Subarus are known for being practical, nimble, and a hoot to drive—a perfect combination most vehicles can only ever dream of having. But do these qualities carry over with the Japanese carmaker’s decision to go supersized in the Evoltis?
It’s a valid question. Size and weight do, after all, play a massive part in a vehicle’s maneuverability. And for the most part, Subaru has kept its lineup relatively compact throughout the years. This changed when the brand announced it was developing the Evoltis, also known as the Ascent, back in 2017.
Top Gear Philippines assistant managing editor Jason Tulio gets behind the wheel of the Evoltis to find out. First impressions? The vehicle has a lot going for it, but it isn’t perfect.
On the plus side, the Evoltis is a looker. Its exterior is muscular, but it has a bit of sportiness thrown into the aesthetic as well. Captain’s chairs are always a big deal, and the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer with 256hp and 375Nm performs admirably, aside from a few instances of turbo lag.
There are some question marks here, though. That engine? Well, it isn’t very efficient. That, and the vehicle costs about a million pesos more than today’s top-spec Japanese midsize SUVs. There’s also a bit too much going on when it comes to driver controls, too—something that may be an issue if you’re looking for a more minimalist driving experience that’s easy to grasp.
Want to learn more about the Subaru Evoltis? Just press play on the video above. Also, be sure to subscribe to the official Top Gear Philippines YouTube channel for more car reviews and features.
