Let’s cut through the marketing fluff. Subaru has just unveiled the 2027 Getaway, and the name tells you everything you need to know. This isn’t a polite, anonymous people-mover. It’s a tool. A three-row electric SUV designed with one core mission: to get you, your family, and your gear away from the everyday and into the backcountry, fast. And it does that with a serious, 420-horsepower punch that puts its closest rival, the Toyota Highlander EV, squarely in the rearview mirror. As a former wrench-turner, I appreciate a vehicle that doesn’t just transport people—it enables a lifestyle. The Getaway feels like a direct answer to a question nobody thought to ask: “What if an electric family hauler didn’t have to be boring?”
Powertrain & Performance: Standard AWD, Standard Muscle
Here’s where Subaru’s engineering philosophy becomes immediately clear. While Toyota will offer front-wheel-drive, single-motor versions of the Highlander EV, every single Subaru Getaway comes with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup as standard equipment. That’s not a trim-level option; it’s the foundation. Both axles get an identical electric motor sourced from the Trailseeker, ensuring symmetrical power delivery and traction from the get-go. The result is a combined output of 420 horsepower and, while torque isn’t specified in the release, expect it to be substantial and instant—the hallmark of a good EV drivetrain.
This standard AWD system isn’t just for slick roads. Subaru equips the Getaway with its proven X-Mode system, featuring Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Pair that with downhill assist control and Grip Control off-road cruise control, and you have a genuine capability package. The 8.3 inches of ground clearance is a meaningful figure, offering more approach, breakover, and departure angles than many car-based crossovers. It’s also rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is perfectly adequate for a medium-sized camper, a jet ski trailer, or a decent load of gear. For a vehicle in this segment, that’s a practical, usable number, not a vanity spec.
The claimed zero-to-60-mph time is “under 5 seconds.” That’s not hyperbole; with that much torque on tap and all four wheels working from a dead stop, it’s a realistic expectation. In real-world terms, this means merging onto a highway with a full cabin and cargo is a non-event. It means passing a slow-moving RV on a two-lane road is effortless and safe. It transforms the driving experience from merely efficient to genuinely engaging, without sacrificing the smooth, quiet refinement we expect from EVs.
Battery, Range, and Charging: Two Paths to Adventure
At launch, the Getaway will be powered by a 95.8-kWh battery pack. Subaru quotes a range of “more than 300 miles.” That’s a conservative, real-world friendly figure. For comparison, the dual-motor Toyota Highlander with the same-sized battery is rated for 320 miles. The extra 82 horsepower in the Subaru will inevitably cost a few miles of efficiency, but the difference will be marginal in daily use. The bigger story is the upcoming 77.0-kWh battery option, slated for the first half of 2027. This will likely be the volume seller, targeting a more accessible entry price. Based on the Highlander’s AWD 77-kWh pack (270-287 miles), expect the Getaway’s smaller-battery range to land in the high 250s to low 270s—still more than enough for a weekend trip to the mountains without a charge stop.
Charging is handled by a standard NACS port (the Tesla connector, now an industry standard). It supports 150-kW DC fast charging, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. That’s a critical number for a road-trip vehicle. A 30-minute stop for a meal or a break is all it takes to add well over 150 miles of range, seamlessly fitting into a family travel rhythm. Standard battery pre-conditioning is a smart touch, optimizing the pack’s temperature for fastest charging in both summer heat and winter cold—a feature that saves precious minutes on the road.
Exterior Design: A Grille-less Face That Works
I’ve long been skeptical of grille-less designs on cars that aren’t Teslas. Too often, they look like a blank void, a design cop-out. Subaru, however, has pulled it off. The Getaway’s front end has a distinct, purposeful face. The black inserts in the bumper house the small headlights at the top, while below them sit Subaru’s new six-light daytime running lights, housed in a sleek “cat’s eye” design. It’s aggressive without being tacky. Every trim gets an illuminated front logo, a nice touch that screams “electric” without being gauche. The DRLs themselves double as a charge-status indicator—a clever bit of functional design you’ll actually use.
Out back, Subaru moved the license plate to the tailgate, cleaning up the lower bumper. The taillight bar is unique to the Getaway, featuring an illuminated Subaru script and relocated turn signals in the corners. The diffuser element looks chunkier and more purposeful than the Highlander’s. Ladder-style roof rails are standard on almost all trims—a non-negotiable for Subaru’s core adventure customer. Wheel choices are 19 or 20 inches; the absence of optional 22s is a smart decision, preserving ride quality and tire longevity. The color palette includes three standout options beyond greyscale: Night Dive Blue Silica, Pacific Pine Metallic (a stunning teal-emerald), and Supernova Mica (a deep, root-beer purple). These aren’t just paint codes; they’re statements.
Interior & Practicality: Where Subaru Edges Out Toyota
Step inside, and the cabin is largely carried over from the Highlander EV. That’s not a bad thing—the Highlander’s interior is a well-executed, modern, and spacious design. But Subaru makes two key upgrades that dramatically alter the feel. First, and most importantly, Nappa leather seats are available. Toyota sticks to SofTex synthetic across the board. For a premium three-row SUV, the option for genuine, supple leather is a significant quality and luxury differentiator. Even better, you can get that leather in Pine Grey—a slightly minty, pale green that is utterly unique in any showroom. It’s a bold, fresh choice that speaks to an owner who doesn’t want the same black or beige as everyone else.
