2014 Fiat 500L: Stylish, Room For Five, Starts Below $20,000
Considering the Kia Soul, MINI Countryman, or Nissan Juke? You might want to hold out another few... Read More
- #2LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2662ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 108COMMENTS POSTED
QUALITY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Either way, with rear seats folded down the Matrix has enough space to swallow all but the biggest flat-screens.
Motor Trend
he Matrix is well screwed together, has a roomy, makes-sense interior and very nice instruments and controls
MSN Autos
Wind noise is so prevalent that I actually opened the driver’s door and slammed it shut to eliminate that as a possible source of the racket.
Vehix.com
While the Matrix is very versatile, with the back seat folding fully flat, the seats themselves are a little less supportive than most would probably prefer. As is the case for most of Toyota's small-car lineup, the seats are quite short and flat. But there's enough adjustability between the seats and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel for most to get comfortable up front.
The rear bench is acceptable for adults around town, if not on a long road trip, but you'll only be able to fit two across. And overall, the tall-hatchback layout affords good interior space, with rear seatbacks that fold easily (and flat) to expand cargo space. You'll have no problem freeing up seating space for an especially large load of groceries.
Ride quality is pretty good—quite compliant for a hatchback with a sporty profile—but road noise can be an issue and a coarse engine note when pressed makes the Matrix no standout for refinement. Hard, dull interior plastics and unremarkable materials inside don't exactly boost that impression, although there's a lot to love in the simple, chunky control layout.
Conclusion
The 2012 Toyota Matrix has a useful, versatile layout, but it's no standout with respect to refinement or interior materials.
