Subaru has always been known for crafting lifestyle-focused sedans and crossovers, typically maxing out at a 5-seater capacity.
Then, at some point, someone in the higher ranks decided to task their engineers with creating a 7-seater SUV because more people mean more fun, right?
Enter the Evoltis, where Subaru seems to have taken that challenge and exceeded expectations, even adding in captain’s chairs for good measure.
I was initially skeptical. Subaru cars have generally been priced just below the luxury segment—not exactly budget-friendly but affordable for the features offered. However, at ₱3.8 million, the Evoltis represents a major price jump in their lineup, making even the BRZ seem affordable in comparison.
Thanks to our friends at Subaru, I got behind the wheel of their largest SUV—or is it a Van?—the Evoltis. I was ready to find out if this luxury price tag truly delivered on its promise.
Exterior: Is it an SUV? Or a van that’s been working out?
Officially, it’s labeled an SUV. To me, though, it looks more like a beefy adventure van, thanks to its roof racks, wide frame, and long, low profile.
Speaking of low, its ground clearance of 220 mm may not match others in its class, but it’s not far off. I think the 20-inch rims give it that extra height boost and add a polished, urban edge that complements the car’s chrome accents.
The design has a certain charm—like a family man keeping his youthful edge for adventure. From its aggressive halogen headlamps and tail lamps, which I always joke look like anime eyes, to its wide, muscular body, the Evoltis has a commanding presence that stands out.
It has the rugged feel of a vehicle ready for the great outdoors, yet it’s refined enough to look right at home in the city. Subaru has nailed the concept of a versatile family getaway vehicle that adapts to your needs—whether you’re exploring rough terrain or rolling up to a city event.
Engine: A Fast and Nimble Big Boy.
If I had to pick a surprising favorite feature, it would be that, despite its large body, this car is surprisingly fast. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine impresses with 260 horsepower, a top speed of 208 km/h, and 375 Nm of torque on a Symmetrical AWD drivetrain.
You feel every bit of its power when you put your foot down, making it easy to reach expressway speeds—and beyond—if you’re not careful.
It might seem like overkill for a family SUV, but that’s part of its charm—you’ll never be left wanting for performance when you need it.
Beyond power, the handling is surprisingly responsive, making it easy to corner despite the car’s size. It’s nimble, and although the steering wheel feels a bit small for the cabin, it’s light and easy to maneuver.
Switching lanes in the Evoltis feels effortless, as the car is easy and precise to drive, staying stable and firmly planted on the road.
Technology: Keeping an Eye Out for You.
You can’t talk about this car without mentioning Subaru’s EyeSight technology, which adds more intelligence to the driving experience. This system alerts you if another vehicle is approaching from either side, if you unintentionally drift out of your lane, or even if you’re distracted and not fully focused on the road.
At one point, I found myself trying to figure out where the camera might be hidden because the system is so intuitive—it truly feels like having a co-pilot who’s always looking out for you.
After experiencing this firsthand, I can confidently say that if I were to have a family one day, this would be the safest car I could imagine driving them around in.
Interior: A Utility Belt of Comfort.
Stepping inside, the Evoltis proves its adaptability yet again. As someone who’s almost 6 feet tall, I appreciated the generous legroom and headspace. It’s like the car was designed with a wide range of body types in mind, ensuring that comfort is always a priority.
The seats, wide and supportive, make a world of difference. Unlike other vehicles where the seating can feel awkward or cramped, these seats are designed to hug your frame—especially your lower back.
This subtle support helps you maintain good posture without even realizing it. It’s an essential feature if you plan on long drives or daily commutes. The plastic matte wood finish adds a premium executive feel, while the thoughtful restraint on easily scratchable piano finishes ensures durability where it counts.
The seats, made of durable leather, no other premium badging, even feature an extendable leg area for those moments when you just want to stretch out and relax. Whether you’re hiding from the world or just winding down after a hectic day, the Evoltis has your back.
The massive infotainment screen might not be the biggest I’ve ever seen, but it’s certainly impressive. At 11.6 inches of screen size, It comes with Apple carplay and Android auto which wirelessly connects to your phone.
Subaru made the decision to replace many traditional buttons and knobs with a touchscreen, but the functionality remains intuitive. From the A/C to the driving modes and even toggling safety features, everything is controlled through the interface.
What really impressed me was the high-definition parking assist video.
The screen’s clarity is astonishing, and even the most seasoned drivers on our team were taken aback by the level of detail provided by the rear camera. It’s got parking assist and 360-degree view system as well. It’s these little touches that elevate the driving experience, making it feel like you’ve got everything you need in one vehicle.
Convenient capabilities when it comes to passenger capacity. At the back, you have a 100W charging plug, a Lightning port, and USB ports to keep everyone’s devices charged. There are cup holders for four, two main captain chairs, and additional seating at the rear that comfortably fits three normal-sized adults.
If you need storage, the Evoltis offers a whopping 2,000 liters of max space, by folding all chairs seamlessly down for hauling things for your business or camping gear with your buddy, pop just the 3 seats at the back, now you have an easy family beach trip getaway, and, with it’s large booty, you won’t have any trouble with those large weekly S&R groceries.
The versatility of this car is wild, I can totally see it fit so many different lifestyles and life events by just how you customize the passenger cabins in a minute.
Game for Anything, Anytime.
After spending several days driving the Evoltis, I’m still a bit baffled by who, exactly, this car is designed for. Typical family vehicles are usually large MPVs or rugged SUVs, each crafted for a specific lifestyle, and they fulfill that role well.
But the Evoltis doesn’t quite fit into any of those categories. It’s a bit overpowered for its looks, yet it’s remarkably easy to handle and actually fun to drive on any terrain. Plus, it’s loaded with safety features and provides ample comfort for long trips.
Where the Evoltis really shines, though, is in its adaptable passenger cabin, which sparks endless ideas about what you could bring along and who could join you on the journey.
Now, am I saying it’s the best hauler or a luxury ride? No—it’s simply good enough at each of these things.
But that’s exactly the point: it’s a fantastic jack-of-all-trades SUV, designed to adapt to just about anything and every situation. The Evoltis provides safety, comfort, and flexibility, transforming to meet your needs. It’s not just built for one lifestyle; it’s built for every lifestyle.
So, is the price worth it? Despite its steep cost, I’m leaning slightly towards yes. It delivers on all its promises—power, comfort, features, and safety—and it’s truly a car you can depend on for anything. If budget isn’t a concern, this is a fantastic all-rounder: a do-anything, everyday car.