The Most Powerful New Subaru Arrives: Unveiling the 2027 Subaru Getaway with Three Rows of Seating
For years, the automotive landscape has seen manufacturers forge strategic alliances, sharing platforms and technology to accelerate innovation and meet evolving consumer demands. Subaru, a brand long associated with rugged capability and a devoted following, has embraced this collaborative approach in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector. The highly anticipated arrival of the 2027 Subaru Getaway marks a significant moment, not just for Subaru, but for the broader segment of family-oriented electric SUVs. While bearing a striking resemblance to its corporate sibling, the Toyota Highlander, the Getaway carves out its own distinct identity, particularly where it matters most to enthusiasts and discerning drivers: sheer power.
Beyond the Badge: Understanding the Shared DNA
The foundational relationship between the 2027 Subaru Getaway and its Toyota counterpart is undeniable. Much like the successful co-development seen with earlier Subaru and Toyota EV ventures—the Subaru Solterra sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X, or the Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota bZ Woodland EV models presenting shared body styles—the Getaway is intrinsically linked to the latest Toyota electric crossover. This shared architecture means many core components, from the underlying chassis to crucial interior elements, are identical.
However, to dismiss the Getaway as merely a Toyota Highlander with Subaru badges would be a disservice to the meticulous engineering and targeted enhancements Subaru has implemented. This collaborative strategy, often seen in the automotive industry for efficiency and faster market entry, allows Subaru to leverage established EV technology while infusing its signature brand values. The result is a vehicle that offers the practical advantages of a well-developed platform while delivering a distinctly Subaru driving experience and appeal. It’s a testament to how strategic partnerships can unlock new possibilities within established brand identities.
Distinctive Styling: The Subaru Touch
While the fundamental silhouette and many body panels of the 2027 Subaru Getaway are shared with the Toyota Highlander, Subaru’s design team has skillfully applied subtle yet impactful stylistic cues to differentiate the two. The front fascia, a critical element for brand recognition, features Subaru’s unique six-LED accent lighting signature, a departure from the Toyota’s continuous light bar. These illuminated elements not only provide a modern aesthetic but also serve a functional purpose, indicating the vehicle’s charging status when plugged in, a thoughtful touch for EV owners. The rear design also sports unique taillight treatments, with a split lens design on the Getaway that incorporates a prominent “Subaru” wordmark, distinguishing it clearly from the Highlander’s integrated bar.
Beyond these lighting elements, Subaru offers a palette of exclusive exterior colors, including vibrant green and sophisticated purple options, allowing owners to express their individuality. While both models offer robust wheel options, the Getaway caps its range at 20-inch wheels, a choice that balances style with potential ride comfort and off-road capability. Notably, the Getaway’s roof rails boast a higher load rating, a clear nod to Subaru’s commitment to supporting the adventurous lifestyles of its customers, whether it’s carrying kayaks, skis, or camping gear. These design choices, while seemingly minor, collectively contribute to a distinct visual identity that resonates with the Subaru brand ethos.
Interior Refinement: Comfort and Technology Converge
Stepping inside the 2027 Subaru Getaway reveals an interior that mirrors the Toyota Highlander’s sophisticated layout, offering seating for six or seven occupants depending on the configuration of the second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat. This familial resemblance extends to the overall cabin design, which represents a mature evolution of previous Subaru and Toyota EV interiors, presenting a more stylish and integrated aesthetic than earlier, more utilitarian efforts.
At the heart of the infotainment system lies a generous 14.0-inch touchscreen, powered by a Toyota-developed user interface, complemented by a crisp 12.3-inch digital driver’s display—the largest ever offered in a Subaru EV. This provides drivers with comprehensive vehicle information and entertainment options at their fingertips. Thoughtful amenities such as dual wireless charging pads centrally located on the console, along with ample USB ports and well-placed air vents for all three rows, underscore the Getaway’s focus on passenger comfort and convenience.
Where the 2027 Subaru Getaway truly distinguishes itself within the shared cabin space is in its material options and standard features. While the Highlander exclusively utilizes synthetic upholstery, the Getaway offers the option of genuine leather, adding a touch of premium luxury. Furthermore, Subaru equips the Getaway with power-folding third-row seats as standard, a convenience feature that is optional on the Highlander, streamlining access to the rearmost seating. As with all Subaru vehicles, and indeed Toyotas, the Getaway comes replete with an extensive suite of advanced driver-assist and active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring peace of mind for families on every journey.
