Yaris Cross Dynamic range

[BobHos]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Yaris Cross Dynamic and Excel models. Also, I believe the Dynamic model isn't available on new cars is it?

[Baytree]

Hi Bob, they aren't taking orders for Dynamic any more, but when they were, the main differences from the otherwise top-of-the-range Excel were the LSD and styling add-ons. The Excel has the electric mirrors, tailgate, parking sensors and seat/wheel heating, of which only the sensors were available as an option on the Dynamic.

You would probably be looking at adding options to the GR Sport version now to get closer to what the Dynamic used to be.

Caveat on the above: gleaned for 5 mins looking at an out of date brochure (still available online)

[RedToyota]

Baytree is mostly right, but ....

 

The Dynamic and Excel were similar offerings the difference was starting point and available accessories. You need to look at old brochures for base spec and addons. 

I specc'ed up an Excel but took up the Dynamic with several addons as the latter was in the compound (cancelled order) whereas the Excel was a 4 month wait. Only thing missing was the heated steering wheel and power tailgate. 

Cost was similar

 

You will enjoy either model 

 

Found the brochure

TGB_YARIS_CROSS_BROCHURE_0821_tcm-3060-2343250.pdf

[Baytree]

On 12/23/2022 at 1:44 PM, RedToyota said:

You will enjoy either model

Yep, I definitely second that.

Out of interest, what colour do you like? Ours was a cancelled order so no choice other than silver, which is good if you don’t like washing cars more  frequently. But the Decuma Grey is nice too.

One thing about the Excel is that it has a light interior which I prefer, but others don’t mind the darker look of other models.

 

[Roy124]

I valued the powered tailgate.  Most useful when carrying bags of shopping or otherwise arms full.  As for my first heated steering wheel, love it.

With a cold steering wheel in the past in would wear gloves.  With Smart Connect you can't wear gloves.

[BobHos]

I managed to get an AWD Dynamic one, ex-demo with only 72 miles on it (awaiting delivery in the next few days). . Colour wouldn't have been my first choice (scarlet flame bi-tone) but I needed to get a second car now and I am keen to try out the AWD capability. I know it is a pretty weak electric drive on the back wheels but I think it will still be useful on icy slopes. I have seen the roller tests, etc.

[SinglePointSafety]

If you're getting the car for its AWD capability in snow and ice... forget it, unless you fit winter or all-season tyres (plenty of YouTube vids show this very starkly)

[BobHos]

Hi Keith I know the AWD capability is limited and I have seen tests on rollers, etc but I think it will still be beneficial in certain circumstances like stopping then restarting on slippery, slightly inclined roads which we often encounter here.

Merry Xmas.

[anchorman]

1 hour ago, BobHos said:

Hi Keith I know the AWD capability is limited and I have seen tests on rollers, etc but I think it will still be beneficial in certain circumstances like stopping then restarting on slippery, slightly inclined roads which we often encounter here.

Merry Xmas.

Take no notice of them.  They’ve seen the so called definitive test so that’s it.  Mine will have all seasons  but even with standard tyres it will be infinitely better than fwd in the snow.  Let them think what they want 😉

[FROSTYBALLS]

When all is said and done, you're aware of any limitations so I'm sure the Cross will suit you admirably. Best wishes with your new car.

[BobHos]

Thanks guys, I agree. Having been a Subaru driver for 30 odd years I know the benefits of AWD (not just in starting off but negotiating tricky corners at speed, etc). Albeit the cross awd has weak rear wheel drive I still know it will be useful.

 

Merry Xmas

[SinglePointSafety]

OK, this is not opinion, it's fact: for driving in snow and ice, all-season (or winter) tyres are far better than summer tyres - see for example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atayHQYqA3g&t=162s

 

These and similar tests have been conducted by respected testers in well-controlled, reproducible conditions, and the link above will show that FWD or RWD with appropriate tyres - in snow and ice - will easily outperform AWD with summer tyres. Not opinion, not belief, but well-proven, lots of trials, plenty of evidence, easily discoverable

I'm trying - yet again - to be helpful here and avoid disappointment for the OP BobHOs, who might think AWD is all that's needed for snow and ice. AWD will help - a little bit - but is absolutely no substitute for all-season or winter tyres. Once you do indeed have these tyres, then of course AWD will help, especially if the alternative is FWD

[SinglePointSafety]

And, BTW, if all goes to plan, I'll be collecting a YC Excel AWD next week. Then the Toyota wheels and tyres will be removed and garaged, smaller (3rd-party) wheels with all-season tyres fitted (all-season or winter tyres mandatory in some of the places I intend to drive - and having AWD doesn't absolve you from this requirement)

Hope everyone is having a great Xmas

[FROSTYBALLS]

However, given their previous extensive experience of AWD, the OP presumably is aware of the benefits and limitations of both AWD and all season/winter tyres.

