The 2027 Subaru Getaway: Electrifying Family Adventure with Unmatched Power
For years, the automotive world has watched with keen interest as Subaru, a brand synonymous with rugged capability and adventurous spirit, navigates the burgeoning landscape of electric vehicles. While the Solterra marked their initial foray, a significant evolutionary leap is upon us with the unveiling of the 2027 Subaru Getaway. This isn’t just another electric SUV; it represents Subaru’s boldest statement yet in the three-row electric segment, offering a compelling blend of family-friendly practicality and exhilarating performance that distinguishes it sharply from its platform-mate, the Toyota Highlander. For seasoned drivers and families seeking a vehicle that embodies both the capability of a Subaru and the future of electric propulsion, the Getaway presents a fascinating proposition.
As an industry veteran with a decade of immersion in automotive trends and technological advancements, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rapid evolution of electric vehicle design and functionality. The initial shared-platform approach between Subaru and Toyota, while logical from a development perspective, often leaves consumers yearning for distinct brand identities. The 2027 Subaru Getaway, however, manages to transcend this shared DNA, carving out a unique niche by emphasizing performance and tailored features for the Subaru enthusiast. This is a vehicle that doesn’t just follow trends; it sets a new benchmark for what a powerful, three-row electric SUV can be.
A Shared Foundation, A Distinct Soul: The Getaway’s Design Language
At first glance, the similarities between the 2027 Subaru Getaway and its Toyota counterpart are undeniable. Both vehicles share a fundamental architecture, a testament to the strategic partnership between the two manufacturers. However, Subaru has masterfully infused the Getaway with its own design philosophy, ensuring it stands apart. While the core body panels might echo the Highlander, the front and rear fascia treatments are where the Getaway truly asserts its individuality. Instead of the Highlander’s continuous light bar, the Getaway sports a signature Subaru EV design cue: a six-LED accent light arrangement that not only adds a distinctive visual flair but also dynamically communicates the vehicle’s charging status. This subtle yet impactful detail underscores Subaru’s commitment to functional aesthetics.
The rear of the Getaway also eschews the Highlander’s full-width taillight bar, opting for a split lens design that proudly displays the “Subaru” wordmark. This design choice, coupled with a more rectangular approach to the reversing lights, offers a refined and subtly aggressive aesthetic. Beyond these key differentiating elements, Subaru has introduced a palette of unique exterior colors, including captivating green and purple hues, catering to drivers who appreciate a more expressive visual identity. While the Highlander offers larger 22-inch wheels, the Getaway’s 20-inch maximum wheel size is perfectly calibrated to balance sportiness with practical ride comfort. Furthermore, in a nod to Subaru’s heritage of supporting outdoor lifestyles, the Getaway boasts roof rails with a higher load rating than the Highlander, a clear signal that this EV is built for adventure, whether it’s hauling kayaks or camping gear.
Interior Sophistication Meets Practicality
Stepping inside the 2027 Subaru Getaway, one is met with an interior that strikes a harmonious balance between modern sophistication and the practical needs of a family vehicle. The cabin layout closely mirrors the Highlander’s, offering flexible seating configurations for six or seven occupants, with the choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. This adaptable interior design reflects a mature understanding of evolving family dynamics and the desire for both comfort and convenience.
The technological heart of the cabin is a vibrant 14.0-inch touchscreen, powered by a Toyota-developed user interface that, in my experience, is both intuitive and responsive. Complementing this is a crisp 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, larger than what we’ve seen in previous Subaru EVs, providing all essential driving information at a glance. Thoughtful amenities, such as well-placed air vents, ample USB ports, and overhead lighting for all three rows, ensure that every passenger enjoys a comfortable and connected journey.
What truly sets the Getaway apart in its interior appointments are the subtle yet significant enhancements that cater to a more discerning clientele. While the Highlander sticks to synthetic materials, the Getaway offers the option of luxurious leather upholstery, adding a touch of premium refinement. Additionally, a key convenience feature is the standard inclusion of power-folding third-row seats. This seemingly small detail significantly elevates the ease of access and cargo versatility, a practical advantage for families who frequently need to reconfigure their seating arrangements. These thoughtful additions demonstrate Subaru’s understanding of its customer base and their desire for a more elevated ownership experience, even within a shared platform.
Beyond the Ascent: Defining the Getaway’s Place
It’s crucial to address the positioning of the 2027 Subaru Getaway within Subaru’s existing lineup. Subaru has emphatically stated that the Getaway will not replace the Ascent, its long-standing, gasoline-powered three-row SUV. This distinction is important. While both offer seating for multiple passengers, their fundamental architectures and performance envelopes are worlds apart. The Getaway, at approximately 2 inches longer overall than the Ascent, boasts a wheelbase that is over 6 inches longer, contributing to a more stable and refined ride. Despite being nearly 3 inches shorter in height, the Getaway is about 2 inches wider, offering a more planted stance.
