2010 Toyota Matrix Review

Improvements from 2009 Toyota Matrix:

Anew car guide indicates the addition of standard stability control is the only significant change for the road test.

Performance:Auto review specs show the front-wheel-drive Toyota Matrix has a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with a rating of 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. Fuel economy is a definite plus with 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined but the trade off is sluggish acceleration. The car review ride is a smooth one.

Exterior Features:The 2010 Toyota Matrix has three trim levels – base, S and XRS – for photos. The base model has 16-inch steel wheels with power mirrors while the S has all-wheel drive.

Interior Features:Even tall drivers can fit, with a telescoping steering wheel and a seat-track that gives needed legroom. The tall, deep bench seats in the passenger row fold completely flat to provide noteworthy cargo. When they are up there still is 19.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats. Additional comforts are air-conditioning and a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.

Safety & Specifications:Standard for car safety are stability control and antilock disc brakes. Car insurance companies like the front-seat side and full-length side curtain airbags that helped the Matrix earn a perfect score of five stars for frontal and front-seat side impacts.

Upgrade Options:Matrix S and XRS models feature a 2.4-liter engine that provides 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque plus an optional five-speed automatic. The AWD S comes only with the four-speed automatic.

How the New Matrix Compares to Other Compact Wagons:The list is long with the Mazda 3, all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza, Hyundai Elantra Touring, Volkswagen Rabbit and sister label Scion’s xB. Still, the Matrix counters with a one-two punch of practicality and style.Conclusion: Is the 2010 Matrix a Smart Buy?It’s a fine, roomy ride in a car that can carry its share of cargo with a warranty. The 1.8-liter engine is rated with impressive fuel economy but swap in the 2.4 liter version and fuel economy drops. And you’re stuck with the larger engine on higher trim versions.