Ahhh, My first review!

The Inclusive Car Guy

Reviewing the Toyota Yaris Cross GR SPORT

Let's dive into the details! 🚗💨

The Look: A Stunning First Impression 💅

The Toyota Yaris Cross GR SPORT boasts a lovely pearlescent blue/purple paint job, aptly titled "Juniper Blue." This vibrant hue catches the eye! The extra protection bumpers all around the car give it a rugged appearance, making the Yaris look like a tough machine ready for any adventure. Practicality is at the forefront of its design.

The Climb-In Factor: Getting Inside 🪜

I had my Weetabix that morning, and trust me, I needed the energy! As an arthritic, paralysed wheelchair user, climbing into this car was a mixed bag. The GR SPORT CROSS sits slightly higher and has a deeper door gap compared to the standard hatchback.

Once I managed to climb into the cabin, I was pleasantly surprised. If you’ve got the upper body strength to handle a bit of a climb, it’s surprisingly functional once you’re in.

My Thoughts and Feelings 📑

• The Bolsters: Being the GR SPORT, it comes with heavily bolstered sport seats. They are fantastic for keeping you stable while driving. No sliding around corners if you lack core stability! However, they do act like a lip you have to clear during transfers.

• Large Screen: The square screen is within reach of my driving position, making navigation a breeze.

• Door Opening: The front doors open wide, but the B-pillar is quite far forward. You need to be precise with your chair placement to get a clean lift.

  
  

Wheelchair Storage: The Toss-Over ♿

For independent drivers like me who lift and pull their chairs across the chest into the passenger seat or rear seats, here’s what I found:

• The Good: The cabin is surprisingly open! There’s enough dead space behind the front seats to swing a frame through without worrying about dinging anything.

• The Bad: The GR SPORT’s centre console is quite high and chunky. You’ll need decent wrist strength to get your frame close enough to avoid knocking the screen.

• The Fabric: The Ultrasuede™ seats are grippy. They keep you in place, but sliding yourself and belongings across the upholstery takes a bit more effort than it would on smooth material.

  
  

The Boot & Practicality: Space for Everything 📦

The boot is where the Yaris Cross shines, but there’s a catch for wheelchair users:

• Height: The load lip is high. Be prepared to lift if you store stuff in the boot.

• Smart Floor: The GR SPORT usually comes with a Smart Cargo floor that splits at 40:60. This is fantastic! You can drop one side to create a deep well for a smaller framed chair while keeping the other side flat for groceries.

• Power Tailgate: Most 2026 GR SPORT models come with a Kick Sensor power tailgate. If you can wiggle your chair and wave your feet under the sensor, or have a passenger do it, it’s a lifesaver when your hands are full. Plus, there’s a button in the cabin for easy access.

  
  

Driving Experience: The Thrill of the Ride 🛞

The GR SPORT’s steering is its best feature. It’s heavier and more precise than the standard model.

• Feedback: If you use a steering ball, the steering feels very planted. You won't feel like the car is wandering, which reduces fatigue on long motorway stints.

• The Hybrid 130: The extra torque is a game-changer! The instant electric delivery makes merging into traffic feel seamless. No more pulling back and waiting!

• Suspension: The suspension is firm yet soft enough to absorb our typical pothole-riddled roads. I took the Cross over some back lanes, and it handled beautifully, turning the CROSS into a rugged little beast!

  
  

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? 🎬

Score: 6/10 from the Inclusive Car Guy.

If you’ve got the strength and ease of movement to handle a high transfer, and you don’t mind the workout of lifting your frame, it’s a fun little rugged beast! It feels like a driver’s car rather than a small SUV. However, if your shoulders are playing up or you prefer a level transfer, the standard Yaris or a Corolla would be a much more sensible option.

Does your current chair have a fixed frame or a folding one? This will make a huge difference in whether this specific interior layout works for you.

In conclusion, the Toyota Yaris Cross GR SPORT is a stylish and practical choice for those who can manage the physical aspects. It’s a thrilling ride that captures the essence of adventure! 🌟

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