- Subaru is making its boldest play yet for the adventure-family market, and the Forester Wilderness Hybrid's 25% fuel economy improvement over previous Wilderness models could finally eliminate the painful trade-off between off-road capability and efficiency.
- The real surprise is the all-electric Getaway — Subaru's most powerful production vehicle ever — hitting 60 mph in under 5 seconds with 420 horsepower while seating seven, though its modest 8.3 inches of ground clearance raises questions about how serious it really is off pavement.
- If you're a family shopping for a do-everything SUV that can tow, adventure, and still qualify as an EV with over 300 miles of range, Subaru just made your 2027 decision a lot more complicated.
Subaru is bringing a lot of firsts to the New York International Auto Show, including the first-ever Subaru Forester Wilderness hybrid and the first-ever Subaru Getaway. Ever. These two vehicles showcase Subaru’s focus on families that want to go on weekend adventures.
The hybrid version of the Subaru Forester Wilderness is the “most efficient Wilderness model ever,” Subaru stated. With up to 25% better fuel economy than previous Wilderness models, 9.3-inch ground clearance, X-MODE, all-wheel drive, upgraded suspension, and all-terrain tires, the 2027 Subaru Wilderness embraces the brand’s “go-anywhere” motto.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid was definitely created with off-roading in mind. The increased ground clearance (the Forester Hybrid has just 8.7 inches) is possible thanks to the Wilderness Hybrid’s longer coil springs and shock absorbers. It also has a lighter, stiffer chassis. While taking on challenging paths, the Wilderness Hybrid can switch from Snow/Dirt to Deep Snow/Mud in its X-MODE system with Hill Descent Control for extra confidence. You’ll also have Subaru’s driver-assist technology, including blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, and lane-change assist, making navigation even easier.
Inside, you have sound-absorbing materials, weather-resistant seating, 69 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen with wireless connectivity, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Apple Maps integration. Basically, you have everything you need for a weekend trip: directions, comfort, and space.
All-new Subaru Getaway is great for big families that want adventure, but maybe stick to the paved roads
If you need even more seats, the three-row all-electric Subaru Getaway may be what you’re looking for. This is the “most powerful production” Subaru, making the Getaway “perfect” for a “rapid getaway with room for the whole family on a blast through Yellowstone,” stated the press release.
You can fit up to seven people with the trim that includes the second-row bench seat, or six with the standard captain’s chairs in the second row. Both offer a ton of headroom and legroom, so everyone can easily climb in and head on an adventure together. With the third row upright, the Getaway offers 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Got everything? It’s time to get going.
With front and rear electric motors that deliver a combined 420 horsepower, the Getaway can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds, getting the trip started quite quickly. Once you’re on the highway, the high-capacity, long-range 95.8-kWh lithium-ion battery is rated for more than 300 miles on a single charge (a 77.0-kWh option will become available in the first half of 2027). Then, once you reach the park, you can use the Getaway’s all-wheel drive, 8.3-inch ground clearance, X-MODE system with grip control and downhill assist control to take the vehicle off-roading.
“The 2027 Subaru Getaway creates a unique and inviting space for the driver and passengers by adapting Subaru’s next-generation EV styling elements onto a family-friendly vehicle,” stated the press release from Subaru. Indeed, there will be family-friendly features throughout the vehicle, like cup holders for every seat, third-row vents, customizable ambient lighting, and charging ports in every row. There’s also a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Outside, the Getaway has dynamic daytime running lights, ladder-type roof rails, flush door handles for aerodynamic efficiency, and clean body lines.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid and Subaru Getaway will be available late 2026. Expect more pricing information and other specific details at a later date.
I’m still not fully convinced that EVs are the best option for off-roading, even the Getaway. I think it’s more capable than Toyota’s bZ Woodland BEV, but exposed batteries, heavier bodies, and no way to charge if it dies in the middle of the woods still don’t give me the confidence I need to take an EV off-roading myself. The upcoming Subaru Trailseeker EV is Subaru’s quickest vehicle to date, but early reviewers were taken to some pretty tame, hilly paths for the “off-roading” test. Even the gas-powered Subaru Outback, often associated with adventure, is known as a “soft-roader.” It’s not like you’re going to be doing the Rubicon Trail in any stock Subaru.
Still, those who want to take a weekend trip with a vehicle styled for outdoor adventure, with a comfy, well-equipped interior to match, will find a lot to love about the Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid and Subaru Getaway. Subaru’s focus on electric vehicles has proven promising thus far, offering drivers the experience they want without major sacrifices.
