The new 2009 Toyota Matrix is bigger than the previous version, but Toyota hasn’t lost sight of this being its smallest crossover vehicle. You can carry four big people or drop three seats and slide a short board inside; four doors make loading kids, dogs and miscellaneous cargo a cinch.

All run on regular unleaded fuel and rate at least 20 mpg in the city; the 2.4-liter upgrade engine pushes 30 mpg on the highway, while the smaller engine and five-speed manual, which are as much fun to drive as the big automatics, run mid 20s in the city and low 30s highway. Given Toyota’s history we can’t imagine they will require much in the way of expensive repairs or maintenance. Engines were a weak point on the previous-generation Matrix, so the 2009 represents a big upgrade.

Check out the Matrix if you want the reliable reputation of the Corolla with less visual boredom, if you need a urban runabout that’s cheap to buy and run, or just because it’s logically all you really need in a land of average speeds hovering in the mid-30-mph range. The Matrix doesn’t stand out anywhere as much as it provides a useful, better than average package for any purpose short of pickup-sized building materials or a trip to the red carpet. In short, the new Toyota Matrix is a very sensible choice.

By price and hatchback design, the Matrix slots into multiple categories for cross-shoppers, including roomy compact cars such as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Subaru Impreza, and VW Golf; small vans and crossovers such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson, Mazda5, Nissan Rogue; and the less-easily categorized Chevrolet HHR, Dodge Caliber, Scion xD, and Suzuki SX4.

Interior
Inside, however, any relation to a Corolla vanishes at the first glimpse of the dash, the Matrix trading conservative for a more stylish look with sweeping metal-look surfaces on both sides of the instrument cluster. Two large omni-directional vents peer out the top like bug eyes and frame the gauges that include round dials for speed and engine revs and an oblong unit for ancillary information.

At this price point the materials include fabric upholstery and door panels, with plastic on trim pieces such as lower doors. It doesn’t look cheap or like this is where the money was saved, and all the switchgear has a quality feel to it. Colors carry a fire theme, with either Ash (light gray) or Charcoal (very dark gray) to choose from. A variety of storage spaces and sizes can be found within driver’s reach, and most have a nonskid, quieting rubber mat on the bottom, a big improvement over the slippery surface that came standard on the previous-generation Matrix.

Manually adjusted front buckets are well-placed for tall driver headroom and short driver visibility, and provide good support for the length of time it takes to burn a tank of gas, which is a long time. The wheel tilts and telescopes but the latter’s travel is limited and, with the clutch pedal much closer than the brake pedal, may require some minor driver adaptation.

The rear bench seat is a 60/40 split with the narrow part behind the driver where it should be, and easily folds down unless the front seat is far rearward.

Despite the loss of a half-inch in rated headroom and four inches in hip room because of measurement standards, the rear seat is generally bigger than before and we put a pair of 6-foot-3-inch riders back there with head clearance. There are three belts, used simultaneously only by kids and waif-like models, and the rear-seat floor is almost flat with only a slight rise up to the console.

The illuminated gauges are easy to see regardless of conditions, and forward viewing is good unless you need to actually see the hood to gauge where it is. Direct rear view isn’t bad either with no big central headrest in the way, but your first head turn to check a rear quarter lane change will show just how big those C-pillars are.

Three-ring climate controls deliver air where and when you want it without excessive fan noise; AC is standard. Primary operating controls are on steering column stalks, with less-frequent items like the optional stability control defeat on the dash; the shifter (automatic or manual) rides on a perch off the lower dash, while a conventional handbrake is in the console.

New for 2008 is an entry-level navigation option (S, XRS only) that does not use voice-recognition or Bluetooth. However, it does voice guidance, offers XM real-time traffic (for subscribers), a clear 7-inch screen, and the intuitive operation set by Lexus. Unfortunately, there is only so much space in the dash, so you can not get the navigation system and the high-level JBL sound system in the same car.

Matrix has nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, with some small bins underneath the floor; if you want to hide cargo from view there’s an optional tonneau you attach at the corners. The floor (and rear seatback) has plastic runners, there are tie-down rings, and the right front-seat backrest folds flat for long items or a place to work the laptop on break.

Introduction
The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a new, second-generation design developed in tandem with the Corolla sedan. In essence, the Matrix is the wagon/hatch version of the Corolla. In fact, the company refers to it as the Toyota Corolla Matrix. With edgier styling inside and out and four versions to choose from, the Matrix makes a sensible choice for many people.

