication to delivering engaging driving dynamics, even within the framework of family transportation.
Range, Charging, and the Future of EV Travel
At its launch, every 2027 Subaru Getaway will come equipped with a substantial 95.8 kWh battery pack, the larger of the two options available in the Highlander. Subaru also plans to offer the Highlander’s standard 77.0 kWh battery pack at a later date, providing buyers with more choice and potentially a lower entry price point. Subaru estimates the driving range for the 2027 Getaway to be slightly over 300 miles on a full charge. Considering its increased power output compared to the Highlander, this range figure is highly respectable and should comfortably meet the needs of most daily commutes and moderate road trips.
A significant development for EV users is the inclusion of a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port on the 2027 Subaru Getaway. This forward-thinking inclusion grants drivers direct access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, a major advantage for charging convenience and accessibility across the country. However, it’s important to note a lingering limitation: like all current Subaru EVs, the Getaway’s maximum charging rate is capped at 150 kW. While this is a respectable figure for 2027, it places it in the mid-tier of EV charging speeds. Under ideal conditions, drivers can expect a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, which is efficient for top-ups on longer journeys but may not be as rapid as some ultra-fast charging competitors. As charging infrastructure and technology continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Subaru addresses this in future iterations or through software updates. Nonetheless, the inclusion of NACS compatibility and a respectable range makes the 2027 Subaru Getaway a practical and increasingly convenient option for EV adoption.
Pricing, Availability, and the Competitive Landscape
Anticipate the 2027 Subaru Getaway to enter the market with a starting price in the low $60,000 range. This positions it as a slightly more premium offering than its Toyota counterpart, a premium that is justified by its superior power output and standard features, such as the power-folding third row. For context, the Highlander, with its less potent powertrain and smaller standard battery, will likely start a few thousand dollars below this mark.
The high-end Getaway models, as seen in early showcases, exude a sense of refined luxury and advanced technology. These top-tier trims can feature an electrochromic glass roof for adjustable cabin ambiance, heated and ventilated seats for both the first and second rows, and even heated third-row seats, ensuring comfort for all occupants. The availability of tasteful green leather upholstery further enhances the premium feel, offering a unique aesthetic that aligns with Subaru’s brand identity.
The primary challenge facing the 2027 Subaru Getaway, beyond the broader context of current electric vehicle demand fluctuations, is its undeniable visual and platform kinship with the Toyota Highlander. While both vehicles offer distinct advantages, clearer differentiation in design and feature sets would provide consumers with even more compelling choices. The Highlander benefits from decades of brand recognition as a pioneer in the three-row family crossover segment, a legacy that carries significant weight. The 2027 Subaru Getaway, as a newcomer to this specific electrified space, must work harder to establish its unique value proposition. However, on paper, it presents a powerful argument for families seeking an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise on space, performance, or the capacity to accommodate a growing family.
As the 2027 Subaru Getaway prepares for its market debut in late 2026, it stands as a significant step forward for Subaru in the electrification race. It offers the potent blend of power, family-friendly space, and impressive range that discerning buyers are looking for in a modern electric SUV. We eagerly await the opportunity to put the Getaway through its paces and discover how its on-paper promises translate to real-world driving dynamics.
Are you ready to experience the future of electrified family adventure? Explore the capabilities and specifications of the 2027 Subaru Getaway and discover how it can elevate your next journey. Contact your local Subaru dealer today to learn more and reserve your place at the forefront of automotive innovation.
