Toyota Matrix: Quick Test

The 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.

Its small footprint is a bit misleading as the small five-door wagon - which Toyota marketing calls a "crossover" - has a lot of space inside. With its plastic load floor and flat-folding seats—including the front passenger seat—the Matrix offers up tons of cargo space for whatever your lifestyle may require.

Adding to its versatility is the availability of AWD and even some towing capability. Ok, so it'll only tow 1500 lbs, but that's about 1500 more than most of its competitors....

Snags? There are some to be sure. For one, the quality of the plastics in the cabin. Granted this is a relatively inexpensive car, but that doesn't mean it should feel cheap.

Then there's the automatic transmission, which reminds me of an irritatingly indecisive ex-girlfriend. Happily, a five-speed manual is available, so chose wisely.

I won't complain much about the lack of power or 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.

Ultimately, this thing is about practicality and economy with a little bit of flair.

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.

Motivating the 3200 lb. Matrix is the same 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine used in the Corolla as well as a number of other Toyota products.

Mileage - always important, but especially so in this segment - is a decent 21 city, 28 highway, with the Matrix earning an Ultra Low Emissions rating to boot.

It rides surprisingly well given its economy car underpinnings and the beefy 18-inch wheels with BFG tires fitted to our test car.

Good tires however, can't overcome a chassis lacking any kind of athleticism. An overactive stability control system and soft springs conspire to keep the aggressive BFG tires from doing their thing, but the built-in understeer, as well as the optional AWD will keep things safe under all conditions.

Call it a crossover, a wagon, or a 5-door hatchback, what the Matrix XRS represents is sensible transportation dressed up to look more sporting than it actually is.

There's no disguising its awkward proportions: it's short in length, tall in height and narrow in beam - not good. However, Toyota's designers have done a fairly decent job of disguising its dimensional shortcomings.

And if you can ignore the gaudy badging and the unfulfilled promise of the sporty styling, you'll be more likely to find yourself pleased with the Matrix.

Fact is, this Corolla-based crossover/wagon/hatchback has many positive attributes. There's decent space given its small footprint, decent mileage, decent handling and, to some people's eyes, even decent styling.

And let's not forget, Toyota's much-vaunted reliability - no doubt, a decent selling point.

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