For Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines, choosing a suitable vehicle is a decision where function outweighs fashion. The urban crossover segment is often seen as a practical middle ground. This review assesses the Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines—a compact SUV—purely on its accessibility features: door size, seat height, control placement, and cargo space for mobility aids.
SUVs, or crossovers like the Tracker, inherently offer a major advantage over traditional sedans: a higher seat height. This elevation reduces the effort and range of motion required for entry and exit, which is critical for individuals with mobility challenges. The increased ride height (161mm ground clearance for the Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines) also makes it easier to navigate uneven roads and occasional flooding in Philippine cities.
Three metrics are paramount when evaluating a vehicle for PWD use: 1) Seat Height (which should allow for an easy slide from a wheelchair), 2) Door Aperture (which must be wide enough to accommodate transfer), and 3) Boot Lip Height (which determines the effort required to load mobility aids).
The Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines stands 1,627mm tall. This moderate height places the seat at an advantageous level for many PWDs—it is neither too high (requiring a step) nor too low (requiring deep bending). While the exact door opening width is not published, its subcompact crossover design suggests a reasonably large aperture. The sill, or door base, is generally low relative to the ground, minimizing the obstacle during transfer.
The 161mm ground clearance allows the Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines to handle minor flooding and high curbs easily, which is crucial for urban parking and safety. For the PWD driver or passenger, this height places the seat in the "sweet spot" for comfortable transfer. The moderate height makes it generally unnecessary to install a side step, which could actually impede some transfers.
The Tracker is equipped with a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat. While the lack of an electric memory function can be a drawback for multi-driver PWD households, the manual controls are generally easy to access. The material (leatherette/leather depending on the trim) is smooth, which can often aid in the lateral transfer process compared to grippier cloth materials. The steering column is tilt-adjustable, offering flexibility for drivers with varying torso and arm lengths.
The vehicle features a modern, driver-centric cockpit. Primary controls, including the 8-inch MyLink infotainment system and the HVAC controls, are centrally located and within easy reach. The gear selector is a traditional automatic lever, which is manageable for most drivers. A key advantage for many PWDs is the electronic power steering, which makes low-speed maneuvers (like parking) significantly easier.
Safety is paramount, especially for PWD drivers navigating Philippine roads. The Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines comes standard with critical active safety systems. These include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for maintaining control, and Hill Start Assist (HSA), which is essential for preventing the car from rolling backward on steep urban inclines.
A crucial local consideration for PWD owners is the need for modifications. The automatic transmission makes the vehicle a good candidate for the legal installation of aftermarket driving aids such as hand controls. PWD owners must understand the local process for having these aids professionally installed and obtaining or updating their special LTO driver's license.
The capacity of the trunk is a respectable 390 liters—sufficient for a folded manual wheelchair and some luggage. More important than volume is the physical boot lip. The relatively flat and low boot floor minimizes the lift height required to slide a heavy folded wheelchair into the back—a massive advantage over vehicles with a high, pronounced lip.
The Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines includes versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seats. This functionality is crucial for PWD owners who occasionally need to transport larger items or bulkier equipment that won't fit in the main trunk. The seats can be quickly folded to maximize the cargo area, adapting the interior layout to the PWD owner's fluctuating needs.
The Chevrolet Tracker in the Philippines presents a strong case as a generally accessible urban SUV. It benefits significantly from the crossover class's inherent height advantage, which simplifies ingress and egress. Its low trunk lip (aiding mobility aid storage), driver-friendly electronic steering, and essential safety systems like HSA make it highly viable. While it lacks purpose-built PWD features, its overall dimensions and ergonomic design make it a strong option compared to many standard sedans, provided the user secures professional installation of necessary driving aids and obtains the proper LTO license.