Toyota

Bring It On! 2009 Toyota Matrix AWD, Part three

February 18, 2009

2009 Toyota Matrix AWD. Click image to enlarge

One thing I never got used to was the Matrix’s harsh ride. Usually, I can deal with almost anything after living with it for a week or so, but a month later and I still found the Matrix’s ride uncomfortable. Chalk it up to the obvious – stiff springs and low-profile tires – and the less obvious, that being the Matrix’s relatively short wheelbase.

Another beef I had with the Matrix had to do with the large blind spots created by the wide C-pillars, between the rear doors and tailgate. In fast-paced driving on a crowded highway like the 401, good all-around visibility is key to a trouble-free drive, and those wide pillars made lane changes a little more challenging than they need be.

My fully-loaded tester rang in with an as-tested price of $27,125 plus taxes and freight. It’s worth noting that a 2009 RAV4 – which comes standard with stability control, a very similar all-wheel drive system and Toyota’s new, more powerful and more efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder – starts at $26,555 and gives you a similar level of convenience and comfort as this Matrix, plus the benefit of far more interior space. Even if you opt for just the XR AWD package – the minimum needed to get stability/traction control – you’ll still be paying more than $25,000. That’s a lot of money for a small car, and makes the RAV4 look like a screaming bargain.

And then, there’s the fact that the larger RAV4 gets more favourable fuel consumption ratings, thanks to its more efficient motor (I averaged 12.5 L/100 km in a December test drive of the new four-banger model). Subjectively, the RAV4 is a more handsome vehicle than the Matrix too, whose 2009 redesign rendered it a little awkward looking.

As much as I liked the Matrix for its compact size and practical interior, were I in the market for an affordable and efficient all-wheel drive Toyota, I’d skip it and choose a basic RAV4 instead.

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