2027 Subaru Getaway Production Delayed: Why Subaru's Most Powerful SUV Ever Will Arrive Later Than Planned
Subaru's biggest and most powerful model will not reach showrooms on its original schedule. The three-row electric SUV, which shares its platform with the upcoming Toyota Highlander EV, has officially been pushed back while engineers complete final adjustments before launch.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru has officially confirmed that the start of 2027 Subaru Getaway production is delayed, following an initial report by Carscoops.
- The company says it needs sufficient time for final adjustments before launch and has not shared a revised timeline.
- The related Toyota Highlander EV was delayed by at least eight weeks, and a similar wait is expected for the Getaway.
- Both three-row electric SUVs are now expected at dealerships in early 2027 instead of late 2026.
- The Getaway keeps its headline spec sheet: a 420-horsepower dual-motor setup with standard all-wheel drive and a targeted range of over 300 miles.
Subaru Confirms the Getaway Delay: What the Company Actually Said
If you were counting down to the arrival of Subaru's first three-row electric SUV, you will need to reset the clock. Earlier this month, Toyota revealed that its closely related Highlander EV would be delayed. At the time, Subaru stayed quiet, leaving Getaway watchers to wonder whether the twin model would follow. That uncertainty is now over.
The delay was first reported by Carscoops, and a Subaru representative subsequently confirmed it to Car and Driver. The official statement reads:
"The start of production for the Getaway is expected to be delayed to allow sufficient time for final adjustments before launch. We are unable to provide any further details at this time."
The wording closely mirrors Toyota's own statement about the Highlander EV, which is no coincidence. The two SUVs are platform siblings developed side by side, so a shared pre-production bottleneck affecting both vehicles makes logical sense.
How Long Will Buyers Actually Have to Wait?
This is where the picture gets less precise. Subaru declined to provide a revised schedule, and no new production date has been announced. That means every timeline you read right now is an informed estimate rather than a confirmed fact.
Here is what we can reasonably piece together:
- The baseline: Toyota stated that Highlander EV production would slip by a minimum of eight weeks.
- The original plan: Both SUVs were expected to start reaching customers by the end of 2026.
- The realistic window: Based on that eight-week minimum, first deliveries should now land in early 2027.
It is worth stressing that eight weeks is a floor, not a ceiling. If the final adjustments Subaru mentioned prove more involved, the delay could stretch further. Until the company confirms a firm start-of-production date, early 2027 should be treated as a best-case expectation.
What Makes the 2027 Subaru Getaway Worth Waiting For
The delay stings more because the Getaway is not just another trim shuffle. It breaks new ground for the brand in several ways at once.
The Most Powerful Production Subaru Ever Built
Every Getaway will come standard with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain producing 420 horsepower. That figure makes it the most powerful production vehicle Subaru has ever offered, eclipsing even the brand's performance icons. For context, the all-wheel-drive version of its platform twin, the Highlander EV, makes 338 horsepower.
Big Battery, Long Range, and a Cheaper Version Later
At launch, the Getaway will use a 96-kWh battery targeting over 300 miles of range. A more affordable variant built around a smaller 77-kWh pack is planned to follow later, although Subaru has not yet released a range estimate for that version, so its efficiency story remains unconfirmed.
It Completes a Rapidly Expanding Subaru EV Family
The Getaway is the flagship of an electric lineup that has grown far quicker than many expected. Below it sit the updated Solterra, the Trailseeker, and the compact Uncharted, which we recently covered in detail in our in-depth 2026 Subaru Uncharted review. For loyal Subaru families who have outgrown two-row crossovers but refuse to leave the brand, the Getaway is the missing piece.
Watch the 2027 Subaru Getaway in Action
Before the delay news broke, Subaru released an official walkaround of the Getaway covering its three-row interior, charging hardware, and driving tech. It remains the best look yet at what buyers will be waiting for:
Official 2027 Subaru Getaway walkaround. Video: Subaru of America
Subaru Getaway vs. Toyota Highlander EV: Same Bones, Different Personalities
Although the two SUVs share a platform and will roll off the same assembly line, they are aimed at subtly different buyers. The comparison below reflects only what has been confirmed so far; any figure not yet officially disclosed is marked accordingly.
| Specification | 2027 Subaru Getaway | 2027 Toyota Highlander EV |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Standard all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
| Electric motors | Dual motor only | Single motor (FWD) or dual motor (AWD) |
| Max output | 420 hp (most powerful production Subaru ever) | 338 hp (AWD version) |
| Launch battery | 96 kWh | Details still emerging |
| Range target | Over 300 miles; more affordable 77-kWh version to follow (range not yet estimated) | Details still emerging |
| Assembly | Toyota factory, Georgetown, Kentucky (shared line with both models) | |
| Expected arrival | Early 2027 (pushed back from late 2026 after confirmed delays) | |
The strategy is clear: Toyota covers the spectrum from affordable single-motor family hauler upward, while Subaru positions the Getaway as the driver-focused, standard-AWD choice. That is consistent with Subaru's broader brand identity, where all-wheel drive is a signature rather than an option.