Perhaps the oldest piece of hardware on the new Matrix is the all-wheel-drive system introduced on the RAV4 for the 2006 model year. Everything else is newer, making the Matrix an all-new car. The 1.8-liter engine is new. Even better news is the high-revving version that was poorly matched to the previous-generation Matrix has been replaced by a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Camry. Gearboxes, brakes, steering and safety systems have all been redone. The body work is all new, also, though the design is an evolutionary update of the previous version.

Driving Impressions
As mentioned, two engines are available, but the 1.8-liter engine is used only in the base model. However, we found the 1.8-liter engine sportier and more enthusiastic than the 2.4-liter. It’s not as powerful, but it’s more eager and entertaining in response, more of a driver’s engine.

The smaller engine also gets significantly better mileage than the 2.4-liter, averaging 4-5 mpg higher ratings. With the four-speed automatic you’ll lose 1 mpg or so from the 1.8-liter and be pushing it fairly hard for onramps or carting a full load up a hill. We found the five-speed version is quite happy to have you beat the snot out of it and still get decent mileage. So we recommend getting the manual if you get the 1.8-liter.

The 1.8-liter engine EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine. The 1.8-liter is rated at 132 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. This 16-valve four-cylinder engine features Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it balance performance and economy.

The 2.4-liter engine comes on all other models. The 2.4 offers a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic except the AWD version which only comes with a four-speed automatic. The 2.4-liter engine nets 26 hp over the 1.8 but it’s the additional 34 lb-ft of torque you’ll notice and use the most because winding it up doesn’t add a lot of speed or any pizzazz it simply adds more noise. Both engines use regular unleaded, significant given that some cars call for premium. The 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission gets an EPA-rated 21/29 City/Highway mpg. The 2.4-liter is a 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i is rated at 158 hp at 6000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm.

The midrange power makes the 2.4-liter practical but more the non-driver’s engine as it merely goes about its business. Clutch and shifter effort from the manual transmission are relaxed, the latter giving the gear requested but not as precise as class leaders. And the automatics all behave nicely.

Regardless of drive system or engine, the Matrix comes across quite polished for an economy car, the only negative is a tendency to catch and grab on bumpy roads and surface transitions under acceleration.

The Matrix AWD is the best choice for the Snow Belt. Its four-speed automatic transmission and hardware in the electronically controlled all-wheel-drive are similar to the system used in the RAV4 (though the Matrix doesn’t get the RAV’s locked 4WD mode). Normally, the all-wheel-drive system sends all power to the front wheels, which is best for fuel economy. But when slippery conditions demand it, the AWD system automatically diverts up to 45 percent of the power to the rear wheels. There is no driver action required and you’ll never know it’s working until you see the front-drive Matrix stuck in the snow next to you while you move onward. Any dynamic change you note on test drives is more likely a result of the extra weight than the added rear drive.

That isn’t to say the all-wheel drive might handle or ride slightly better because it shares the independent rear suspension with the XRS. The IRS delivers finer control of suspension travel, and perhaps more of it, maintaining rear tire contact and a softer ride on the S-AWD.

The XRS keeps the control factor, but the ride isn’t quite as good because the 18-inch wheel/tire package has far less sidewall and because the XRS uses firmer suspension calibrations. Those 18-inch wheels also take away steering lock to a point where the wee XRS needs just a few inches less space for U-turn than an eight-passenger Sequoia. Interestingly, we found the 18-inch BFGoodrich TA KDW tires that offer such prodigious grip and account for much of the XRS better handling also run quieter than the Bridgestone Turanzas.

Disc brakes are used all ’round on all models and they come with antilock (ABS) and Brake Assist functions. The disc brakes get bigger as you move up the model line, yet all get the job done fuss-free; you’re not going to be going that fast.

If there’s a weak point in the Matrix driving it’s the electric power steering, and you can’t blame the electric steering because other cars use it with better results. Steering effort is low for parking maneuvers and gets higher with speed and cornering load as you would expect, especially on the XRS, and it goes where you point it, but it feels relatively dull and doesn’t have a lot of return-to-center force, so you may find yourself steering back to straight ahead more than you’re used to.

Lineup
The 2009 Toyota Matrix comes in three defined models, although we treat the Matrix S AWD (all-wheel drive) as a separate model.

The standard Toyota Matrix uses a 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual gearbox and comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, AM/FM/CD stereo compatible with MP3/WMA files, input jack and XM satellite radio, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Optitron (electroluminescent) gauges with tachometer, power mirrors, intermittent wipers, engine immobilizer, and cargo cover.

