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2009 Toyota Matrix Bottom Line

July 19, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

To bring you this extensive review of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, the experienced auto enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range of published reviews. TheCarConnection.com's editors also included firsthand experience in this all-considered Bottom Line review.

Likes:

  • Smooth ride for a small car
  • Good fuel economy with 1.8-liter engine
  • Interior space

Dislikes:

  • Rearward visibility can be difficult
  • Cargo area is rather small with backseats up

Buying Tips:


If you're tired of the "push 'em through" attitude at your local Toyota dealership (they're typically rated quite low in J.D. Power's surveys for satisfaction) and you don't mind the slightly different styling of the Pontiac Vibe, you might want to go with the Pontiac dealership.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a tall-hatchback version of the popular Toyota Corolla sedan and is sometimes called the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix; whichever name you want to use, it's been completely redesigned for 2009, with a new look, more standard safety features, and more power on tap from a new 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine.

The base engine is still an economical 1.8-liter four-cylinder, finessed to 132 horsepower. Both engines come with a standard five-speed manual or optional automatic, but the automatic has four gears with the 1.8-liter, five with the 2.4-liter. The Base model of the 2009 Toyota Matrix includes the 1.8-liter, but the S model and sporty XRS antes up to the 2.4-liter. There's also an all-wheel-drive S model, which includes the larger engine.

The 2.4-liter engine makes a substantial difference behind the wheel of the 2009 Toyota Matrix; it has noticeably more torque, making it a much better choice with automatic transmission. The 1.8-liter engine has enough pep with the manual transmission, and with the smaller engine, fuel economy is near the top of its class, at 26 mpg city, 32 highway.

Compared to the 2008 Matrix, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has a lower, sportier stance, though it keeps similar proportions; inside the seats are positioned a bit lower, and styling has been perked up with a matte-metallic treatment on the instrument panel.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix seats up to five people, theoretically, though only two adults will comfortably fit in the backseat. The rakish hatch impairs cargo space somewhat, but the folding seats and tall body afford quite a bit of cargo space. Ride comfort is a strong point; top XRS and AWD S models come with a fully independent rear suspension that may bring an even smoother ride without sacrificing handling.

Standard safety equipment on all 2009 Toyota Matrix wagons includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with active headrests and anti-lock brakes. Stability and traction control is standard on the top XRS model, but optional on the other versions. The Matrix earns five stars in side-impact protection for front occupants and four stars for rear occupants in the federal government's crash tests, and it's been tested by the insurance-funded IIHS to Good results in frontal offset and side impact tests but just Acceptable in rear impact.

All versions of the 2009 Toyota Matrix include power mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering, and an auxiliary input jack—items that aren't always standard on small cars. The S version includes power windows and locks, a useful 115-volt power outlet good for laptops, cruise control, and a flat-folding front passenger seat, along with a spruced-up appearance, and the XRS brings big 18-inch wheels and a strut-tower brace. A DVD navigation system with XM NavTraffic is a noteworthy new option.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Toyota Matrix, also consider:

Reason Why:

Though mechanically similar to the Pontiac Vibe, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has different styling inside and out, as well as some minor differences in equipment. Its exterior styling in particular is smoother and cleaner, without overtly flared wheel wells like the Vibe. In nearly all other attributes, the two vehicles are virtually identical. The Spectra5 and Mazda3 are arguably more fun to drive than the Matrix, with peppy engine response and a tighter suspension, and similar in overall space—though the Mazda3 has a very tight backseat. The Spectra also stands out for its long warranty, especially its ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Subaru Impreza hatchback is also a worthy alternative to the Matrix; though it's somewhat more expensive, the Impreza has standard all-wheel drive, a torquey flat-four engine, and an enviable safety and reliability record.

The Bottom Line:

Can't make up your mind between coupe, sedan, or SUV? The versatile, economical, and safe 2009 Toyota Matrix might be the solution.

