2025 Subaru Evoltis 2.4L Touring

Power in comfort

Enthusiasts typically choose Subaru for its performance and driving dynamics. With its rally-bred heritage, it's no surprise many swear by models such as the WRX, WRX STI, and the BRZ. However, these vehicles can only seat two to five people, which limits the versatility for even the briefest and smallest of road trips.

Yes, they already have the Crosstrex (formerly XV), Forester, and Outback. All of those are more spacious, but are still 5-seaters. Enter the Evoltis, a Subaru that allows seven people to experience what the brand has to offer.

Curious just how the Evoltis would do on such an occasion, we tried out Subaru's 7-seater crossover SUV to see just how it handled itself on long drives and in the twisties. Does it deliver on the goods, and is it worth the sticker price Subaru is asking for?

The design of the Subaru Evoltis gives off a subtle executive appeal. It avoids the overly futuristic look thanks to its sharp angles and doesn’t lean into a retro, boxy aesthetic too much either, which I appreciate. The refreshed fascia features a chrome bar splitting the grille, updated headlights, redesigned air vents at the bottom, and new fog light housings, which translates into a classier appearance.

Despite its understated elegance, the Evoltis commands a strong presence on the road, standing out prominently among other SUVs. However, its massive size, particularly its width, makes navigating some of Manila’s narrower lanes and parking spaces a tight squeeze, even though it may appear smaller in photos.

The addition of extra cameras on the side mirrors improves maneuverability and outside visibility, but I found the left side mirror a bit too magnified for my preference. That's because the Evoltis (AKA the Ascent) comes from North America, where that type of mirror is common. This makes judging the left side of the vehicle more challenging, and combined with the Evoltis' size, it adds an extra layer of difficulty when driving in tight spaces.

The interior of the Subaru Evoltis feels premium, with plush seats wrapped in leather and soft-touch materials. The steering wheel is sturdy and feels well-built, while the infotainment screen is massive and comes with vibrant colors. It's also very responsive and has sufficient brightness for sunny days. The rearview camera has good quality, even at night, and its adjustable brightness is helpful. The sound system is quite refined, delivering a balanced and rich audio experience that pairs perfectly with the cabin's impressive quietness and lack of tire noise.

I did encounter a frustrating issue with the wireless Android Auto feature, which prompts me to “connect cable to use Android Auto,” despite the local specifications claiming support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, a wireless charger would have been a welcome feature, especially considering the Evoltis' price point. To put things into perspective, high-grade models of the Nissan Almera, the Mitsubishi XForce, and the BYD Seal 5 come with a charging pad, and they are more affordable vehicles.

I’m also not a fan of touchscreen-based climate control. I just find it less practical and not as ergonomic as traditional analog switches or buttons. The tactile feedback of physical controls offers a reassuring convenience, allowing adjustments without taking your eyes off the road.

Where the Evoltis truly stands out is its cabin space. Many seven-seater SUVs compromise on third-row comfort or sacrifice second-row usability, but the Evoltis balances both exceptionally well. Its interior can comfortably accommodate passengers up to 6 feet tall in all three rows.

Yes, three 5'11" individuals can sit one behind the other with sufficient legroom, as confirmed by my colleagues. The trunk space, even with the third row up, is also impressive. It can easily fit three coolers with additional room for bags, making the Evoltis an excellent choice for families or group outings.

The Evoltis features Subaru's iconic Boxer engine, which consists of a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four that delivers 264 PS and 375 Nm of torque. While this may seem modest for a big vehicle, it still performed impressively. The Evoltis gets off the line smoothly and quickly, though it won’t deliver the type of acceleration that pins you to your seat. Overtaking and picking up speed are effortless, thanks to the responsive CVT ensuring smooth power delivery that gives confidence while driving.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the cold start of the Evoltis. The subtle engine rumble, accompanied by a gentle vibration, adds a touch of character to the vehicle. It’s a small detail, but it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

However, with great power comes great fuel consumption. During my time with the Evoltis, I averaged 5–6 km/L in city driving with heavy traffic. On the highway, fuel efficiency improved to 8.8 km/L, but it dropped significantly on mountain roads, especially with six passengers and a fair amount of luggage onboard.

The driving experience is where the Subaru Evoltis truly shines. On the highway, it feels stable and planted, even delivering a sense of confidence at higher speeds. Cruising on expressways while using the advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) is a breeze, as the car maintains its lane with precision, and acceleration and braking are smooth, making it an excellent companion for long road trips.

On twisty roads, the Evoltis exceeded my expectations for a vehicle of its size. It feels surprisingly agile and stable, with minimal body roll. The suspension, while slightly stiff and sporty, inspires confidence in corners, though it does trade off a bit of comfort. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides more than enough power to handle both highways and mountain roads with ease. The steering is sharp and responsive despite its huge size, giving the Evoltis a crossover-like feel despite being a full-size SUV.

Passengers won’t feel left out of the experience either. The second row, equipped with captain’s chairs and dedicated climate controls, offers excellent comfort. Even in the third row, the space is sufficient for long drives, as evidenced by my companions, who fell asleep during our journey, a proof of the Evoltis’ comfort and ride quality.

While there are other options in the market that offer more advanced cabin features or hybrid powertrains, the Subaru Evoltis stands out in its own right. Its excellent driving dynamics, smooth power delivery, impressive handling, and spacious cabin that genuinely accommodates seven passengers make it a compelling choice.

But at PHP 3,780,000, the Evoltis is quite the purchase for a seven-seater. Yes, it presents a solid proposition for those seeking a well-rounded full-size SUV that focuses on performance, with solid comfort, and practicality. However, there are now plenty of new options in the market that have the same attributes, at far more affordable price tags.