2010 Toyota Matrix

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The Toyota Matrix's cabin is a mixed bag. Reviewers find it roomy with good visibility for the driver, but the seats aren't as supportive as they should be. Likewise, the trunk is large for the class, but some writers say your cargo could get scratched on the Matrix's flat plastic floor. Lastly, several test drivers comment on excessive cockpit noise.  

• "Young buyers that are Matrix's target audience might consider the odd interior shapes hip and the low-budget cabin décor a non-issue. They're also apt to find this small wagon easy to drive and roomy enough for friends and belongings." -- Consumer Guide
• "The back seat is roomy, and the cargo area is large." -- Chicago Sun-Times
• "My family of four fit comfortably in the Matrix." -- Mother Proof
• "The Matrix transmits a surprisingly high amount of road and tire noise into the cockpit." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The little car is a little noisy at highway speeds, all things I could've lived with if the car had been marketed for what it is -- an economy car, a commuter, nothing less, and most certainly, nothing more." -- Washington Post

Front Seats

Auto writers agree the Matrix's has good visibility and generous headroom in the front seat, but there are split reviews on how comfortable and supportive the bucket sport seats really are.

• "Toyota says the dashboard is shaped to impart a cockpit-style feel, but that dictates a wide center console that intrudes on driver knee space. Otherwise, Matrix makes good use of its tall design by furnishing generous headroom." -- Consumer Guide
• "Front seats are supportive. However, taller drivers with long legs will wish their seat would slide back farther." -- Chicago Sun-Times
• "The high front seating position provides excellent visibility, and all trim levels have supportive sport seats." -- Kelley Blue Book
•   In contrast, Newsday notes, "A little more lateral support from the front bucket 'sport' seats ... would have been welcome." -- Newsday

Rear Seats

Like most small cars, the Matrix is not long on rear-seat space or comfort. Most concede children will find the area sufficient, but no more than two adults should try to squeeze in at once. 

• "Rear seats in all models easily accommodate two adults, or the seats can be folded to provide a large cargo area." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "In back, the tall, deep bench is comfortable for children and adults alike, and it folds completely flat in 60/40 sections." -- Edmunds
• "Enough legroom for two large adults, but knee clearance gets tight with front seatbacks reclined. Headroom is generous for six-footers. The seat is a bit too firm to be really comfortable." -- Consumer Guide
• "Adult passengers were comfortable in the back because of good leg support. While there's less head room in back, it's by no means cramped, although three adults might find it too cozy given the hip and shoulder room." -- My Ride

Interior Features

The 2010 Matrix comes with a healthy list of standard features, but reviewers are generally unsatisfied with the cabin's material quality.

• "The Matrix's cabin is the eHarmony.com of interiors. Sure, it LOOKS OK. ... The gauges are models of legibility. But when you actually meet the polymers in person, it's time for an emergency phone call from your buddy." -- The Truth About Cars
• "All Matrix models look built to a price. A notable lack of padded surfaces; even the front center armrest is uncushioned plastic. Many panels have an attractive-enough molded-in grain, but the dashboard is dominated by smooth, silver-painted plastic that looks and feels cheap." -- Consumer Guide

Cargo

Critic's say the Matrix cargo area is large and easy to load. But even with 48.9 cubic feet of available space, some express concern for the scratches your stuff could suffer lodged on the area's hard plastic fold-flat floor.

• "Cargo space is fine overall, given Matrix's exterior size. ... Interior storage consists of a small glovebox, center console, and door pockets." -- Consumer Guide
• "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." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Fixed tie-down points and rubber inserts help keep cargo from sliding around." -- Edmunds
• "If rough-and-tumble utility is your thing, the Matrix comes through in spades. The rear load floor is covered in durable plastic, as are the second-row seatbacks." -- Cars.com
• "How about the scuffs, digs, scrapes, divots, lacerations, and other nasty marks that sliding hard goods will make as they rumba around the cargo area? " -- The Truth About Cars