To bring you this extensive review of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, the experienced auto enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range of published reviews. TheCarConnection.com's editors also included firsthand experience in this all-considered Bottom Line review. Likes:Smooth ride for a small carGood fuel economy with 1.8-liter engineInterior spaceDislikes:Rearward visibility can be difficultCargo area is rather small with backseats upBuying Tips: If you're tired of the "push 'em through" attitude at your local Toyota dealership (they're typically rated quite low in J.D. Power's surveys for satisfaction) and you don't mind the slightly different styling of the Pontiac Vibe, you might want to go with the Pontiac dealership. The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a tall-hatchback version of the popular Toyota Corolla sedan and is sometimes called the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix; whichever name you want to use, it's been completely redesigned for 2009, with a new look, more standard safety features, and more power on tap from a new 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. The base engine is still an economical 1.8-liter four-cylinder, finessed to 132 horsepower. Both engines come with a standard five-speed manual or optional automatic, but the automatic has four gears with the 1.8-liter, five with the 2.4-liter. The Base model of the 2009 Toyota Matrix includes the 1.8-liter, but the S model and sporty XRS antes up to the 2.4-liter. There's also an all-wheel-drive S model, which includes the larger engine. The 2.4-liter engine makes a substantial difference behind the wheel of the 2009 Toyota Matrix; it has noticeably more torque, making it a much better choice with automatic transmission. The 1.8-liter engine has enough pep with the manual transmission, and with the smaller engine, fuel economy is near the top of its class, at 26 mpg city, 32 highway. Compared to the 2008 Matrix, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has a lower, sportier stance, though it keeps similar proportions; inside the seats are positioned a bit lower, and styling has been perked up with a matte-metallic treatment on the instrument panel. The 2009 Toyota Matrix seats up to five people, theoretically, though only two adults will comfortably fit in the backseat. The rakish hatch impairs cargo space somewhat, but the folding seats and tall body afford quite a bit of cargo space. Ride comfort is a strong point; top XRS and AWD S models come with a fully independent rear suspension that may bring an even smoother ride without sacrificing handling. Standard safety equipment on all 2009 Toyota Matrix wagons includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with active headrests and anti-lock brakes. Stability and traction control is standard on the top XRS model, but optional on the other versions. The Matrix earns five stars in side-impact protection for front occupants and four stars for rear occupants in the federal government's crash tests, and it's been tested by the insurance-funded IIHS to Good results in frontal offset and side impact tests but just Acceptable in rear impact. All versions of the 2009 Toyota Matrix include power mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering, and an auxiliary input jack—items that aren't always standard on small cars. The S version includes power windows and locks, a useful 115-volt power outlet good for laptops, cruise control, and a flat-folding front passenger seat, along with a spruced-up appearance, and the XRS brings big 18-inch wheels and a strut-tower brace. A DVD navigation system with XM NavTraffic is a noteworthy new option. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Toyota Matrix, also consider:Kia Spectra5Mazda 3Pontiac VibeSubaru ImprezaReason Why:Though mechanically similar to the Pontiac Vibe, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has different styling inside and out, as well as some minor differences in equipment. Its exterior styling in particular is smoother and cleaner, without overtly flared wheel wells like the Vibe. In nearly all other attributes, the two vehicles are virtually identical. The Spectra5 and Mazda3 are arguably more fun to drive than the Matrix, with peppy engine response and a tighter suspension, and similar in overall space—though the Mazda3 has a very tight backseat. The Spectra also stands out for its long warranty, especially its ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Subaru Impreza hatchback is also a worthy alternative to the Matrix; though it's somewhat more expensive, the Impreza has standard all-wheel drive, a torquey flat-four engine, and an enviable safety and reliability record. The Bottom Line:Can't make up your mind between coupe, sedan, or SUV? The versatile, economical, and safe 2009 Toyota Matrix might be the solution. To bring you this extensive review of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, the experienced auto enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range of published reviews. TheCarConnection.com's editors also included firsthand experience in this all-considered Bottom Line review. Likes Smooth ...

Other Choices:

Though mechanically similar to the Pontiac Vibe, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has different styling inside and out, as well as some minor differences in equipment. Its exterior styling in particular is smoother and cleaner, without overtly flared wheel wells like the Vibe. In nearly all other attributes, the two vehicles are virtually identical. The Spectra5 and Mazda3 are arguably more fun to drive than the Matrix, with peppy engine response and a tighter suspension, and similar in overall space—though the Mazda3 has a very tight backseat. The Spectra also stands out for its long warranty, especially its ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Subaru Impreza hatchback is also a worthy alternative to the Matrix; though it's somewhat more expensive, the Impreza has standard all-wheel drive, a torquey flat-four engine, and an enviable safety and reliability record.

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See the Toyota Matrix in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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