Toyota Matrix XRS Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS can be considered the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. A tall, sporty-looking wagon based on Toyota's bland, but great-selling Corolla sedan, the Matrix XRS offers a multitude of practical configurations and is loaded with content for the dollar.

The footprint of the Matrix is a bit misleading as the small five-door wagon has a lot of space inside. With its plastic load floor and its flat folding seats - including the front passenger seat - the Matrix offers up cargo space for whatever your lifestyle may require. Need to load your mountain bike? No sweat. Gotta run to Home Depot for that home improvement project? While it won't quite handle a 4x8 piece of plywood, the Matrix is up for it. Gotta carry your compressor and 15 inflatable dolls? Well, you get the picture...

Adding to its versatility is available AWD and even towing capability. Ok, so it'll only tow 1500 lbs, but that's about 1500 more than most of its competitors. So at least you can hook up the jet skis and head to the beach.

It's not all rainbows and butterflies, however. There are a few snags to talk about. For one, the quality of the plastics in the cabin - especially on the dash - are... rental car-ish. Not exactly what you expect of Toyota. Granted this is an inexpensive car, but that doesn't mean it should feel cheap. To be fair, some of its competitors are worse, but some are better as well.

Then there's the automatic transmission, which reminds me of an irritatingly indecisive ex-girlfriend. At least there's a five-speed manual available. I won't complain too much about the lack of power or the lack of communication skills from the steering, as this isn't really a performance car - although you'd be forgiven for expecting more excitement given the XRS badges and that get-out-of-my-way front end.

No, this thing is about practicality and economy with a little bit of flair. To that end it's other notable features include: a 115 volt auxiliary power outlet, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, an available touch screen navigation system and an optional JBL six in-dash CD, 440 watt, nine speaker audio system with MP3/WMA and Bluetooth compatibility. How's that for content?

Continuing with the plusses, there's plenty of space for front and rear passengers when the seats aren't folded and the build quality - cheap plastics aside - seems very solid as you'd expect from Toyota. Mileage - more important than ever these days - is a decent 21 city, 28 highway, with the Matrix earning an Ultra Low Emissions rating to boot.

With its versatile personality, the Matrix XRS is sure to attract buyers looking for an economical car that is game for whatever life brings. From everyday cargo carrying duty to weekend getaways with all your toys, this Swiss Army knife of cars is game. Add in the available AWD and Toyota's reputation for solid resale and reliability, and it's easy to make a case for the Matrix XRS.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Toyota Matrix XRS

Performance
- Acceleration: Small engine overwhelmed by too much weight results in lackluster acceleration
- Handling: Good tires can't overcome a chassis lacking any kind of athleticism
- Braking: Squirmy handling while braking at or near the limit - brakes are effective though

Design
- Exterior: Aggressive front end and "XRS" badging are misleading - tall, narrow and short design makes for bad proportions
- Interior: A bit busy with lower quality plastics than you'd expect from the world's largest car maker

Utility
- Comfort: Good seats front and rear - decent seating position as well
- Space: Folding seats (including the front passenger's) offer lots of space for cargo - good space for four people

Safety
- Dynamics: Overactive stability control and softly-sprung chassis conspire to keep the aggressive BFG tires from doing their thing, but optional AWD will keep things safe under all conditions
- Technology: Stability control, ABS, airbags, etc. - it's all here

Value
- Price: Decent value as a small cross-over/wagon, but not as a sport compact in the mold of the Civic Si or Mazdaspeed3
- Mileage: If you're not in a hurry (and therefore on the gas), it will return decent numbers

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Looks will win over some, but otherwise this one is a flat-liner
- Fun to spank: Not even a little, but in all fairness, that's just not its intent

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front wheel drive
Engine: 2.4 liter, DOHC inline 4 cylinder
Power (SAE): 158 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 162 lbs-ft @ 4000 rpm
Gearbox: 5 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3220 lbs.
0-60 mph: 8.1 sec.
1/4 mile: 16.2 sec. @ 86 mph
Top Speed: 125 mph
Mileage: 21 city / 29 highway
Base Price: $21,950
Competitors: Mazda Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX