2009 Toyota Matrix [ 2008 , 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Toyota Matrix - What the Auto Press Says

Please check back soon for our full Toyota Matrix review.

What: A more powerful version of Toyota's small crossover

When: Began selling February 2008

Price: Starting at $16,190, a slight increase over last year's model

 

New For 2009

The second generation Matrix comes to showrooms with more choices between engines and trims. For 2009, Toyota has re-introduced the performance-oriented XRS trim and also brought back the option for all-wheel drive.

Blink and you might miss the 2009 Matrix's visual differences -- it's less than an inch taller and a little under an inch wider. Instead, most changes are on the inside. The second-generation Matrix features increased horsepower and a new rear-suspension, as well as modified cabin controls. The base Matrix's 1.8-liter engine now has 132 horsepower, while the middle-ground S and top-of-the-line XRS have a new 2.4-liter engine with 158 horsepower. The base and S now have rear-torsion beams while the XRS has a control-arm independent-rear. The S' all-wheel drive option is only available with a four-speed automatic.

What the Auto Press Says

 

According to auto writers, both the 2009 Toyota Matrix and its platform-mate the Pontiac Vibe continue to effectively fuse the attributes of several car classes together to offer a compact's fuel efficiency, an SUV's utility and a minivan's comfort. In addition, Car and Driver says the Matrix's enhancements secure its personality as a "versatile and stylish errand runner with loads of luggage space." Here is what others in the press say about the 2009 Matrix:

 

• "It's more fun to drive than either Scion or Corolla, zipping around corners with controlled body roll like a decent sport/compact. Whether or not you need the hatchba…er, sport/utility's utility, it's the enthusiast's Corolla to have." -- Motor Trend
• Describing the Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, About.com says, "They're practical, easy to drive, and comfortable to ride in." -- About.com
• "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." -- New Car Test Drive
• "For a practical, probably reliably priced and easy-to-live-with car, consider the redesigned Corolla or Corolla Matrix wagon. But get set to be disappointed if you were expecting the newest generation of this hugely successful model line to be a blockbuster, either visually or in performance." -- Newsday
• Disagreeing with the majority, The Truth About Cars reports, "Aside from the usual prospect of excellent mechanical reliability and non-catastrophic resale value, there is very little about the new Toyota Matrix that's inherently good. In fact, at the risk of jamming the red pill down your throat, it's a terrible car." -- The Truth About Cars

 

Key Details

The base and S Matrix have either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, but the XRS trim's automatic is a five-speed. The XRS also comes with sport-fabric seats and a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The base model's stereo has four-speakers while the other trims have a six-speaker system. All models have the option for a six-disc in-dash CD changer with six-speakers, and a JBL audio system with nine speakers, hands-free controls and Bluetooth capability is optional for the S and XRS trim.

Stay tuned for a full 2009 Toyota Matrix review. Also check out information on the 2008 Toyota Matrix, which is currently available in showrooms.