Why This Delay Might Actually Be Good News (Expert Analysis)
Nobody enjoys waiting, but there are a few reasons a short pre-production pause can work in buyers' favor. The following is our editorial analysis rather than verified company policy, so treat it as informed perspective.
- First-generation EV teething problems are expensive to fix later. Catching calibration, thermal management, or software issues before vehicles ship is far cheaper than handling them through recalls and service campaigns after the fact.
- Both brands share the risk. Because the Highlander EV and Getaway are developed together, solving a problem once improves two products at the same time. That alignment likely explains the near-identical statements issued by both automakers.
- The wait appears short by industry standards. An eight-week scale delay is relatively minor. Other manufacturers have pushed electrified models back by years; recall our coverage of how Volkswagen pushed back its own hybrid SUV plans for the Atlas and Tiguan by multiple model years.
- The specs have not changed. Critically, nothing about the delay announcement affects what buyers were promised: 420 horsepower, standard AWD, three rows, and a 300-plus-mile range target all remain intact.
⚠ Worth knowing: Subaru has not commented on whether the delay affects pricing, trim availability, or the order of battery options. Until the company publishes a revised launch plan, anyone considering a reservation should confirm details directly with their local dealer.
Should You Wait, or Shop the Alternatives?
With first deliveries now expected in early 2027, the practical question is whether to hold out or buy sooner. The three-row electric SUV segment is already competitive, and several strong options exist today.
Pros of Waiting for the Getaway
- Standard all-wheel drive on every trim, a rarity in this segment
- 420 horsepower, more than the AWD Highlander EV that shares its bones
- Targeted range above 300 miles from the launch battery
- Alternative for established Subaru owners who want to stay in the ecosystem
Cons of Waiting
- No confirmed on-sale date, and the delay could stretch beyond eight weeks
- Pricing remains unannounced, so budgeting is guesswork for now
- The cheaper 77-kWh version comes later with no stated range estimate yet
- Rivals are selling right now, in some cases with incentives
If you need a family-sized EV sooner, it is worth studying what is already on sale. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 offers three rows, 800-volt fast charging, and serious long-distance ability, while European buyers can also watch the upcoming Skoda Peaq, a seven-seat electric flagship aimed at practical families. If your budget matters more than seating capacity, our roundup of the 15 cheapest electric cars available today shows how much EV you can get for well under the price of a large three-row model.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Subaru Getaway Delay
Why is the 2027 Subaru Getaway production delayed?
Subaru confirmed the delay to allow "sufficient time for final adjustments before launch." The company has not specified the exact issue. The related Toyota Highlander EV, which shares the same platform and factory, was delayed at the same time, suggesting a shared pre-production process.
How long is the Subaru Getaway delayed?
Subaru has not given an official figure. The most credible benchmark is the Toyota Highlander EV delay of at least eight weeks, and a similar time frame is expected for the Getaway. No revised production start date has been announced.
When will the 2027 Subaru Getaway go on sale?
The Getaway was originally expected to reach customers by the end of 2026. After the confirmed delay, first deliveries are expected in early 2027, although that window is an estimate rather than a confirmed date.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Subaru Getaway have?
The Getaway's dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain produces 420 horsepower, making it the most powerful production Subaru ever. All-wheel drive comes standard on every version.
What is the range of the 2027 Subaru Getaway?
The launch version uses a 96-kWh battery targeting over 300 miles of range. A more affordable version with a 77-kWh battery will follow later, but Subaru has not yet released a range estimate for it.
Where is the Subaru Getaway built?
The Getaway will be assembled at Toyota's factory in Georgetown, Kentucky, alongside the Toyota Highlander EV. The same plant also builds the Camry and RAV4.
Is the Subaru Getaway the same as the Toyota Highlander EV?
No. The two SUVs share a platform and a factory, but they use different powertrains. The Getaway comes exclusively with a 420-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, while the Highlander EV offers a single-motor front-wheel-drive version and a 338-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive version.
The Bottom Line
Delays are never the headline automakers want, but this one is measured in weeks rather than years. The 2027 Subaru Getaway still promises to be a landmark vehicle: Subaru's first three-row EV, its most powerful production model ever, and a standard-AWD alternative in a segment where rivals often charge extra for four-corner traction.
For buyers, the smart move is simple. If you want the Getaway specifically, the wait until early 2027 is short enough to live with. If you need a family EV before then, the current market has never offered more choice. Either way, this delay looks like a company taking one extra look before launch rather than one losing confidence in its product.
Stay Ahead of Every Launch Delay and Debut
We track every confirmed detail on the Getaway, the Highlander EV, and the rest of the 2027 electric SUV wave. Bookmark our EV news hub and check back for the official production date, pricing, and first-drive impressions the moment they drop.
Sources: Subaru statement via Car and Driver; initial delay reporting by Carscoops. Specifications and timelines reflect manufacturer statements available at the time of publication and may change. Images: Subaru. Video: Subaru of America.
