The automaker has unveiled a new family-worthy alternative to the Ascent, and it brings a key difference compared to its Toyota sibling. Rear view of a white Subaru Getaway vehicle with black trim and a license plate reading QHB 519. Just a little over a month ago, Toyota introduced its biggest change to the Highlander nameplate since the model’s introduction. The three-row family hauler finally went full-on EV following years of gas and hybrid options. Around the same time, Subaru confirmed that it would be following suit with a new seven-seat offering of its own. After all, the two automakers have shared an ongoing working relationship that’s created siblings in everything from the GR86 and BRZ to the bz and Solterra. The Getaway arrives as Subaru’s fourth all-electric offering. Well, now Subaru has finally unveiled its version of the Highlander. It’s called the Getaway, and, much like the Trailseeker, the vehicle is an even more compelling option when viewed against its Toyota twin. Subaru’s hopped-up family hauler Albeit for a different reason. Whereas the Subaru Trailseeker undercut the Toyota bz Woodland with a lower price point, the Getaway instead outclasses the Highlander in output. Toyota’s Highlander adopts a far more modern design with its Hammerhead lightbar. In practice, this means the three-row will be hitting the market with a 420-horse dual-motor powertrain, making it the most powerful production Subie yet. By contrast, the Highlander tops out at 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, and Toyota also offers a less powerful FWD trim. On the road, then, Subaru says the Getaway is good for a blistering 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds. Even still, thanks to its 95.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, claimed range comes to more than 300 miles on a single charge. Towing capacity clocks in at 3,500 pounds. Subaru’s Getaway brings more than 300 miles on a single charge, so there’s definitely opportunity for exploration. Beyond the extra giddyup, the Subaru does bring a different look. Whereas the Highlander keeps with Toyota’s Hammerhead design language, the Getaway adopts LED clusters that also display charging status, and it features an illuminated six-star logo at the center of the grille. In keeping with its target audience, Subaru equips the Getaway with burly roof rails for outdoorsy accessories, and it also offers a max wheel size of 20 inches compared to the Highlander’s 22s. Keeping some things consistent Of course, despite these differentiators, the two vehicles do share more than their funky flush door handles, especially when it comes to the interior. Features like the 14-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster are carried over to the Getaway. Both sport 14-inch multimedia touchscreens, and both come with 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters providing access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also charging provisions in every row, and you’ll find options for captain’s chairs and a panoramic roof regardless of the badge on the front. Moreover, with the third row folded, each vehicle offers 45.6 cubic-feet of cargo room in the rear, and with it up they still offer 15.9 cubic-feet. In other words, they both promise to be plenty spacious whether you’re headed to the beach or doing the carpool run. The similarities don’t stop there, either. Although Subaru is launching the Getaway with a long-range battery as standard, it has announced that the model will add another option with a 77.0-kWh lithium-ion battery, like Toyota’s. Subaru will be adding a standard-range option with a 77-kWh battery pack, assuming you don’t need the extra juice. Moreover, while the Highlander will also be debuting with V2L, both EVs promise a 150-kW charging speed enabling top ups from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Availability and pricing Importantly, it’s to come with the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, so it won’t be a single-motor variant like the Highlander XLE FWD. Whether the Getaway will receive a front-wheel drive variant, only time will tell, as the Subaru Uncharted is currently unique in that honor. As neither automaker has announced pricing at this stage, it remains to be seen how power will affect MSRP. Regardless, you have to hand it to Subaru: between the Uncharted and the Getaway, the EV era has yielded more than one brand superlative already. Black Subaru SUV driving on coastal road at sunset with hills and ocean in background. About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers. Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results. add as a preferred source on google
+28 others
