Introduction

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a new, second-generation design developed in tandem with the Corolla sedan. In essence, the Matrix is the wagon/hatch version of the Corolla. In fact, the company refers to it as the Toyota Corolla Matrix. With edgier styling inside and out and four versions to choose from, the Matrix makes a sensible choice for many people. Perhaps the oldest piece of hardware on the new Matrix is the all-wheel-drive system introduced on the RAV4 for the 2006 model year. Everything else is newer, making the Matrix an all-new car. The 1.8-liter engine is new. Even better news is the high-revving version that was poorly matched to the previous-generation Matrix has been replaced by a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Camry. Gearboxes, brakes, steering and safety systems have all been redone. The body work is all new, also, though the design is an evolutionary update of the previous version. The new 2009 Toyota Matrix is bigger than the previous version, but Toyota hasn't lost sight of this being its smallest crossover vehicle. You can carry four big people or drop three seats and slide a short board inside; four doors make loading kids, dogs and miscellaneous cargo a cinch. All run on regular unleaded fuel and rate at least 20 mpg in the city; the 2.4-liter upgrade engine pushes 30 mpg on the highway, while the smaller engine and five-speed manual, which are as much fun to drive as the big automatics, run mid 20s in the city and low 30s highway. Given Toyota's history we can't imagine they will require much in the way of expensive repairs or maintenance. Engines were a weak point on the previous-generation Matrix, so the 2009 represents a big upgrade. Check out the Matrix if you want the reliable reputation of the Corolla with less visual boredom, if you need a urban runabout that's cheap to buy and run, or just because it's logically all you really need in a land of average speeds hovering in the mid-30-mph range. The Matrix doesn't stand out anywhere as much as it provides a useful, better than average package for any purpose short of pickup-sized building materials or a trip to the red carpet. In short, the new Toyota Matrix is a very sensible choice. By price and hatchback design, the Matrix slots into multiple categories for cross-shoppers, including roomy compact cars such as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Subaru Impreza, and VW Golf; small vans and crossovers such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson, Mazda5, Nissan Rogue; and the less-easily categorized Chevrolet HHR, Dodge Caliber, Scion xD, and Suzuki SX4.

Walkaround

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is just slightly larger than its predecessor though it looks significantly larger. It's a fraction of an inch longer and lower than the previous model. Three factors add to its visual size: First, the nose is sleeker, with lights that more closely parallel the Camry, S and XRS models have a deeper chin than before, and the grille opening sweeps cleanly up and outboard on the hood, becoming the base of the windshield pillar. The second contributor is the inch-wider rear track which carries more visual weight further aft. Finally, the C-pillar (the roof support behind the back door) is very thick and the side window has been removed, with just a sliver of curved glass at the end, leading into the hatch glass. The longer, lower front end of S and XRS models employs outer black nacelles for fog lamp housings and the center section is dark to the bottom for a more aggressive look. The S and XRS also have different lower trim all around the body and the dark material that shows on the seams between the panels and main bodywork gives a hint of the add-on look, a situation more pronounced on light-color cars. In profile the front side windows resemble a wine glass on its side; the upper side curved along its length and the lower side scoops downward, for a good view of the mirror without the mirror blocking any forward or side vision, and then begins the taper upward to the rear. Painted mirrors and door handles, lack of any side moldings, and just two pieces of glass keep visual clutter to a minimum. Seventeen-inch wheels make the best of big wheel wells while the rear spoiler serves as a punctuation point to an otherwise near-hemispherical rear end, and auxiliary sunshade for rear-seat riders. It's no stretch to consider Matrix the wagon or hatchback version of the Corolla, indeed the official name is Corolla Matrix. The Corolla is about seven inches longer and half that lower, excepting headroom has larger interior dimensions but a smaller trunk. The Matrix hatchback eases loading awkward objects, the upright stance gives a slightly better view of traffic, and it offers all-wheel drive and a rear wiper for inclement weather. Expect a Matirx to cost about $1,000 more than a similarly equipped Corolla.

Interior Features

Inside, however, any relation to a Corolla vanishes at the first glimpse of the dash, the Matrix trading conservative for a more stylish look with sweeping metal-look surfaces on both sides of the instrument cluster. Two large omni-directional vents peer out the top like bug eyes and frame the gauges that include round dials for speed and engine revs and an oblong unit for ancillary information. At this price point the materials include fabric upholstery and door panels, with plastic on trim pieces such as lower doors. It doesn't look cheap or like this is where the money was saved, and all the switchgear has a quality feel to it. Colors carry a fire theme, with either Ash (light gray) or Charcoal (very dark gray) to choose from. A variety of storage spaces and sizes can be found within driver's reach, and most have a nonskid, quieting rubber mat on the bottom, a big improvement over the slippery surface that came standard on the previous-generation Matrix. Manually adjusted front buckets are well-placed for tall driver headroom and short driver visibility, and provide good support for the length of time it takes to burn a tank of gas, which is a long time. The wheel tilts and telescopes but the latter's travel is limited and, with the clutch pedal much closer than the brake pedal, may require some minor driver adaptation. The rear bench seat is a 60/40 split with the narrow part behind the driver where it should be, and easily folds down unless the front seat is far rearward. Despite the loss of a half-inch in rated headroom and four inches in hip room because of measurement standards, the rear seat is generally bigger than before and we put a pair of 6-foot-3-inch riders back there with head clearance. There are three belts, used simultaneously only by kids and waif-like models, and the rear-seat floor is almost flat with only a slight rise up to the console. The illuminated gauges are easy to see regardless of conditions, and forward viewing is good unless you need to actually see the hood to gauge where it is. Direct rear view isn't bad either with no big central headrest in the way, but your first head turn to check a rear quarter lane change will show just how big those C-pillars are. Three-ring climate controls deliver air where and when you want it without excessive fan noise; AC is standard. Primary operating controls are on steering column stalks, with less-frequent items like the optional stability control defeat on the dash; the shifter (automatic or manual) rides on a perch off the lower dash, while a conventional handbrake is in the console. New for 2008 is an entry-level navigation option (S, XRS only) that does not use voice-recognition or Bluetooth. However, it does voice guidance, offers XM real-time traffic (for subscribers), a clear 7-inch screen, and the intuitive operation set by Lexus. Unfortunately, there is only so much space in the dash, so you can not get the navigation system and the high-level JBL sound system in the same car. Matrix has nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, with some small bins underneath the floor; if you want to hide cargo from view there's an optional tonneau you attach at the corners. The floor (and rear seatback) has plastic runners, there are tie-down rings, and the right front-seat backrest folds flat for long items or a place to work the laptop on break.