A New Benchmark for Subaru: Power and Performance
Perhaps the most compelling narrative surrounding the 2027 Subaru Getaway is its unprecedented performance capabilities, positioning it as the most powerful new Subaru model to date. While Subaru has historically appealed to a performance-oriented demographic with vehicles like the WRX STI, the Getaway signals a commitment to electrifying even its family-focused offerings with exhilarating power.
Subaru has confirmed that the 2027 Subaru Getaway will launch exclusively with a potent 420-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. This setup is designed to deliver the balanced, confidence-inspiring AWD feel that Subaru customers have come to expect, a characteristic that often surpasses the front-biased nature of some competitor AWD systems. This substantial power output is projected to propel the Getaway from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.0 seconds, a performance threshold that significantly outpaces the quickest Toyota Highlander variant. Subaru has indicated that additional powertrains will be introduced, all featuring AWD, with the potential inclusion of the Highlander’s 338-hp dual-motor system as a more accessible option. This focus on performance, particularly for an EV with three rows of seating, is a significant differentiator in the market.
Range, Charging, and the Subaru Advantage
The 2027 Subaru Getaway is equipped with a substantial 95.8 kWh battery pack, a larger option also available in the Highlander, offering an estimated driving range exceeding 300 miles on a full charge. While this figure represents a slight decrease compared to the Highlander’s potential 320-mile range, it is a reasonable trade-off for the Getaway’s enhanced power output. Subaru also plans to offer the Highlander’s standard 77.0 kWh battery pack in the Getaway at a later date, providing a more cost-effective entry point for consumers prioritizing range over peak performance.
In a move that reflects the rapidly evolving EV charging infrastructure, the 2027 Subaru Getaway will feature a native NACS port, granting access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This is a significant convenience for EV owners, expanding charging options considerably. However, it is worth noting that Subaru EVs, including the Getaway, will maintain a maximum charging rate of 150 kW. While functional, this figure is considered moderate in the 2027 landscape, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes under optimal conditions. Continued advancements in charging technology by manufacturers like Tesla, Electrify America, and others will undoubtedly push these metrics higher in the coming years, but the Getaway’s current capability remains competitive for everyday charging needs.
Navigating the Market: Pricing and Competitive Positioning
The 2027 Subaru Getaway is poised to enter the market with an anticipated starting price in the low $60,000 range. This positions it as a premium offering, a few thousand dollars above the Toyota Highlander, but a justifiable premium given the Getaway’s superior power output and larger standard battery. Our initial impressions of a fully-equipped Getaway, featuring an electrochromic glass roof, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, heated third-row seats, and luxurious green leather upholstery, suggest that higher trim levels will indeed command prices commensurate with their elevated features and comfort.
The primary challenge for the 2027 Subaru Getaway will undoubtedly be its striking resemblance to the Toyota Highlander, a vehicle with a decades-long legacy and deeply ingrained brand recognition as a stalwart in the three-row family crossover segment. Subaru’s strategy hinges on highlighting the Getaway’s distinct advantages – its exceptional power, Subaru’s renowned AWD capability, and its more adventurous aesthetic and capabilities. While the Highlander benefits from established familiarity, the Getaway offers a compelling alternative for consumers seeking a more dynamic and powerful electric SUV experience, particularly those who value Subaru’s brand heritage and performance-oriented DNA.
The Future of Family EVs: A Powerful Proposition
Despite the challenges posed by market saturation and the inherent similarities with its corporate cousin, the 2027 Subaru Getaway presents a powerful proposition for families in the market for a three-row electric SUV. On paper, it delivers on the essential requirements: ample space for passengers and cargo, competitive electric range, and a robust suite of safety features. What sets it apart is its uncompromised focus on performance, offering acceleration and power that will undoubtedly appeal to drivers seeking more than just basic transportation.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to evolve, with consumers increasingly looking for options that align with their driving preferences and lifestyle needs, the 2027 Subaru Getaway emerges as a significant contender. It represents a bold step for Subaru into the electrified family SUV segment, demonstrating that practicality and exhilarating performance can indeed coexist. The Getaway isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a statement from Subaru that its commitment to delivering engaging driving dynamics extends even into the realm of family-friendly electrification.
For those seeking a compelling combination of electric efficiency, spacious family utility, and a truly engaging driving experience, the 2027 Subaru Getaway deserves a closer look. Explore the specifications, compare the features, and envision how this powerful new Subaru can redefine your family’s journeys. Take the next step today and discover the future of family electric mobility.