[SinglePointSafety]

I hope so Mike. I've met many people down here in the warm south who know about the niceties of AWD or 4WD for muddy or otherwise slippery surfaces, but absolutely no clue about driving in snow and ice and the benefits of winter or all-season tyres

But it's also crowded down here, so even if you can get up a snowy/icy hill, it's of no use - you'll just be in a queue behind the others who can't and are stuck!

[FROSTYBALLS]

As the OP lives in Aberdeenshire, I'm sure they are used to extremes of weather including snow and ice.

[BobHos]

25 minutes ago, SinglePointSafety said:

I hope so Mike. I've met many people down here in the warm south who know about the niceties of AWD or 4WD for muddy or otherwise slippery surfaces, but absolutely no clue about driving in snow and ice and the benefits of winter or all-season tyres

But it's also crowded down here, so even if you can get up a snowy/icy hill, it's of no use - you'll just be in a queue behind the others who can't and are stuck!

As footnote/afterthought as I said I have been a Subaru driver for over 30 years and being in the north of Scotland I would like to say that I have driven in many hairy winter conditions without winter tyres and never got stuck once. As well as the drive system and tyre type another very important factor is driving skill. I daresay winter tyres would probably have made some situations a bit easier to navigate but, being a mean Aberdonian, I never used them.

[SinglePointSafety]

Ha, nicely said BobHos. The folk down here rarely see snow, and when they do, urgh, it's not good, instant gridlock, not helped because our council have a policy of only treating A- and B-roads, and bus routes

All I'm trying to do is save people from expense and disappointment. The bottom line remains the same: if you want to drive in snow and/or ice, before splashing out £££ on a car with AWD or 4WD, get some winter or all-season tyres on your current vehicle. And if you anticipate a lot of snow/ice driving, try to acquire some of the skills that BobHos has

[anchorman]

16 minutes ago, SinglePointSafety said:

OK, this is not opinion, it's fact: for driving in snow and ice, all-season (or winter) tyres are far better than summer tyres - see for example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atayHQYqA3g&t=162s

 

These and similar tests have been conducted by respected testers in well-controlled, reproducible conditions, and the link above will show that FWD or RWD with appropriate tyres - in snow and ice - will easily outperform AWD with summer tyres. Not opinion, not belief, but well-proven, lots of trials, plenty of evidence, easily discoverable

I'm trying - yet again - to be helpful here and avoid disappointment for the OP BobHOs, who might think AWD is all that's needed for snow and ice. AWD will help - a little bit - but is absolutely no substitute for all-season or winter tyres. Once you do indeed have these tyres, then of course AWD will help, especially if the alternative is FWD

You seem determined to prove what we already know.  The point isn’t between winter and summer tyres, it’s between fwd and AWD.  We’ve both said we know that a fwd with winter tyres is better than an AWD with summer tyres.  Why do you think we don’t understand?  Are we not bright enough?

[anchorman]

56 minutes ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

As the OP lives in Aberdeenshire, I'm sure they are used to extremes of weather including snow and ice.

No Mike, I’ll think you’ll find he’s completely naive and has wasted his money on something he won’t find helpful if it wasn’t for the noble help from Keith who’s only hope that he won’t be disappointed. Bless him for being so concerned.  I’ve heard some patronising in my time but what a crock of ****.   Who can’t guess what word was blanked.  

[SinglePointSafety]

5 hours ago, anchorman said:

Take no notice of them.  They’ve seen the so called definitive test so that’s it.  Mine will have all seasons  but even with standard tyres it will be infinitely better than fwd in the snow.  

Did I misinterpret what you meant by this?

[anchorman]

2 minutes ago, SinglePointSafety said:

Did I misinterpret what you meant by this?

I was talking to the guy who’s apparently not sure what he’s bought.  

[SinglePointSafety]

And, really, I'm genuinely trying to be helpful - not necessarily for yourself anchorman, BobHos etc if you're experienced drivers and well-versed in car tech, but for others who might read these posts and who might be new to this and the related issues

[Baytree]

32 minutes ago, SinglePointSafety said:

before splashing out £££ on a car with AWD or 4WD, get some winter or all-season tyres on your current vehicle.

Agreed. Winter tyres are like night and day on snowy side roads in our SUV. But then it came with steel wheels in the first place so keeping an extra set was a no brainer. Not sure about converting our YC from 18” alloys to smaller steel rims and winter rubber. Not just insurance but would Toyota be happy if a warranty issue cropped up?

[SinglePointSafety]

Thanks Baytree, yes, I've checked already with the insurance company ("no problem with smaller wheels, but bigger wheels, ouch") and the dealer ("absolutely fine, but any damage caused by poor fitting of the wheels or their failure, we won't cover") which is fair enough. Incidentally, Toyota UK just said "ask your dealer" which I gather is pretty much their standard response to any query

Dealer said he's been asked the same Q a few months ago by a YC Dynamic AWD owner who wants to fit smaller steel wheels and winter tyres for their skiing trips

The 3rd-party wheels will of course be exactly the same size as those fitted to lower-trim models