EvolutionForester 4 PlusvsGEMe4
Complete head-to-head comparison. Which model is right for you?
Overall Winner: Tie
These carts serve fundamentally different needs at vastly different price points. The Evolution Forester 4 Plus is a remarkable value at $6,995 with its lifted platform and rugged styling, ideal for off-road use and gated communities. The GEM e4 at $17,490 is a premium factory LSV with full street-legal compliance, automotive-grade safety, and modern technology — essential for buyers who need to drive on public roads. Your needs, not just budget, should drive this decision.
Quick Comparison
Key differences at a glance
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Detailed comparison across all important factors
| Category | Evolution Forester 4 Plus | GEM e4 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance & Power | 7/10 Reaches 19 mph standard (25 mph with LSV package). Good power for a budget lifted cart with lithium battery providing 40-50 miles range. | 8/10 Delivers 25 mph standard with a 6.7 kW AC motor and up to 55 miles range. Factory-optimized for consistent on-road performance. | GEM e4 |
| Safety & Street Legality | 4/10 Not factory LSV-compliant. Can be equipped with aftermarket safety features but lacks automotive-grade safety engineering. | 10/10 Full factory LSV with 3-point seatbelts, automotive glass windshield, DOT tires, turn signals, mirrors, and complete FMVSS compliance. | GEM e4 |
| Off-Road Capability | 9/10 Factory-lifted platform with increased ground clearance, large off-road tires, and suspension designed for trails, dirt, and rough terrain. | 4/10 Street-focused LSV with standard-height suspension and road tires. Not designed for off-road use and could be damaged on rough terrain. | Evolution Forester 4 Plus |
| Features & Technology | 7/10 Well-equipped for the price with digital dash, LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, and USB charging. Impressive features for under $7,000. | 9/10 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, onboard diagnostics, USB charging, full LED lighting, and complete LSV safety equipment. | GEM e4 |
| Value & Pricing | 10/10 At $6,995 for a lifted lithium 4-passenger cart with modern features, the Forester 4 Plus is one of the best values in the entire market. | 5/10 At $17,490, the GEM e4 costs 2.5x more. The premium buys LSV compliance and premium tech, but it's a massive price difference. | Evolution Forester 4 Plus |
| Comfort & Ride Quality | 7/10 Good off-road comfort with lifted suspension absorbing bumps. On-road ride is acceptable but slightly rough compared to street-focused vehicles. | 8/10 Automotive-style seating with independent front suspension optimized for paved road comfort. Smooth, refined on-road experience. | GEM e4 |
| Brand & Dealer Support | 7/10 Evolution has rapidly grown its dealer network and built a strong reputation, though it's still newer than legacy brands. | 8/10 GEM is backed by Polaris — a major powersports manufacturer with extensive dealer support and established LSV market presence. | GEM e4 |
Performance & Power
GEM e4Reaches 19 mph standard (25 mph with LSV package). Good power for a budget lifted cart with lithium battery providing 40-50 miles range.
Delivers 25 mph standard with a 6.7 kW AC motor and up to 55 miles range. Factory-optimized for consistent on-road performance.
Safety & Street Legality
GEM e4Not factory LSV-compliant. Can be equipped with aftermarket safety features but lacks automotive-grade safety engineering.
Full factory LSV with 3-point seatbelts, automotive glass windshield, DOT tires, turn signals, mirrors, and complete FMVSS compliance.
Off-Road Capability
Evolution Forester 4 PlusFactory-lifted platform with increased ground clearance, large off-road tires, and suspension designed for trails, dirt, and rough terrain.
Street-focused LSV with standard-height suspension and road tires. Not designed for off-road use and could be damaged on rough terrain.
Features & Technology
GEM e4Well-equipped for the price with digital dash, LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, and USB charging. Impressive features for under $7,000.
7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, onboard diagnostics, USB charging, full LED lighting, and complete LSV safety equipment.
Value & Pricing
Evolution Forester 4 PlusAt $6,995 for a lifted lithium 4-passenger cart with modern features, the Forester 4 Plus is one of the best values in the entire market.
At $17,490, the GEM e4 costs 2.5x more. The premium buys LSV compliance and premium tech, but it's a massive price difference.
Comfort & Ride Quality
GEM e4Good off-road comfort with lifted suspension absorbing bumps. On-road ride is acceptable but slightly rough compared to street-focused vehicles.
Automotive-style seating with independent front suspension optimized for paved road comfort. Smooth, refined on-road experience.
Brand & Dealer Support
GEM e4Evolution has rapidly grown its dealer network and built a strong reputation, though it's still newer than legacy brands.
GEM is backed by Polaris — a major powersports manufacturer with extensive dealer support and established LSV market presence.
Which Should You Buy?
Recommendations based on your priorities
Forester 4 Plus
Choose if you...
- 1Off-road capability and lifted styling are what you want
- 2You drive primarily in private communities or off-road trails
- 3Budget is a major factor and saving $10,000+ matters
- 4You don't need factory street-legal LSV compliance
e4
Choose if you...
- 1You need a factory street-legal LSV for public road driving
- 2Automotive-grade safety features are non-negotiable
- 3You want premium technology with touchscreen and diagnostics
- 4On-road comfort and refined driving experience are priorities
Similar Models to Consider
Other models from each brand that might fit your needs
Related Comparisons
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Forester 4 Plus vs e4 FAQs
Common questions about these two models
Can I make the Evolution Forester street legal instead of buying the GEM?
Is the GEM e4 really worth 2.5x the price?
Which is better for a retirement community?
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