2012 Toyota Matrix Trims and Specs

Following a number of updates for 2011, the Toyota Matrix Base compact hatchback remains unchanged for 2012. Power comes from a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The engine links to either a 5-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, or a 4-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT). Fuel economy numbers check in at 26/32 mpg with the manual transmission and 25/32 with the automatic. Safety features for the front-wheel-drive Matrix include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Toyota also includes its Smart Stop technology, which automatically slows engine revs when the accelerator and brake pedals are simultaneously pressed, resulting in more driver control during emergency stopping situations.

Inside, the Matrix Base comes equipped with a basic list of standard features that includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry and power windows and door locks, as well as a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with auto sound leveling and an auxiliary input jack. Cloth upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seat and a 60/40-split fold-flat rear seatback are also included. With the rear seat up, the Matrix offers 19.8 cubic feet of storage space, which expands to 49.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Outside, halogen headlights, a mesh grille, daytime running lights, side rocker panels and heated exterior mirrors are among the standard features. The 2012 Matrix Base rides on 16-inch steel wheels.

The sport-oriented Toyota Matrix S compact hatchback rolls into 2012 with no new features. However, it continues to receive a number of features not available on the entry-level Base trim, including sport cloth upholstery, metallic interior trim and a sport steering wheel with metallic accents, as well as an upgraded 6-speaker audio system with auto sound leveling and an auxiliary input jack. Cloth upholstery comes standard, along with a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split fold-flat rear seatback. Air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry and power windows and door locks are among the other standard features. Options include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power tilt/slide moonroof, as well as a premium audio system with Bluetooth, a USB port and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Outside, the Matrix S displays such features a unique sport front and rear bumpers, a mesh grille, integrated foglights, halogen headlights, side rocker panels and heated exterior mirrors. Under the hood, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque provides sporty performance for the front-wheel-drive hatchback. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, which comes standard, or a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers of 21/28 mpg with the manual shifter and 21/29 with the automatic. Safety features include 6 airbags, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Toyota also includes its Smart Stop technology, which automatically slows engine revs in emergency situations to help bring the vehicle to a stop. The Matrix S rides on 16-inch steel wheels, although owners can add 17-inch alloy wheels as an option.

As the best-equipped Matrix trim available for 2012, the Toyota Matrix S AWD receives the automaker's all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with active torque control, which intelligently and automatically switches from front-wheel drive to AWD, depending on road conditions. The AWD system channels power from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which develops 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a 4-speed manual transmission and posts fuel economy numbers of 20/26. Safety features include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, as well as Smart Stop technology, which automatically slows engine revs in emergency situations to help bring the vehicle to a stop quickly.

The Matrix offers up to 49.4 cubic feet of storage space with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down, and 19.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. A fold-flat front passenger seat also helps expand cargo options. Sport cloth upholstery, metallic interior trim and a sport steering wheel with metallic accents come standard, along with such additional features as air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry and power windows and door locks. A 6-speaker AM/FM audio system includes auto sound leveling and an auxiliary input jack, while an optional premium audio system adds Bluetooth, a USB port and SiriusXM satellite radio. Other options include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Outside, the Matrix S AWD displays such features as sport front and rear bumpers, a mesh grille, integrated foglights, halogen headlights, side rocker panels and heated exterior mirrors, as well as 16-inch steel wheels. Owners can add 17-inch alloy wheels as an option.