Options include alloy wheels, six-speaker radio upgrade, power locks/windows, keyless entry, cruise control, moonroof, lighter, an all-weather package (heated mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, rear-seat heat ducts), electronic stability control, and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Matrix S comes with the 2.4-liter engine and five-speed gearbox. Standard features include the six-speaker radio, power windows/locks, keyless entry and intermittent rear wiper plus a 115-volt AC outlet and larger rear brakes. Options include a JBL sound system or navigation with real-time traffic (you can’t have both), moonroof, rear spoiler, cruise control, electrochromic interior mirror w/compass, lighter, 17-inch alloy wheels, the all-weather package, electronic stability control and a five-speed automatic.

Matrix S AWD uses the 2.4-liter engine, a four-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; it also includes a fully independent rear suspension, larger rear brakes, and the all-weather package. Options on the all-wheel drive are similar to S, excepting the all-weather and five-speed automatic.

Matrix XRS models come with the 2.4-liter and five-speed manual, plus seat fabric upgrade, 215/45R18 tires on alloy wheels, front strut brace, electronic stability/traction control, three-spoke leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, fog lamps, and the independent rear suspension and big rear brakes. XRS options are limited to the JBL sound system or navigation, moonroof, cruise control, lighter, all-weather, and five-speed automatic transmission.

Safety features that come on all models include front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, tire pressure monitors, and daytime running lights. Electronic stability control is standard on XRS and optional on others.

2009 Toyota Matrix Specs

2009 Toyota Matrix Performance & Efficiency Standard Features

• 1,798 cc 1.8 liters in-line 4 front engine with 80.3 mm bore, 88.4 mm stroke, 10.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 2ZR-FE
• Unleaded fuel 87
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 13.2 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 11.0
• Power: 98 kW , 132 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 128 ft lb , 174 Nm @ 4,400 rpm

2009 Toyota Matrix Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features

• Four-wheel ABS
• Brake assist system
• Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
• Electronic brake distribution
• Immobilizer
• Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
• Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, torsion beam rear suspension semi-independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

2009 Toyota Matrix Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features

• Body color front and rear bumpers
• Day time running lights
• Driver and passenger power body color door mirrors
• External dimensions: overall length (inches): 171.9, overall width (inches): 69.5, overall height (inches): 61.0, wheelbase (inches): 102.4, front track (inches): 59.8, rear track (inches): 59.9 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 36.0
• Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
• Luxury trim alloy look on doors and alloy look on dashboard
• Mica paint
• Hinge rear window with defogger
• Tinted glass on cabin
• Weights: curb weight (lbs) 2,965
• Windshield wipers with fixed intermittent wipe

2009 Toyota Matrix Interior Standard Features

• 12v power outlet: front and 1
• Air conditioning
• Roof antenna
• Audio system with AM/FM and CD player CD player reads MP3
• Automatic drive indicator on dashboard
• Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf
• Cargo area light
• Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 61.5 and all seats in place (cu ft): 19.8
• Clock
• Full dashboard console, full floor console with covered storage box
• Delayed/fade courtesy lights
• Front seats cup holders fixed, rear seats cup holders pop out
• Door ajar warning
• Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat
• External temperature
• Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
• Bucket driver seat with height adjustment, bucket passenger seat
• Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
• Front seat center armrest
• Two height adjustable active head restraints on front seats, three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
• Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 40.5, rear headroom (inches): 39.3, front hip room (inches): 52.3, rear hip room (inches): 43.7, front leg room (inches): 41.6, rear leg room (inches): 36.2, front shoulder room (inches): 53.3, rear shoulder room (inches): 52.6 and interior volume (cu ft): 94.2
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Power steering
• Front reading lights
• 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
• Three asymmetrical bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
• Rear view mirror
• Remote fuel filler door release
• Front and rear side curtain airbag
• Front seat back storage
• Cloth seat upholstery with additional cloth
• Seating: five seats
• Service interval indicator
• Front side airbag with occupant sensors
• Four speaker(s)
• Plastic steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
• Tachometer
• Driver and passenger vanity mirror
• Ventilation system with micro filter

There are two generations of the Toyota Matrix, the more recent one debuting for 2009. Both generations, however, follow a similar formula. Based on the Corolla sedan, the Matrix has enough space inside to carry items up to 8 feet long. This, along with the cargo area’s durable plastic load floor, presents the opportunity to carry varied items, from home improvement materials to large sporting goods such as bikes or a kayak. Comfortable front buckets and a roomy, well-shaped rear seat make the Matrix just as adept at transporting people.