Ground clearance is another point of interest. The Getaway offers 8.3 inches, slightly less than the Ascent’s 8.7 inches. However, Subaru rightly points out that this figure is class-leading among three-row EVs, rivaling even the Highlander, which likely shares the same underpinnings. This slight reduction in ground clearance is a sensible trade-off for the aerodynamic benefits and lower center of gravity that contribute to the EV’s superior handling. In terms of cargo capacity, the Getaway consistently outperforms the Ascent, irrespective of whether the seats are folded or upright. This means more space for groceries, gear, or whatever the next family adventure demands, further solidifying the Getaway’s role as a practical, yet cutting-edge, family hauler.
The Most Powerful Subaru Ever: Unleashing the Getaway’s Performance
For enthusiasts who have longed for a return to the high-octane performance of models like the WRX STI, the 2027 Subaru Getaway offers a different, yet equally exhilarating, expression of power. This new three-row electric SUV promises acceleration figures that live up to its name, and importantly, it eclipses the performance capabilities of its Toyota counterpart.
While the Highlander offers a 221-horsepower single-motor front-wheel-drive setup as its base configuration and an optional 338-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the Getaway sets a new standard for Subaru’s electric performance. For 2027, every Getaway comes exclusively equipped with a potent 420-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. This configuration is meticulously engineered to deliver the balanced and confident AWD feel that Subaru customers have come to expect and trust, a sensation that a front-biased system simply cannot replicate. Subaru projects a 0–60 mph time of under 5.0 seconds for the Getaway, a full half-second quicker than the most potent Highlander variant. This significant power advantage not only makes for thrilling acceleration but also enhances the vehicle’s overall driving dynamics and confidence, especially in challenging road conditions. Subaru has also confirmed that any future powertrain options for the Getaway will also feature all-wheel drive, and it’s anticipated that the 338-horsepower system from the Highlander will eventually become available as a performance option.
Range and Charging: Navigating the Future of Electric Travel
At its launch, the 2027 Subaru Getaway will feature a substantial 95.8-kWh battery pack, which will also be available as an option in the Highlander. Subaru also plans to offer the Highlander’s standard 77.0-kWh battery pack in the Getaway at a later date, providing consumers with a choice of range and price points.
The estimated driving range for the 2027 Subaru Getaway is projected to be slightly over 300 miles on a full charge. Considering its enhanced performance capabilities, this figure represents a reasonable and competitive range, especially when benchmarked against the Highlander’s estimated 320 miles.
A significant convenience feature for Getaway owners is the integration of a NACS port, granting seamless access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This move democratizes charging infrastructure and alleviates range anxiety for long-distance travelers. However, it’s important to note that, in line with current Subaru EV offerings, the maximum charging rate for the Getaway is capped at 150 kW. While this is a respectable figure for 2027, it represents a moderate pace in the rapidly advancing world of EV charging technology. Under optimal conditions, the Getaway can achieve a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, a timeframe that is both practical for road trips and efficient for daily use.
Pricing and Availability: A Premium Proposition for a Powerful EV
Anticipate the 2027 Subaru Getaway to enter the market with a starting price in the low $60,000 range. This positions it slightly above the Highlander, a premium justified by its superior power output, larger standard battery, and enhanced interior features. The high-end Getaway trim, which I had the opportunity to experience firsthand, exuded a palpable sense of luxury and advanced technology, suggesting a price point commensurate with its upscale amenities. This included features such as an electrochromic glass roof, heated and ventilated seats for the first and second rows, heated third-row seats, and exquisite green leather upholstery.
The primary challenge for the Getaway, beyond the industry-wide tepid demand for EVs, lies in its fundamental similarity to the Toyota Highlander. Clearer differentiation in future EV collaborations would undoubtedly offer consumers more distinct choices, especially considering the Highlander’s considerable brand recognition, having been a stalwart in the three-row crossover segment for decades.
However, on paper, the 2027 Subaru Getaway presents a compelling package for families considering an electric vehicle. It offers an exceptional combination of power, spaciousness, and competitive range, all wrapped in the adventurous spirit that Subaru is known for. As this newcomer prepares to hit dealerships in late 2026, it promises to redefine expectations for what a three-row electric SUV can deliver, blending cutting-edge technology with the raw performance and capability that has long been the hallmark of the Subaru brand.
For families eager to embrace the future of electric mobility without compromising on performance or adventure, the 2027 Subaru Getaway represents a significant step forward. Explore your local Subaru dealership or visit their official website today to learn more about pre-ordering this groundbreaking electric SUV and to schedule your own test drive.
