The 2027 Subaru Getaway: A Powerful New Electric SUV Redefining Family Adventure
For years, automotive enthusiasts have debated the future of Subaru’s iconic vehicles, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric mobility. With the advent of sophisticated EV platforms shared across brands, the anticipation for Subaru’s take on a three-row electric SUV has been palpable. While collaborations are common, the 2027 Subaru Getaway arrives not just as an answer, but as a statement, carving out its own identity within the shared architecture it leverages. This isn’t merely a Toyota Highlander with Subaru badges; it’s a thoughtfully engineered vehicle designed to invigorate family travel with a potent blend of performance, practicality, and Subaru’s signature adventurous spirit.
The core concept of a three-row electric SUV built on a collaborative platform is a testament to the industry’s drive for efficiency and innovation. Similar to how the Subaru Solterra mirrors the Toyota bZ4X, or the Subaru Trailseeker shares its DNA with the Toyota bZ Woodland, the Getaway is built upon a foundation familiar to those tracking automotive partnerships. However, where many might expect a superficial re-skin, Subaru has focused on delivering distinct advantages, particularly in the realm of power and driving dynamics. This strategic approach ensures that while the underlying technology might be shared, the experience of driving a Subaru Getaway is uniquely its own.
Unmistakably Subaru: Distinctive Design Touches
The exterior design of the 2027 Subaru Getaway immediately signals its Subaru heritage, even while acknowledging its shared platform. While many body panels are identical to its Toyota counterpart, Subaru’s designers have masterfully differentiated the front and rear fascias. Gone is the continuous headlight bar; in its place, the Getaway boasts a distinctive six-LED accent light signature, a hallmark of Subaru’s electric future. These lights not only define the vehicle’s modern aesthetic but also serve a functional purpose, illuminating to indicate charging status – a subtle yet thoughtful touch for EV owners.
Around the rear, the Getaway diverges further. Instead of a full-width taillight bar, Subaru has opted for split lenses bisected by a prominent “Subaru” wordmark, enhancing brand recognition. The reversing lights, too, are distinctively rectangular, positioned lower on the bumper. Subaru’s commitment to its adventurous customer base is also evident in the color palette, offering exclusive green and purple hues that stand out in a sea of conventional automotive shades. While both vehicles offer robust wheel options, the Getaway’s maximum wheel size caps at 20 inches, prioritizing ride comfort and practicality, while its roof rails boast a higher load rating, a clear nod to the outdoor lifestyles many Subaru owners embrace. These design choices, while seemingly minor, collectively contribute to a more rugged and characterful presence, aligning perfectly with Subaru’s brand identity.
Interior Sophistication Meets Subaru Practicality
Stepping inside the 2027 Subaru Getaway reveals an interior that meticulously balances modern sophistication with the brand’s reputation for utility. The cabin layout closely mirrors its shared platform, offering seating for six or seven occupants, configurable with either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. This flexible seating arrangement is crucial for families, ensuring adaptability for various passenger needs. The overall interior design represents a significant leap forward from earlier EV offerings, presenting a more stylish and cohesive aesthetic that feels both premium and purposeful.
Dominating the center console is a resplendent 14.0-inch touchscreen, powered by Subaru’s refined infotainment system. Beneath it, dual wireless charging pads provide convenient power-up for devices. The driver is greeted by a crisp 12.3-inch digital display, larger and more informative than in any previous Subaru EV, offering critical driving data and navigation at a glance. Thoughtful touches abound, with air vents, USB ports strategically placed, and overhead lighting extending to all three rows, ensuring comfort and connectivity for every passenger.
Where the Getaway truly distinguishes itself is in its material choices and standard features. Unlike its counterpart which exclusively uses synthetic materials, the Subaru Getaway offers an optional premium leather upholstery, elevating the cabin’s luxury quotient. Furthermore, Subaru has made power-folding third-row seats standard equipment. This inclusion not only enhances convenience but also underscores Subaru’s commitment to providing advanced features without forcing customers into expensive option packages. This focus on standard amenities, coupled with the availability of premium materials, positions the Getaway as a compelling choice for discerning family buyers. As expected from Subaru, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist and active safety features comes standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control, providing peace of mind on every journey.
