2009 Toyota Matrix Trims and Specs

Combining SUV capacity with a car-like ride and coupe-like styling, the 2009 Toyota Matrix Base represents the most economic trim for this compact hatchback. Seating four in two rows, the cargo area can hold up to 61.5 cubic feet and the rear row split-folds flat 60/40. A cargo cover is standard. The 1.8-liter DOHC I4 is the same as in the Corolla, putting out 132-hp and 128 ft-lbs of torque and linked to either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. Fuel economy averages 27/32 mpg. The 2009 Matrix Base rides on 16-inch wheels. Changes are mostly stylistic, adding an inch in width and lowering the ride height by nearly an inch.

Dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard, along with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a tire monitor, and active head restraints. Traction and stability control cost extra. Though only a Base model, features include power mirrors, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, an audio input jack, and a 12-volt power outlet up front. Also part of the package are a tachometer, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, and tilt and telescopic steering. You'll have to pay more for power locks and windows, as well as remote entry, cruise control, heated mirrors, and intermittent rear wipers. Fun add-ons include a sunroof, alloy wheels, and an upgraded sound system.

Decked out in a sports-oriented body kit, the 2009 Toyota Matrix S offers performance looks in a conservative and affordable package. Two engines are available with the S. Front-wheel drive wagons are fueled by a 132-hp, 1.8-liter double overhead cam I4. A 5-speed automatic with manual mode or a straight-up 5-speed manual are the transmission choices. The 2009 Matrix S is the only trim to offer optional automatic all-wheel drive. This system gets the more powerful 2.4-liter, 158-hp I4, but is matched only with a 4-speed automatic. It puts out 162 ft-lbs of torque and reduces fuel economy to 22/30 mpg. The AWD also features an independent rear suspension in place of the rear torsion beam in the front-wheel drive model.

Front and rear underbody spoilers, black headlamp housing, foglights, and cloth sport seats hint at the flashier pretensions of the 2009 Matrix S. Adding on to the power mirrors, CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, intermittent front wipers, and tilt and telescopic steering of the base, the S offers up power windows and locks, remote entry, and an intermittent rear wiper. Replacing the 12-volt power outlet in the Base is a 115-volt outlet. Four cupholders serve four passengers. Rear seats fold flat and split 60/40, expanding the trunk to 61.5 cubic feet. A cargo cover is included in the package. A nice upgrade on the S is a fold-flat front passenger seat.

Larger 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a tire monitor, 16-inch wheels, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows are standard safety features. Traction and stability control are optional, along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and 17-inch alloy wheels. An all-weather package adds heated mirrors. This package is standard on the S AWD. A rear deck spoiler (like on the XRS) is available. Other options include a sunroof, cruise control, and a compass. Unlike the Base, the 2009 Matrix S can add a navigation system with a new real-time traffic satellite feature.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS blends new sports coupe styling with a body kit and performance enhancements to provide a more responsive ride than the other trims for this compact crossover. A rear independent suspension and front strut tower brace, along with larger brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels improve handling in the front-wheel drive Matrix XRS and make the most of the more powerful 2.4-liter, 158-hp DOHC I4. This engine delivers 162 ft-lbs of torque and comes with either a 5-speed shiftable automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.

A rear deck spoiler joins those under the front and rear chins. Upgraded cloth sport seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio controls, chrome accents, and electroluminescent gauges bring the sporty flare inside. Otherwise, features are similar to the S and include a full power setup, remote entry, a CD/MP3 player with audio input, satellite radio, intermittent front and rear wipers, tilt and telescopic steering, and a 115-volt front power outlet. Rear seats fold flat and split 60/40. The cargo area has been increased and expands to 61.5 cubic feet. A fold-flat passenger seat accommodates longer objects. A cargo cover is standard.

The 2009 Matrix XRS boosts safety features with traction and stability control joining the standard package, which includes dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, active head restraints, a tire monitor, and 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes. Options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system with real-time traffic, cruise control, and a sunroof. A JBL sound system is also available, but cannot be bundled with the navigation system.