The main downside to both Matrix generations is that they’re not particularly rewarding to drive. But for the practical-minded, this will likely be of little concern. Boasting high fuel economy, a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, available all-wheel drive and reliable Toyota genes, the Matrix is one of the best choices available — new or used — for a small wagon or hatchback.

The newest Toyota Matrix is available in three trim levels: base, S and XRS. Base models have a respectable amount of convenience and safety features as standard or optional, though the S comes with more of them as standard equipment. The XRS is the top-level trim and also boasts bigger wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.

On the base Matrix, you’ll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. The S and XRS models upgrade to a 2.4-liter engine that makes 158 hp. On the XRS and front-drive S, you can get a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. An all-wheel-drive version of the Matrix S is also available; it comes with a four-speed automatic only.

Compared to older Matrix models, the new one boasts a vastly better driving position, with credit going to the new telescoping steering wheel and increased seat-track travel. The controls are laid out to ergonomic near perfection. In back, the tall, deep bench is comfortable for children and adults alike, and it folds completely flat in 60/40 sections.

On the road, the base Toyota Matrix feels a bit pokey in terms of acceleration, though its engine does provide superior fuel economy. The extra torque from the 2.4-liter engine makes the driving experience more relaxed, particularly in regards to passing. Around corners, the Matrix is balanced and predictable, and overall ride quality is very comfortable. But even in XRS trim, the Matrix is still not a very exciting car to pilot, largely due to its low-feedback steering.

The first-generation Toyota Matrix was introduced for the 2003 model year. Toyota offered it in base, XR and XRS trim levels. The lower two trims came with a 130-hp, 1.8-liter engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The XRS came with a high-winding 180-hp 1.8-liter engine and an exclusive six-speed manual transmission. In 2006, the XRS’ final year, the engine was re-rated to 164 hp due to new testing procedures, but actual performance was unchanged.

In editorial reviews, we noted that the 1.8-liter equipped Matrix offered adequate acceleration in most circumstances, but its dearth of low-end torque was apparent on uphill grades. Manual-equipped Matrix wagons tended to offer more pep than those equipped with automatic transmissions. Handling was somewhat less than engaging; still, commuters and road trippers will likely appreciate the wagon’s smooth, comfortable ride.

Inside, this Matrix charmed with its solid quality and versatility. Fit and finish was above average, and the cargo area and backside of the rear seats were finished with an easy-to-clean plastic as well as specialized cargo tracks.

If you’re interested in a used Toyota Matrix, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, early Matrix models were missing a couple of important safety features: side airbags and stability control. These features were added (as options) in model-year 2005. Also note that stability control was offered only on models equipped with an automatic transmission. You also might encounter all-wheel-drive versions of the Matrix or Matrix XR; they produced slightly less power and came with the automatic only. All-wheel drive was discontinued for the 2007 model year.

P215/50R17 tires on 17″ aluminum alloy wheels
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (not available with 17″ aluminum alloy wheels)
Front seat-mounted side-impact air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
DVD navigation system with premium audio and 6-disc CD changer (Toyota Matrix 2008)
New Toyota Matrix Premium AM/FM ETR/CD with 6-disc in-dash changer and 6 speakers.

Other available options for most 2008 Matrix models include an All-Weather Guard Package, windshield molding, heavy-duty heater and rear-seat heater ducts.

Toyota Matrix Specifications:

1.8L displacement double overhead cam (DOHC)
inline 4 cylinder configuration gas engine
16 valves variable valve timing
130 hp @ 6000 rpm 125 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm
regular unleaded fuel
DriveTrain
5-speed manual transmission front wheel drive
Suspension
front independent suspension front and rear stabilizer bar
Instrumentation
tachometer clock
display external temperature low fuel level warning
Towing and Hauling
cargo tie downs
Exterior Features
Tires and Rims
steel rims 16 x 6.5 in. rims
P205/55R16 tires all season tires
spacesaver spare tire steel spare wheel
full wheel covers
intermittent wipers rear defogger
Safety Features and Ratings
ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes front seatbelt pretensioners
rear door child safety locks child seat anchors
rear center 3-point belt 2 front headrests
2 rear headrests daytime running lights
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front Seats
5 person total seating capacity bucket front seats
cloth upholstery
Rear Seats
bench rear seat split-folding

Convenience:

power steering tilt-adjustable steering wheel
remote driver and passenger exterior mirrors front cupholders
remote trunk release front door pockets
front seatback storage cargo net
front 12v power outlet(s) front console with storage
Comfort
air conditioning interior air filtration
dual vanity mirrors cargo area light

In Car Entertainment

AM/FM in-dash single CD player stereo 4 total speakers
mast antenna.