2010 Toyota Matrix Review

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a hatchback / compact crossover that gets new standard electronic stability system and traction control. It's no stretch to consider Matrix the wagon or hatchback version of the Corolla. The Matrix has a roomy interior, seating five, and a decent amount of cargo space in the back. The 2010 Matrix comes in a base version as well as the all wheel drive S and sporty XRS trim levels. The best things about the 2010 Matrix are its cabin utility, its dashboard fit/finish, its backseat space, and the excellent acceleration on the 2.4 liter.  The downsides, on the other hand are its sparsely equipped base model, its cheap controls, and choppy suspension on the base.  The Matrix competes with the Kia Spectra5, Mazda3 and related Pontiac Vibe. The 2010 Toyota Matrix EPA Fuel Economy of City: 20 - 26 and Highway: 26 - 32.  It has a starting MSRP of $16,550 - $20,770. The Toyota Matrix provides the economy-minded pricing and operation of a compact car with the practicality of a hatch. All-wheel drive is available, an important option for those who need it that not all competitors offer. With the addition of a navigation system, the Matrix stays modern in the technology department.

Matrix Power

Standard Matrix models are equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that runs along with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The XRS and S come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission.  All models are front-wheel drive, except for the specially equipped all-wheel-drive S model, which is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. 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.

Driving the Matrix

Clutch and shifter effort from the manual transmission are relaxed, the latter giving the gear requested but not as precise as class leaders. The automatics all behave nicely. Regardless of drive system or engine, the Matrix comes across quite polished for an economy car. The base and FWD S models come with a basic rear torsion beam suspension; AWD S and XRS models get a more complex rear double wishbone suspension, which provides a more compliant ride. 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 to activate it.  The XRS 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.

2010 Matrix Design

The Matrix has a very modern look to it, with smooth body sides.  Painted mirrors and door handles, lack of any side moldings, and just two pieces of glass keep visual clutter to a minimum. It gets a small trapezoidal grille and an aggressive-looking front end that features a bulging hood, and thin wraparound headlights.   The hatchback's forward-swept D-pillars enhance the car's sporty shape. S and XRS models differentiate from the base model with their sports body kit featuring a front underbody spoiler, honeycomb grille, lower air intake and rear deck spoiler. Also, the S and XRS also have different lower trim all around the body and the dark material that shows on the seams between the panels and main bodywork gives a hint of the add-on look, a situation more pronounced on light-color cars.  The 2010 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 generation. Also, compared to past models the nose is sleeker, with lights that more closely parallel the Camry.  The C-pillar (the roof support behind the back door) is very thick and the side window has been removed, with just a sliver of curved glass at the end, leading into the hatch glass.

Inside the Toyota Matrix

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. 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.  Front sport seats and a three-person bench seat give the Matrix room for up to five people. The 60/40-split backseat can fold down when more cargo room is needed. The 2010 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 cargo. 

2010 Lineup

The 2010 Toyota Matrix comes in base, S, S AWD, and XRS models. The standard Matrix gets 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.

Matrix S ($18,260) includes the six-speaker radio, power windows/locks, keyless entry and intermittent rear wiper plus a 115-volt AC outlet and larger rear brakes. Matrix S AWD ($20,400) also includes a fully independent rear suspension, larger rear brakes, and the all-weather package.

Matrix XRS ($20,660) gets a 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.

Summary

The 2010 Toyota Matrix combines the style and spirit of a sports car and the functionality of a small sport utility vehicle with the affordability of a compact sedan. The Matrix is versatile in that it si available in an all wheel drive model and an upper, sportier model.  Every Matrix is outfitted with a comprehensive group of standard safety features, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with integrated traction control, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, front side-impact airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, front active head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system. For more research, read another Matrix 2010 review from Car and Driver.  Following a complete redesign in 2009, the 2010 Toyota Matrix carries over with minimal changes; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with integrated traction control is now standard on all trim levels.