Toyota Matrix XRS Part 3: Performance Review

Let's cut to the chase here: the Toyota Matrix - even this pseudo-sport XRS model - is about economy and practicality, not performance. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But the aggressive front air-dam, the rear bumper's blacked out diffuser-like graphic and the red "XRS" badges sprinkled around the car are a bit misleading. So what gives? The answer is "Marketing." Seems we can't have a simple, honest practical economy hatch without Too Fast-Too Furious looks. With that out of the way, let's have a look at the Matrix XRS.

The Toyota Matrix is based on the company's volume selling Corolla. Motivating the five-door Matrix is the same 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine used in the Corolla as well as a number of other Toyota products.

Regarding performance, when you consider that 158 horsepower and 162 lb.ft. of torque is charged with motivating 3200 lbs. of vehicle, you start to understand the silliness of those XRS badges. Perhaps better paired to the five-speed manual, our test car's five-speed automatic was a busy little beaver, shifting down one or two gears at the slightest flex of the driver's right ankle. It's a bit annoying on the freeway when the expected smooth roll-on, in-gear acceleration turns into a frantic double downshift with correspondingly high revs.

On the plus side, the Matrix XRS does ride surprisingly well given its economy car roots and the 18-inch wheels with BFG KDW tires that were fitted to our test car. Handling is a bit more in keeping with the sporty badges, although the lifeless steering doesn't exactly encourage you to explore the grip available from those tires. Neither does the aggressive stability control system.

So it's a bag... or rather, a five-door wagon, full of mixed messages. But if you can ignore the badging and the promise of the sporty styling, you'll likely be pleased with the Matrix. The fact is, this Corolla-based crossover/wagon/hatchback does have its positive attributes. There's decent space given its small footprint, decent mileage, decent handling and to some people's eyes, decent styling. And let's not forget, Toyota reliability - no doubt is one of its strongest selling points.

It may not offer much of a performance reward to the keen driver, but in today's economic climate, the sensible-shoes-with-a-little-bit-of-flair approach of the Toyota Matrix XRS should find it transporting many buyers. Just don't expect to be moved.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

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