More refined and more capable (if a bit slower on the stopwatch) than previous Evos, the GSR carries more Evo DNA than the MR model. The GSR's strong five-speed manual will appeal to tuners.
8.8 / 10
Dynamics
8.0 / 10
Engine Performance
Smooth and progressive power delivery, deceptively quick. Sounds disappointing.
8.5 / 10
Transmission Performance
Fast-shifting five-speed. Slick, positive gearchanges with reasonably short throws.
9.0 / 10
Brake Performance
Powerful, with solid pedal feel.
9.0 / 10
Steering Perfomance
Quick, linear, excellent on-center and road feel. Hard to improve on.
9.0 / 10
Handling
Willing to rotate, eager to change direction despite weight gain compared to predecessor.
9.0 / 10
Fun-to-Drive
Great fun. More nimble than the competition.
7.8 / 10
Comfort
8.0 / 10
Ride Comfort
Improved over previous generation. Firm with good bump compliance.
7.5 / 10
Wind Noise
Reasonably well-controlled.
7.5 / 10
Road Noise
Doesn't lead its class here, but noise is not objectionable.
9.0 / 10
Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Outstanding seats in terms of support (particularly thigh support) and comfort.
7.0 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Ample headroom, legroom just okay. Seats are flat-ish but reasonably comfortable.
7.5 / 10
Driving Position
Lacks seat height adjuster and telescoping wheel. Basic position is sound aside from this.
7.4 / 10
Function
7.0 / 10
Headlight Illumination
Standard halogens not as effective as optional HIDs.
7.5 / 10
Visibility
Higher beltline than previous Evo.
7.0 / 10
Instrument Panel Layout
Legible, but on the small side.
8.0 / 10
Climate Control System Layout
Simple large three-knob layout works great
9.0 / 10
Audio System Layout
Dead-simple controls with standard radio -- two knobs and buttons for presets. Like it's 1990 all over again.
7.5 / 10
Secondary Control Layout
No issues to report.
7.5 / 10
Interior Storage
Console bin and glovebox of average size. Scant nooks and crannies.
7.0 / 10
Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
Trunk is decently sized when the optional sound system is declined. This sound system’s large subwoofer eats up trunk space, and so does the battery.
7.0 / 10
Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
Small pass-through only.
7.0 / 10
Cupholders
Rather shallow. Won't hold up to near 1.0-g cornering capability.
7.8 / 10
Design/Build Quality
8.0 / 10
Exterior Design
Aggressive nose is best feature. Looks a bit awkward in rear three-quarter view.
8.0 / 10
Interior Design
Fairly modern and usable interior design.
7.5 / 10
Interior Materials
Better than previous Evos, but still not class-leading.
8.0 / 10
Interior Control Tactile Feel
All controls have good action, save for chintzy HVAC knobs.
7.9
/ 10
8.8 / 10
8.5 / 10
7.5 / 10
7.0 / 10