Do you feel the Yaris is almost a mini crossover SUV?

[DebbyM]

I'm a new Yaris owner, I purchased a gorgeous carmine red 2 door LB on June 12. I previously never thought of it being anything other than a 2 door CAR, but now that I have driven it a week, it almost feels like a sub-compact crossover SUV. I guess because of these observations:

1. I am 5'3" tall but I don't drop down to get into the seat, it's almost like I climb up into the car.

2. When I pull up next to other vehicles at stoplights, most of the time I can look down into the cars next to me, or if next to something similar to a PT Cruiser, I look like I'm sitting just as high.

3. It has a back window wiper, I can't offhand think of a "car" that has one.

4. All the cars I had in the past, (Honda CRX's and a Cavalier) I had no trouble reaching the roof when washing those. Now I need a step stool.

If Yaris had been marketed as an SUV, I doubt if I would have taken a second glance at it. Not that it's marketed all that much, I can't remember ever seeing a commercial on TV for a Yaris.

It is just me, or am I crazy? LOL.

[IllusionX]

the yaris is made "tall". that's why you are sitting at a more upright position and higher from the floor.

Since we are sitting higher... we ARE looking down on civics and such cars.

the rear wiper...most hatchbacks have a rear wiper... including the mazda6 4door hatch.

[marcus]

reminds me of nissan murano.or fx45

[bronsin]

Car manufacturers have an insane desire to make everything they build bigger. The yaris is bigger than the ECHO and the next gen WILL probably be crossover like.

[DebbyM]

Thanks - I thought I was going crazy!

I do love that it's easier to reach the buttons on the ATM machine .

[WeeYari]

You've discovered why so many threads topics in the Wheels, Tires and Suspension forum deal with lowering springs.

[Zaphod]

I give my girlfriend trouble all the time that my Yaris hatchback actually has more cargo area than her Sedona. The Sedona reminds me of my old Jeep Wrangler before I removed the back seats, sure you can put something back there, but every time you open the hatch, something falls out.

If only the Yaris could carry 6 ... we'd never have a use for that stupid minivan again ;)

[BluYrs]

The Yaris is actually registered as an MPV here (bodystyle is written on the registration certificate).

But the roof sure is high. Just compare it to other cars in the parking lot. Easily taller than most compact cars. Then again, it has to be, cause it's shorter.

[1stToyota]

Maybe so. One of the very first people I showed my Yaris to when it was new commented that it sure was a cute little minivan...I said well, maybe a micro minivan.

[ChilliwackGuy]

Makes sense - I used to drive a Rav 4 '09 - then I gave it to my wife - and bought a 2010 Yaris Hatch 5 dr - and apart from the loss of engine power - my driving experience has been the same - and I'm 6'2, 200 + lbs.

[tomato]

Coming from a CRX, I had the same thoughts exactly.

[ddongbap]

Do you feel the Yaris is almost a mini crossover SUV?

no.

[Yaris Hilton]

A mini-minivan is my thought on the subject.

But yeah, Toyota's gotten as big on the "Longer! Lower! Wider!" kick as U.S. carmakers in the late '50s. My Yaris sedan is as big as a Camry used to be.

[2009BBPliftback]

Originally Posted by Yaris Hilton

A mini-minivan is my thought on the subject.

But yeah, Toyota's gotten as big on the "Longer! Lower! Wider!" kick as U.S. carmakers in the late '50s. My Yaris sedan is as big as a Camry used to be.

When My parents bought their Camry (current model) they said it was way to big but they have gotten used to it. Longer and wider isn't always better.

[MadMax]

The Honda Fit is a "mini-minivan," especially when you park one next to a Honda Odyssey!

The Yaris is nothing close to a sub-compact crossover SUV in my book. It is a rounded hatchback in the world of squares and sharp angles (Minis, Cubes, Souls, Fits, etc); which is why it is so much better looking than all of those!

As for it's alleged "lifted" stance, I don't feel it but maybe that is because my other vehicles are a slightly-lifted Jeep Wrangler and a Honda Odyssey. In comparison, my Yaris practically drags on the ground...

[RedRide]

One of the reasons why I got a Yarirs HB is because it does have some of the benefits of a "compact SUV"
It has more seating and head room than the usual HB.
It has have more usable storage/cargo space than most HBs.

In other words, it's a practical car.

[talnlnky]

yeah... put the rear seats down flat and you can fit a lot in it. I know I've put stuff in mine that most people wouldn't even attempt without a truck or large SUV.

[Kongo-Otto]

Originally Posted by Yaris Hilton

But yeah, Toyota's gotten as big on the "Longer! Lower! Wider!" kick as U.S. carmakers in the late '50s.

Actually they didn't with the hatchback. They kept the ~3,75m length from the old Starlet up to now while other manufactures made their small cars longer and bigger. They made the Yaris taller to compensate the lack of length compared to other manufactures in the same class. The Yaris feels very big inside but it isn't. Its just because of the tall roof and the windscreen moved to the front of the car. A little "space miracle".

Especially here in europe (and of course Japan), where we have less space i think it was very clever to keep the length of the car like its predecessors. Its a true city car and it should fit in any parking lot. My companies car has been a Ford Fiesta and now is a VW Polo. They are bigger but they feel much smaller.

And when it comes to lowering springs. I don't use them because i feel my car is too tall in general. It is just to reduce the awful wheel gap.