Test Drive: 2009 Toyota Matrix XR

The Matrix may be a handy vehicle, but its small footprint makes for an interior not well-suited to occupants with long inseams. While headroom is impressive, legroom is average, and seating one tall person behind another will result in both being uncomfortable. What I like is the just-right seating height, which makes getting in and out easy for just about anyone. One thing I’m glad of is the changes Toyota made to the driving position: the original Matrix was tailored for drivers with short legs and long arms, but the second-gen car is much better in this regard.

2009 Toyota Matrix XR. Click image to enlarge

Cargo space is a strong point too, especially with the rear seats folded flat; the front passenger seat folds flat, too, which is a terrific idea in a small hatchback (hello, IKEA!). The plastic cargo floor and rear seatbacks are a cinch to clean, but the downside is that whatever you carry back there rattles around as you drive. You’ll definitely want to invest in a cargo net to hold your groceries still while in transit. Kudos to Toyota for making a cargo cover standard kit, but the cover itself is a frustrating piece in the way it clips (or, mostly, refuses to) to the sides of the trunk.

The Matrix’s higher resale value down the road makes it a stronger bargain new compared to the Vibe, unless you can score a deep discount or other incentive on the Pontiac. Also worthy of consideration are the differences between the warranties offered on each. As Jil McIntosh mentioned in her 2009 Vibe test drive, GM’s five-year, 160,000 km powertrain warranty trumps the Matrix’s five-year, 100,000 km coverage.

The Matrix is notable for many reasons; the fact that such a desirable small package is produced in Canada only makes it more attractive to practical-minded small-car buyers.

Pricing: 2009 Toyota Matrix XR Base price: $19,450 Options: $3,565 (Automatic transmission, $1,555; “B” package, $2,010) A/C tax: $100 Freight: $1,270 Price as tested: $24,385 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives Specifications Specifications: 2009 Toyota Matrix Competitors Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Chevrolet HHR Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Dodge Caliber Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Jeep Compass Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Kia Spectra5 Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Mazda3 Sport Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Nissan Versa Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Saturn Astra Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Suzuki SX-4 Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

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1. Test Drive: 2009 Toyota Matrix XR
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4. CTC Review: 2009 Toyota Matrix XR
5. Buyer's Guide: 2009 Toyota Matrix