Top Evo Brands: The Ultimate Selection Guide

In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, the term "EVO" often sparks thoughts of performance-driven vehicles designed to deliver exhilarating experiences on the road. Known for their speed, agility, and cutting-edge technology, these cars have gained a dedicated following among enthusiasts. Several brands have made a significant mark in the EVO segment, each bringing unique elements of refinement, power, and innovation. If you're eager to explore which brands currently lead the pack in the world of EVO, continue reading below.

Illustration of evo

Best brands of evo in 2025

Kawasaki

Kawasaki, a renowned leader in the industry, has further solidified its position with the introduction of the EVO engine line, which boasts increased power density and greater fuel efficiency. Unveiled in 2022, these electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engines feature enhanced intake and a technologically advanced throttle control system, resulting in higher performance and improved fuel economy. The EVO engines deliver a minimum of 98% of rated horsepower and are designed with a new cylinder head and optimized combustion chamber for maximum efficiency. This innovation is part of Kawasaki's commitment to environmental performance, reducing emissions while maintaining high power output. The EVO line is manufactured at the Kawasaki Engines facility in Maryville, Missouri, and is distributed through a network of over 7,700 independent dealers. For more details, visit the official announcement on Kawasaki's EVO engine introduction.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is renowned for its Lancer Evolution series, with the Evo VII and Evo VIII models showcasing exceptional performance, such as the Evo VII's 0-60 mph in 5 seconds and a top speed of 157 mph, and the Evo VIII's 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds and a top speed of 151 mph. Since 2003, Mitsubishi imported 43,249 Evo VIII, IX, and X models to the U.S., contributing to the total of 133,082 Evos produced globally. The brand's commitment to innovative engineering and rally heritage has made the Evo a highly sought-after vehicle, with prices for used models ranging from $20,000 to $35,000. The Evo's performance and collectibility have been highlighted by notable sales, such as a brand-new 2006 Evo IX MR selling for $138,000 in 2017. Mitsubishi's "Drive Your Ambition" tagline reflects the brand's adventurous and progressive mindset. For more detailed performance statistics, visit the Mitsubishi Evo VII performance page.

Subaru

Subaru, although not traditionally known as a leading producer of electric vehicles (EVs), has been making strides in the EV market, albeit with some challenges. In Q1 2024, Subaru sold 1,147 electric vehicles in the U.S., reflecting a 15.6% decrease from the 1,359 units sold in Q1 2023, which resulted in a market share of 0.4%. The Subaru Solterra, their sole EV model, accounts for all of their EV sales and has been a key factor in their EV market performance. Despite the decline, Subaru is working to establish a foothold in the growing EV market. However, their primary strength remains in their traditional gasoline-powered models like the WRX STI, known for its performance and handling. For more information about Subaru's vehicles, visit their official website.

Honda

Honda is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles, marking a significant leap in its electrification efforts, particularly in China where its first NEV plant, operated by Dongfeng Honda, has begun production with an annual capacity of 120,000 vehicles. By 2027, Honda plans to have a battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup of 10 models, and by 2035, all Honda models sold in China will be BEVs. In the US, Honda's Prologue EV model has seen a remarkable surge, with 12,644 sales in the third quarter of 2024, highlighting the brand's strong market presence. Despite facing a 42.93% year-on-year decline in sales in China in September, Honda is regaining ground with its EV strategy. The company's commitment to electrification is evident in its plans to establish comprehensive EV production, including a new EV plant and battery plant with capacities of 240,000 EVs and 36 GWh per year, respectively, starting in 2028. For a detailed overview of Honda's NEV plant development, visit their NEV plant announcement.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a renowned brand that has established itself as a leading producer in various sectors, including motorcycles and musical instruments. In the motorcycle segment, Yamaha ranked as the 7th best-selling manufacturer of two-wheelers based on retail sales, with models like the FZ and R15 showing significant year-over-year growth, such as a 44.58% increase in R15 sales in February 2024. The company's domestic sales in February 2024 saw a strong rise of 43.51% to 56,538 units compared to the same period in 2023. Despite challenges in certain markets, such as a 42.6% decline in South Korea, Yamaha remains a major player globally. Founded by Torakusu Yamaha in 1887, the company has a rich history of innovation and expansion. For more details on Yamaha's journey, visit their history page.

Suzuki

Suzuki, particularly through its subsidiary Maruti Suzuki, has cemented its position as one of the top automobile producers in India, with a market share of over 40%. In 2023, Suzuki's global production reached 3,224,996 units, a 101.7% year-on-year increase, marking the third consecutive year of growth. In India, Maruti Suzuki achieved a record high yearly production of 1,934,186 units, up 100.9% year-on-year. The brand's sales have also seen significant growth, with a 5.3% year-on-year increase in November 2024, selling 141,312 units. Suzuki's Japan production has been on the rise as well, with a 108.3% year-on-year increase in 2023. For more detailed insights, visit the official Suzuki news site.

Ducati

Ducati, a renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer, has cemented its position as one of the best producers in the industry, particularly evident in its record-breaking sales in 2022 and the first half of 2023. In 2022, Ducati delivered 61,562 motorcycles, marking a 3.6% growth over 2021 and surpassing the 60,000-bikes mark for the first time in its history. The first half of 2023 saw another milestone with 34,976 motorcycles delivered, a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Key models like the Multistrada V4, Monster, and Scrambler 800 series have been major contributors to this success. Ducati's commitment to innovation, design, and technology has made it a global ambassador of 'Made in Italy' excellence. Learn more about Ducati's journey and achievements on their official site.

BMW

BMW has solidified its position as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with the brand selling 179,557 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the first half of 2024, a figure that surpasses the combined totals of Mercedes and Audi. In 2023, BMW achieved a record with 376,183 BEV sales, representing a 74.4% increase from the previous year and accounting for 15% of all sales. The company aims to sell over 500,000 BEVs in 2024, further cementing its dominance. BMW's flexible architecture approach has been instrumental in this success, allowing for a robust and diverse EV lineup. The brand's electric vehicle sales have grown significantly, with a 34.1% surge in the first half of 2024. For more details on BMW's achievement, visit the BMW electric vehicle sales report.

Triumph

Triumph Motorcycles has emerged as a leading producer in the premium motorcycle segment, driven by a focused strategy in product planning and distribution management. In 2024, Triumph is projected to achieve near 125,000 sales globally, a 37% increase from the previous year and doubling the 2020 sales volume. The company has successfully expanded into new markets, particularly in India and China, with the introduction of smaller engine models such as the 400cc and 660cc engines. This expansion has contributed to a significant market share, with Triumph holding about 10% of the premium motorcycle market in Europe. The company's revenue is estimated to reach USD 0.69 billion in 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.75% from 2024 to 2029. For more detailed insights, visit Triumph Motorcycles sales and market data.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is a renowned American motorcycle manufacturer celebrated for its iconic and powerful vehicles, particularly the Evolution (Evo) engine introduced in 1984. The Evo engine, an air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, came in various displacements, including 1,340 cc for Big V-twins and 883 cc and 1,200 cc for Sportster models. This engine replaced the Shovelhead and was later succeeded by the Twin Cam 88 in 1999. Harley-Davidson holds a significant market share, with around 19.9% of the U.S. motorcycle market as of 2024. The company has witnessed a double-digit sales growth in 2024, with Year to Date August figures at 134,597 units, marking a potential new era for the brand.