Carista EVO OBD2 Scanner Review

Ross Ballot
by Ross Ballot
Photo Credit: Ross Ballot

Technology has made an extreme improvement in the accessibility of diagnosing vehicular issues. Long gone are the days of timing lights and tearing apart carburetors (at least in the instance of modern vehicles), and now we live in the time of plugging a piece of metal and plastic into another piece of metal and plastic to learn everything happening with a vehicle. OBD2 scanners are a dime a dozen, and we recently tested the Carista EVO to see how it does. Can it stand out?

First impressions count, and the Carista EVO doesn't disappoint. The packaging is great and the item itself even comes in a protective sleeve, which feels almost reassuring and as if the company cares about the delivery of the product to your hands. Its sleek design and compact form factor hint at the advanced capabilities within. Pairing the scanner with the Carista mobile app is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive interface and seamless connectivity options. Within moments, I found myself immersed in a world of automotive data and insights.


One of the most notable aspects of the Carista EVO is its extensive vehicle compatibility. This broad reach ensures that enthusiasts from all walks of life can tap into its diagnostic abilities, enhancing their understanding of their vehicles' inner workings.


The Carista mobile app is solid, too. We were skeptical of the quality of the Carista app given its almost too-good ratings on the Apple App Store, but those worries were squashed after a few minutes of toggling through the functions. From reading and clearing trouble codes to accessing real-time data streams, the app empowers users to take control of their car's health with ease. What's more, the app receives regular updates, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of automotive technology.

Photo Credit: Ross Ballot

Connectivity is where the Carista EVO truly shines. With support for Bluetooth, users can enjoy seamless data transfer and stable connections. This means faster diagnostics and smoother user experiences, whether you're performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting more complex issues. Connecting was truly quick and easy, which isn’t something we can say about many other Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 scanners we have used in the past.


As for the information that the Carista EVO provides, it speaks for itself. There are a ton of things it can do, including service, diagnostic, live data, and vehicle electronics customization abilities. We explored a bunch of these and found them to work as expected, which is to say that they work.

In conclusion, the Carista EVO OBD2 scanner shows the power of innovation in the automotive industry. Its blend of advanced features, intuitive interface, and wide compatibility make it a standout choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you're delving into DIY repairs or simply curious about your car's inner workings, the Carista EVO is a worthy choice. For $69.99 we can fully get on board with the Carista EVO as a go-to OBD2 scanner. That is, of course, you should want to do all of your OBD2 scanning via your phone rather than a standalone unit. There might be less expensive options, but this seems to be a well-done product.

Ross Ballot
Ross Ballot

Ross hosts The Off the Road Again Podcast. He has been in the off-road world since he was a kid riding in the back of his dad’s YJ Wrangler. He works in marketing by day and in his free time contributes to Hooniverse, AutoGuide, and ATV.com, and in the past has contributed to UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Everyday Driver. Ross drives a 2018 Lexus GX460 that is an ongoing build project featured on multiple websites and the podcast.

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