- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Breaking new ground
The Subaru Evoltis is a seven- or eight-seat passenger all-wheel drive SUV produced by Subaru since 2017. This is the largest Subaru vehicle ever made. It is 4,998 mm long, 1,930 mm wide and 1,819 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,890 mm. Due to its size and equipment, the SUV may compete with such well-known models as the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, the Mazda CX-9 and the Volkswagen Teramont. With a length of almost five meters, the Subaru Evoltis surpasses both the Tribeca (4,855 mm) and the Highlander (4,890 mm), but loses to the CX-9 (5,075 mm), the Teramont (5,036 mm) and the Explorer (5,019 mm). As for its wheelbase (2,890 mm), the SUV surpasses the Toyota (2,790 mm) and the Ford (2,860 mm), but loses to the Mazda (2,930 mm) and the Volkswagen (2,979 mm). In 2021, Israeli buyers could purchase the first generation SUV.
Exterior and interior
The Evoltis is based on the SGP (Subaru Global Platform) modular platform stretched and reinforced with additional crossbars, which is used for the new generation Impreza, XV and Forester compact models. In the United States, the analogue of Evoltis Assent has already won the Consumer Reports Award as the safest and most reliable SUV. It was overseas that the sales of the new model started in 2018 under the name of Ascent.
The vehicle looks formidable, but it very much resembles a large estate with a calm and peaceful image. Such elements as a simple boring muzzle and a flat rear bumper give the impression that the vehicle is targeted at people who do not care much about appearance.
The resemblance to an estate grows stronger when getting inside, since the low waistline on one side provides very good visibility, which, together with a low dash panel, creates a feeling of spaciousness. And it is not deceiving: the second row provides a lot of legroom. Access to the third row is facilitated by folding seats and 75-degree swing doors. And thanks to the movable seats, you can share the space with the third row passengers. It is quite acceptable even for adults, if the second row seats are not pulled back to the maximum.
The Evoltis can boast of quite a roomy trunk with the underfloor space. You can put two medium suitcases in it or put one large one on its side. And if you fold the third row or even the second, you get a real family van with a capacity of up to 2,056 liters.
Power trains
The Evoltis is the first model equipped with a new turbocharged 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. It is part of the FA family and is an evolution of the two-liter opposed engine used on the Forester, WRX and Levorg models: it has direct injection and a turbocharger with two exhaust ports. The engine produces 260 hp and 376 Nm.
All the vehicles are equipped with a reinforced Lineartronic CVT and a signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive transmission. The vehicle is capable of towing trailers weighing up to 2,268 kg. Just like other SUVs from this brand, the newcomer has a dual-mode X-electronic system for better off-road performance. And when driving on the pavement, the vehicle is assisted by Active Torque Vectoring, which first appeared on the WRX STI sports sedan. This system can brake slightly the inner front wheel when turning to add traction on the outer front wheel, which helps the car enter a fast turn. The SUV is equipped with the McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. The ground clearance is 220 mm.
Equipment
Even on the basic trim level, the 2017/2018 Subaru Evoltis has an eight-seater passenger compartment: the second and third rows can accommodate three passengers, while the trunk in this version turns out to be quite roomy and even has the underfloor space. As for the expensive versions, you can order separate second row ‘captain’ seats for free, in which case the SUV will become seven-seater. And it is easier to get to the third row thanks to doors swinging open 75 degrees.
The passenger compartment is unpretentious, but has the three-zone climate control. Both the second and third rows have separate air vents. Plus, the passengers can benefit from 19 cup- and bottle holders, eight USB ports and a 12-volt socket. Moreover, the basic trim comprises seven airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver) and the signature EyeSight system with two cameras under the windshield, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and lane tracking systems. A media system has an 8.0 inch screen (depending on the trim level). Other options include an electric drive and ventilated front seats, heated second row and steering wheel, front and rear cameras, LED headlights, as well as access to some functions of the vehicle from a smartphone.
The Luxury trim also includes rain and light sensors, a ‘smart’ interior mirror, ventilated front seats and a front camera, which can display information on a ‘smart’ mirror. This version is 7-seater, as the second row comprises two comfortable separate seats.