Beyond materials, the layout is logical and user-friendly. The base Premium trim is remarkably well-equipped: three-zone climate control with third-row vents, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a massive 14-inch central touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two wireless charging pads, USB-C ports in all rows, and customizable ambient lighting are all standard. The Limited adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front and second-row seats, and a 360-degree camera. The Touring tops the range with the panoramic sunroof, digital rear-view mirror, 20-inch wheels, Harman Kardon audio, and the contrasting roof option.
Cargo space tells an interesting story. Compared to the gas-powered Ascent, the Getaway is 2 inches longer and 2.3 inches wider, but 2.7 inches lower. The wheelbase is 6.3 inches longer. That long wheelbase, combined with the flat floor of an EV, creates a more spacious and comfortable cabin for all three rows. With the third row up, cargo is 15.9 cubic feet (vs. the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft)—a slight penalty, but one most families will accept for the efficiency gains. Fold the third row, and you gain a few cubic feet over the Ascent. Fold both rear rows, and the Getaway offers even more total space. The second-row seating is a key choice: a three-across bench is standard on the mid-trim, but captain’s chairs are standard on the base and top trims and optional in the middle. This flexibility is smart, acknowledging that some families prioritize easy third-row access (captain’s chairs), while others need maximum second-row width (bench).
Market Position & The Toyota Connection
Make no mistake, the Getaway is a badge-engineered version of the Toyota Highlander EV. They share a platform, core architecture, and much of their hardware. But Subaru’s tweaks are telling. The standard dual-motor AWD with more power targets an enthusiast-minded family that actually uses their vehicle. The unique styling, especially the front end and lighting, gives it a distinct identity. The interior material upgrades (Nappa leather, unique colors) elevate the perceived luxury. The standard roof rails cater directly to Subaru’s core outdoorsy demographic, a group Toyota can’t match in loyalty.
This positions the Getaway as the sportier, more adventurous, and slightly more premium alternative in the three-row electric SUV segment. The Highlander will likely be the value and efficiency leader. The Getaway is the “want” purchase. The target buyer is someone who looks at a Kia EV9 or a Volvo EX90 and thinks, “I need something that feels more capable, more rugged, and more uniquely me.” They plan weekend trips to national parks, haul bikes and kayaks, and value all-weather confidence. They also likely own a dog—Subaru’s marketing will undoubtedly feature canines in the back, because it’s a perfect fit.
Pricing is the big unknown. Subaru’s estimate of “around $50,000” for the base model seems plausible, if optimistic. The Highlander’s pricing will be the anchor. If the Highlander AWD starts at $52,000, a $50,000 Getaway with more standard power and features would be a steal. If the Highlander is cheaper, Subaru will need to justify its premium with the added hardware and materials. The coming months will be a fascinating study in brand equity valuation.
The Bigger Picture: Subaru’s Electric Future
The Getaway is a pivotal model for Subaru. It’s their first true three-row electric SUV, moving beyond the smaller Solterra. It demonstrates they can leverage a corporate partnership (with Toyota) to accelerate their EV rollout while still injecting meaningful Subaru-specific character. The success of the Getaway will signal whether Subaru can transition its famously loyal, outdoors-focused customer base to electric power without losing its soul.
It also highlights a major industry shift. The three-row SUV is the last bastion of gasoline dominance in many lineups. Families need the space, and until recently, EVs struggled to provide it affordably. Models like the Getaway, Highlander EV, and EV9 are breaking that barrier. They prove that electric powertrains are not just for sedans and crossovers; they can power the largest, most practical vehicles on the road. The Getaway’s standard AWD and adventure focus also challenge the notion that EVs are solely for urban commuting. They are becoming true do-it-all vehicles.
Verdict: A Getaway You Can Actually Believe In
After parsing the specs and analyzing the intent, the 2027 Subaru Getaway emerges as one of the most compelling electric SUVs on the horizon. It’s not the most efficient, nor will it be the cheapest. But it might be the most authentic to its stated purpose. The standard 420 horsepower and full-time AWD make it the quickest, most sure-footed in its expected peer group. The availability of Nappa leather in Pine Grey is a masterstroke of interior design that adds tangible value. The more than 300 miles of range with the large battery is realistic for a vehicle of this size, and the 150-kW charging means road trips are practical.
The compromises are minimal. Cargo space with all seats up is slightly tight, but that’s the trade-off for a sleeker, lower roofline. The interior, while upgraded, still shares a fundamental architecture with a Toyota—some may find that lack of complete uniqueness off-putting. And the final, unknown variable is price. If Subaru can keep the entry point close to its $50,000 target, the Getaway will be a sensational value. If it creeps higher, the value proposition softens, though the standard features list remains strong.
For the practical, no-nonsense buyer, the message is simple: if you need a three-row electric SUV and you actually plan to use it for adventures—whether that’s skiing, camping, or just getting the hell away from it all—the Subaru Getaway is built specifically for you. It has the hardware, the capability, and the attitude to back it up. It’s not just an electric family hauler; it’s an electric getaway machine. And in a segment that can feel sterile, that’s a refreshing and powerful identity.
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