Performance Prowess: The Most Powerful Subaru, Electrified
For those who have yearned for a more potent Subaru experience, the 2027 Subaru Getaway delivers in spectacular fashion, establishing itself as the most powerful new Subaru on the market. While the Subaru Ascent continues to serve as the brand’s reliable gas-powered three-row SUV, the Getaway ushers in a new era of electric performance. Physically, the Getaway is slightly longer than the Ascent, but boasts a significantly longer wheelbase, contributing to a more planted and dynamic ride. It’s also wider, yet marginally shorter in height, presenting a more athletic stance. Ground clearance is a respectable 8.3 inches, a figure Subaru proudly proclaims as best-in-class among three-row EVs, a testament to its all-weather, all-terrain capability, even if its direct competitor shares this capability. Cargo capacity in the Getaway also surpasses that of the Ascent, offering ample space for family adventures, whether the seats are up or down.
However, the true revelation lies under the hood – or rather, within the electric motors. While the Toyota Highlander offers a 221-hp single-motor front-wheel-drive as its base, and a 338-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive as an upgrade, Subaru has made a bold choice for the 2027 Getaway. It comes exclusively with a formidable 420-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. This strategic decision ensures that every Getaway delivers the balanced, confident all-wheel-drive performance that Subaru customers have come to expect and trust. Subaru estimates a 0–60 mph time of under 5.0 seconds for the Getaway, a figure that should significantly outpace the quickest Highlander variant. This emphasis on power isn’t just about straight-line speed; it translates to a more engaging and responsive driving experience, perfect for spirited highway cruising or navigating challenging terrain. Subaru has confirmed that future powertrain options will also feature all-wheel drive, with the possibility of the Highlander’s 338-hp system becoming available, offering a range of performance levels within the Getaway lineup.
Range, Charging, and Real-World Usability
The 2027 Subaru Getaway addresses the critical concerns of electric vehicle ownership: range and charging infrastructure. At its launch, every Getaway will be equipped with a substantial 95.8-kWh battery, which is an optional size in the Highlander. Subaru has indicated that its SUV will eventually be offered with the Highlander’s standard 77.0-kWh pack as well, providing buyers with a choice to align with their driving needs and budget. Estimated driving range for the Getaway hovers just over 300 miles, a highly competitive figure for a three-row SUV. While this represents a slight reduction compared to the Highlander’s projected 320 miles, it’s a reasonable trade-off for the significant power advantage the Getaway offers.
In a move that further enhances its appeal, the Getaway incorporates a built-in NACS port, granting seamless access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This integration is a significant benefit for EV owners, expanding charging convenience exponentially. However, it’s important to note that like all Subaru EVs, the maximum charging rate is capped at 150 kW. While a respectable figure, it’s considered mid-range in the rapidly advancing EV charging landscape of 2027. Under optimal conditions, the Getaway can achieve a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, a timeframe that allows for efficient refueling on longer journeys. This blend of competitive range, widespread charging compatibility, and practical charging speeds makes the 2027 Subaru Getaway a viable and attractive option for families embarking on extended road trips.
Pricing, Availability, and the Road Ahead
The 2027 Subaru Getaway is poised to enter the market with a starting price anticipated to be in the low $60,000 range. This positions it slightly above the Highlander, a premium justified by its superior power output and larger standard battery capacity. During our initial look, the high-end Getaway variant showcased a level of luxury and advanced features commensurate with its price point. This included an electrochromic glass roof, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, heated third-row seats, and exquisite green leather upholstery, creating an inviting and refined cabin experience.
The Getaway’s primary challenge in the market will undoubtedly be its striking resemblance to its Toyota counterpart. While shared platforms are a reality of modern automotive manufacturing, clearer differentiation in the consumer perception of these electric siblings is crucial. The Subaru brand carries a legacy of adventure and rugged capability, and while the Getaway clearly embodies this, the Highlander benefits from decades of brand recognition as a pioneering three-row family crossover. For consumers seeking a distinct identity, the Subaru Getaway must actively communicate its unique strengths beyond shared architecture.
Despite this, the 2027 Subaru Getaway presents a compelling proposition on paper. It offers the essential ingredients for a successful family EV: ample seating, generous cargo space, a competitive driving range, and, crucially, exhilarating performance. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, and as manufacturers refine their EV offerings, the Getaway is well-positioned to capture the attention of families looking for an electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on capability or driving pleasure. We eagerly await the opportunity to put the 2027 Subaru Getaway through its paces and witness firsthand how it translates its impressive specifications into a truly exceptional driving experience. The future of family adventure, it seems, is electrifying.
If you’re ready to experience the next level of electric family mobility and explore the distinctive advantages of the 2027 Subaru Getaway, we encourage you to connect with your local Subaru dealership or visit the official Subaru USA website to learn more about pre-ordering and scheduling your test drive. Your next adventure awaits.
