 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS. Click image to enlarge |
Review and photos by Michel Deslauriers
Photo Gallery:
2013 Toyota Matrix XRS
When the first Matrix hit the streets in the summer of 2002, it quickly became a popular choice among Canadians who were looking for versatility and user-friendliness in a compact and fuel-efficient package.
Ten years later, the Toyota Matrix’s future is undecided. Current sales amount to about half of what they used to, and the current-generation model fails to distinguish itself from the growing (and much improving) crowd of compact five-doors. While still relatively popular in Canada, the Matrix isn’t selling well in the US.
Over the years, the hatchback competition included, among others, the Mazda3 Sport, the Kia Forte5, the Volkswagen Golf, and the Subaru Impreza. The Ford Focus hatchback, Scion xB, and Hyundai Elantra GT are relative newcomers in the category, too. In addition, the emergence of multi-purpose vehicles such as the Mazda5, Kia Rondo and Chevrolet Orlando also contributed to the Matrix’s downfall.
Still, Toyota’s crafty hatch isn’t a bad choice at all, despite its shortcomings.
While you’re cross-shopping compact hatchbacks, you’ll quickly notice one aspect of the Matrix that does set itself apart, and that’s the higher driving position, which almost feels as if you’re driving a crossover or an SUV. Unlike most rivals that are simply five-door versions of their sedan counterparts, the Matrix’s body is different from the Corolla’s, which shares the same platform, powertrain, and other components. Unfortunately, the fat rear pillars take their toll on outward visibility.
The high roofline of the 2013 Toyota Matrix provides class-leading headroom inside, and also allows parents to buckle in their kids without breaking their backs. It also helps this hatchback boast a cargo volume of 561 L, or 1,398 L with the seats folded. Together with flat-folding seatbacks and a rugged plastic surface, you get a handy load floor that’s easy to keep clean.
    2013 Toyota Matrix XRS. Click image to enlarge |
The downside: the lack of carpeting will make any light object slide around noisily in the cargo area and drive you nuts while you drive. To every problem there is a solution; this year, Toyota throws in a cargo mat with the Matrix XRS as well as with the S Package that’s optional on base and AWD models. In other trims, cheapskates like me can just use a $10 household rug and carve it for a custom fit.
The interior design is simple and straightforward, although it lacks the sophistication and detail found in some newer rivals. Rotary knobs for the heating and ventilation system couldn’t be easier to use while driving, while the new-for-2013 sound system with 6.1-inch touchscreen is a little distracting. On the other hand, you now benefit from Bluetooth streaming audio once you’ve listened to all the music found on your USB key.
The 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS gets seats wrapped in grippy cloth upholstery, and the front chairs are surprisingly supportive and comfy. You also get a meaty, flat-bottomed and leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as a few other extra items that can be included in other trim levels via option packages.
And that’s when you’ll realize how short the XRS’ equipment list is, especially when you start looking around at what the competition offers for about the same price. Heated front seats would’ve been nice on this chilly test week, but they’re not available at all in the Matrix. There’s no trip computer for monitoring fuel economy. There are no phone connectivity buttons on the wheel, so you must use those on the stereo. And unlike in some rivals, a navigation system isn’t available, although that’s really not a dealbreaker for me.
 |
Due to its age, the 2013 Toyota Matrix obviously doesn’t look as sharp as the Elantra GT or Mazda3 Sport, and the design has barely been updated since the current generation appeared for the 2009 model year. The Matrix’s rather bland design is spruced up in XRS trim with a rear spoiler, more aggressive front and rear fascias as well as smart-looking 18-inch alloys. Still, it’s hard to spot the XRS trim on the road compared to lesser versions of the Matrix.
The base Matrix is equipped with a 132-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine. However, the XRS gets its motivation from a 2.4L unit that develops 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque; a five-speed manual is standard, while a five-speed automatic with manual mode is optional.
The bigger engine offers a good amount of low-end torque and makes the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS a relatively gutsy car. The automatic gearbox does a good job of keeping the engine prepped for acceleration bursts, and downshifts occur at the slightest stab of the go-pedal. In addition, the engine spins at only 2,000 rpm at 100 km/h on the highway, which is good for keeping both cockpit noise and fuel consumption down.
  2013 Toyota Matrix XRS. Click image to enlarge |
Alas, the cold winter test week prevented me from matching the official fuel economy numbers. With mostly city driving, the Matrix XRS consumed an unimpressive average of 10.4 L/100 km. The extra power obviously comes at the expense of extra fuel. The EPA rates the automatic XRS at 11.2 L/100 km city, 8.1 L/100 km highway.
The 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS gets a sport-tuned suspension that makes it more enjoyable and engaging than base versions as well as its sister Corolla. However, you must cope with a slightly harsher ride, and I wonder if the underhood strut tower brace is really useful. XRS or not, the Matrix isn’t as fun to drive as a Mazda3 Sport, Volkswagen Golf or Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.
  2013 Toyota Matrix XRS. Click image to enlarge |
With a base price of $16,795, the 2013 Toyota Matrix is as affordable as it is versatile. On the other hand, our XRS tester with the automatic transmission lists for $25,565, which isn’t cheap.
In comparison, the Hyundai Elantra GT SE goes for $24,349, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback SE with the power sunroof retails for $22,098, while the Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky with the power sunroof and the Touring Package is listed at $24,190.
If your heart is set on a Matrix, a wiser choice would be the base trim with the Touring Value Package, which bundles 16-inch alloys, a sunroof and Bluetooth connectivity, and costs $22,225. However, you’ll get a torsion beam rear suspension instead of an independent double-wishbone setup, the smaller 1.8L engine and a four-speed automatic. If you ask me, I’d save another grand and keep the standard-issue five-speed manual.
The Matrix is a solid and practical compact hatchback that’s easy to live with. It is also built in Cambridge, Ontario alongside the Corolla, which sort of encourages the Canadian economy. Yet the competition offers more features for slightly less coin, which makes the Toyota a less compelling choice. The next Matrix needs a more aggressive design, a longer equipment list and more character; that is, if there is a next Matrix.
Pricing: 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS
Base Price (XRS): $24,015
Options: $1,550 (Automatic transmission)
Freight & PDI: $1,465
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $27,130
Competitors
Ford Focus Hatch
Honda Fit
Hyundai Elantra GT
Kia Forte5
Mazda3 Sport
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Nissan Versa Hatch
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza Hatch
Suzuki SX4
Volkswagen Golf
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
