The Good

The new Matrix does well in federal government crash tests, and offers a good number of active and passive safety equipment.

The Bad

Aside from the usual mechanical dependability and non-catastrophic resale value, there is very little about the 2009 Toyota Matrix that’s inherently good; a fact that has less to do with all its mechanical and design faults and everything to do with Toyota selling not one but two competitors that are significantly better.

The CarGurus View

Street-chic with all the bells and whistles won’t make the 2009 Toyota Matrix anything more than what it is. Fun might be a word used to describe this ride, but that only goes as far as the wrapping. Take that off and you’ve just got a lot empty space, including where the engine sits.

At a Glance

Looking for SUV-size room wrapped in a compact package? The re-designed 2009 Toyota Matrix might fit the bill. With a touch more power, a hint of new styling and no change in size, this second-generation Matrix is basically a tall-body wagon version of Toyota's Corolla compact sedan. The five-door 2009 is presented in three trims: the Standard, the S and the nifty XRS. The car’s new look, or facelift, is getting professional reviewers talking, though their mixed metaphors don’t disguise their mixed messages towards this ordinary machine: “new sheetmetal swaps the ‘grandma’s high trousers’ look for gangsta chic,” or, “…the sequel to the Matrix. Let’s call it The Matrix: Rebloated.” The Matrix is spearheaded by a short sloping front-end and low profile-pointed headlamps. Down below, the top-end XRS trim includes deep-set fog lamps as well as front and rear underbody spoilers. The Matrix's rising profile leads back to a well-sculpted rear-end, featuring a rally-style roof spoiler. Upfront, the 2009 Matrix offers two different engines, the 132-hp 1.8-liter that powers the Standard, and for the S and sporty XRS models, the bigger 158-hp 2.4-liter. All come with front-wheel drive; the S is also available with all-wheel drive which comes only with automatic transmission, the others receive manual or automatic. AWD S and XRS models have an independent rear suspension. The 2009 Toyota Matrix is certainly a step-up from its predecessor, but a giant leap it is not.

Drivetrain Details

From standstill to sixty, the 2009 Matrix clocks a very average time of 7.9 seconds. The engine responsible for this is a 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder that holsters 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 ft-lbs. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine features Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 mpg with the five-speed manual transmission models and 25/31 mpg with the four-speed automatics. For those wanting more pop and torque in their dance partner, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 ft-lbs. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine gets an EPA rating of 21/29 mpg, and as with all its engines the Matrix takes regular gas, a full tank of which will take you 422.2 miles—almost the length of Guatemala. Maximum towing capacity, a respectable 1500 lbs.

Ride & Handling

The 2009 would like to be a contender in its class, but the truth is it doesn’t come close. The biggest problem is under the hood: no go. Then comes the handling: no show. The 2.4-liter engine is raspy while accelerating, though it relaxes at highway speeds, and the base engine revs smoothly, if not all that quietly. The S and XRS have adequate acceleration with the automatic transmission, even if liberal use of the throttle is required for merging and passing maneuvers. Manual-transmission versions are not noticeably livelier. For the ride itself, the 2009 absorbs small pavement imperfections well. Over sharp bumps, the ride gets stiff even with its 16-inch wheels. The XRS's 18-inch wheels can trigger some jiggle over patchy pavement and freeway expansion breaks. These tall wagons are more prone to crosswind wander at highway speeds than lower-built small cars. Its steering and suspension are standard-issue ToMoCo; which is to say they’re solid and firm. Take a corner too quickly and you risk scraping the Matrix’ side skirt on the pavement and there’s noticeable body lean in versions equipped with 16-inch tires, even with AWD. Grip and balance are sharper in the XRS. Fine around-town maneuverability. Braking control and pedal feel are fine for the class. Wind rush and road noise rise markedly at highway speeds on all models. The gauges are brightly lit, but indistinct markings on the speedometer sometimes require a second look away from the road. The center portion of the dashboard is canted toward the driver, but not enough to prevent outside light from washing out the radio display. Climate controls are large, accessible dials.

Cabin & Comfort

All Matrix models look built to a price. A notable lack of padded surfaces; even the front center armrest is uncushioned. Many panels have an attractive-enough molded-in grain, but the dashboard is dominated by smooth, silver-painted plastic—cheap. Few materials feel substantial, and the doors close with a tinny clang. The uniquely configured gauge cluster serves as the focal point to the driver centric cockpit design, but that dictates a wide center console that intrudes on driver knee space. Otherwise, the Matrix makes fine use of its tall design by furnishing generous headroom. The tilt and telescopic steering column offers audio controls to command the optional JBL stereo system, and the driver-seat height adjuster adds another comfort-enhancing standard feature, contrasting the tall doors and tapered roofline which impart a slightly closed-in feel. Visibility is poor to the rear corners. Enough legroom for two large adults, but knee clearance gets tight with front seatbacks reclined. Headroom is generous for six-footers. The seat is a bit too firm to be really comfortable. The doors could open wider and need broader thresholds, but the tall body minimizes stooping on entry and exit. The front passenger seat folds flat on all but the base model for cargo-carrying versatility, as does the split rear seat. Cargo space is fine overall, given Matrix's exterior size. The cargo floor covered in plastic that, while durable looking, causes items to slide easily. Interior storage consists of a small glovebox, center console, and door pockets. The S models add power door locks and windows, a 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, an intermittent rear wiper, the fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio with MP3 capability, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps. The most significant option is DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic.

Safety

The 2009 gets top marks in government-rated crash tests, and offers a good number of active and passive safety equipment. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and active front headrests. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC (and an off switch) is standard on XRS, optional on other models. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests, the Matrix gets five stars in front impact crashes and another five out of five for the driver's protection in side impact crashes. The 2009 Matrix also earns four stars for rear passengers' protection in side crashes, and a four-star rollover rating. This department is where this car really shines.

What Owners Think

Hearty applause is the best way to describe the 2009’s owner appreciation for their machine. And its praised in almost every discipline, every feature. Gas mileage, roomy interior and handling, all shine, proving the car’s versatile design. It’s with the exterior where drivers really get excited. Many can’t wait to get in, turn on and let it rip. Others want to load her up and head for the hills, and several more, especially owners of the Matrix S AWD with sport package spoilers, orange metallic paint and 17-inch wheels, just want to turn heads. On the downside, cargo space, numerous blind spots and a lack of comfort in the ride are consistent sticking points. For the most part, Matrix owners see their car in stark contrast compared to how its judged by professional reviewers.