AWD Meets Corolla Styling Plus Hatchback!! 2009 Matrix

Check out our New Toyota Matrix Inventory!!!

Summary

For 2009 the Matrix gets an overhaul inside and out. Essentially it is the hatchback version of the venerable Corolla and it benefits from added interior space and the styling that makes it a crossover vehicle. Because it is heavier, it also has lesser fuel economy, but ample for a crossover vehicle, which it certainly is. For the driver in the snow belt, opt for the all wheel drive version, you won't be sorry. The 2009 Matrix is certainly a sensible choice for that person looking for a good looking, crossover vehicle that has the ability to go where the Corolla can not.

Full Review 2009

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. 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 Even better news is the high-revving version that was poorly matched to the previous-generation Matrix has been replaced by a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Camry. The new 2009 Toyota Matrix is bigger than the previous version, but Toyota hasn't lost sight of this being its smallest crossover vehicle. 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. Engines were a weak point on the previous-generation Matrix, so the 2009 represents a big upgrade.

In short, the new Toyota Matrix is a very sensible choice.

Trims and Styling 2009

The 2009 Toyota Matrix comes in base, S, S AWD, and XRS models.

The standard Matrix ($16,190) 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. A five-speed manual gearbox comes standard, a four-speed automatic transmission is available as a separate model ($17,000). 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.

Matrix S ($18,260) 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 ($19,450).

Matrix S AWD ($20,400) 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 ($20,660) comes 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 ($21,850).

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.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is just slightly larger than its predecessor though it looks significantly larger. It's a fraction of an inch longer and lower than the previous model.

The second contributor is the inch-wider rear track which carries more visual weight further aft. In profile the front side windows resemble a wine glass on its side; the upper side curved along its length and the lower side scoops downward, for a good view of the mirror without the mirror blocking any forward or side vision, and then begins the taper upward to the rear. Seventeen-inch wheels make the best of big wheel wells while the rear spoiler serves as a punctuation point to an otherwise near-hemispherical rear end, and auxiliary sunshade for rear-seat riders.

It's no stretch to consider Matrix the wagon or hatchback version of the Corolla, indeed the official name is Corolla Matrix. The Corolla is about seven inches longer and half that lower, excepting headroom has larger interior dimensions but a smaller trunk. The Matrix hatchback eases loading awkward objects, the upright stance gives a slightly better view of traffic, and it offers all-wheel drive and a rear wiper for inclement weather.

First Drive 2009

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. The smaller engine also gets significantly better mileage than the 2.4-liter, averaging 4-5 mpg higher ratings. 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 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 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.

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. 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.

Conclusions

The Toyota Matrix provides the economy-minded pricing and operation of a compact car with the practicality of a hatch. "Even when pushed, the Matrix felt like a car you would feel safe handing over to a young driver. And if you are a veteran driver in search of stable, basic transportation with some exterior sportiness, shop the Matrix against other hatchbacks. You won't be disappointed." says Boston Globe All-wheel drive is available, an important option for those who need it that not all competitors offer. "The Matrix should appeal to those who want a fuel-stingy utilitarian vehicle that's generally fun to drive." adds Chicago Sun-Times One never feels something is missing or left out, especially with the addition of a navigation system, and the new styling won't be dated before the next version of Windows or iPhone.