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Toyota Matrix

EPA MPG: 24 mpg
Average Retail Price
$7,425 - $9,050

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

A tall hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla sedan, the Matrix has added height, giving it more passenger and cargo space than most competitors. This also eases entry and exit. Additionally, Matrix returns impressive fuel economy for its size and has good power. Many of of the virtues of an SUV, such as a little higher driving position, easy access, and optional AWD are among its attributes. Stability control was standard too. Other plusses include a compliant ride, fairly nimble handling and effective brakes. But an unsettled ride, boomy engine and a cheap feeling interior number among shortcomings that also include a flawed driving position and a noisy engine. Still, overall, Matrix offered a good and practical alternative to a small SUV.

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2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$7,550 - $9,150
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,675 - $5,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,775 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 33 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,425 - $4,575
economy-icon
EPA MPG 31 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 37 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 1.8-liter 4 (132 hp)
  • 2.4-liter 4 (158 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2009-
Current Generation

More powerful engines made the Matrix's 2009 redesign feel more eager to drive. We measured an impressive 27 mpg overall from the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder; all-wheel-drive remained an option. This tall hatchback has more passenger and cargo space than most competitors, and the high roof eases entry and exit. Folding the rear seats and the front passenger seat lets you haul extra-long cargo. However, the car falls short on refinement, with an unsettled ride on the highway, pronounced wind and engine noise, and a cheap-feeling interior. Hard plastic lining the cargo area lets small items slide around and rear visibility is pinched. The addition of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helped the previously awkward driving position, but the wheel doesn't adjust enough to suit everyone. Stability control was standard from 2010 on. 2013 closed out the Matrix.

2003-2008
2003 Redesign Year
Practical and reliable, the Matrix is a Corolla-based small wagon available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Practicality reigns here, with very easy access, a roomy rear seat and a large and flat load floor, once the rear seats are folded. Performance is modest from the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which drones loudly under acceleration. XRS models use a more powerful engine, but you need to use the six-speed manual transmission to rev the engine hard to wring out its power. Handling is fairly nimble, and the ride is compliant if a little jittery. The optional AWD system works well, but hurts acceleration and fuel economy. Limited left foot room and a long reach to the steering wheel combine to hurt the driving position. Stability control was a rare option through the years.