2009 Toyota Matrix

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What is it?
2009 Toyota Matrix

What's special about it?
David Terai, chief engineer for the 2009 Toyota Matrix, tells us, "During extensive meetings all over the country with customers, owners and dealers, we found that the current Matrix was seen far too often as a small, conventional, practical wagon."

We're not sure why this is a bad thing, but Toyota is determined to market the redesigned, second-generation Matrix to younger buyers. "We see it as the perfect entry point for current Scion owners," Bob Carter, Toyota group vice president and general manager, says.

Since the target group — 20-to-35-year-old men, who else? — is seen as more likely to shop for a vehicle based on style and performance than out-and-out functionality, the company says it put more emphasis on these attributes during the redesign.

In reality, the Corolla-based Matrix hasn't changed much in appearance and its exterior dimensions are virtually identical to the old wagon. However, thanks to a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, it is a fair bit quicker.

This engine is borrowed from the Camry and Scion tC, and you can get it with one of three transmissions: a five-speed manual, five-speed automatic or four-speed automatic. Buyers also have a choice of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Equipped with the manual gearbox, a front-wheel-drive Matrix with the 2.4-liter engine will accelerate to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, according to Toyota.

For consumers who put greater priority on affordability and fuel economy, Toyota will continue to offer a base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Mileage ratings improve significantly when you choose this engine: Even under the EPA's revised testing protocol, highway mpg is 30-plus. The downside is that buyers will be stuck with the four-speed automatic if they decline the five-speed manual.

Even with the larger engine option, space-efficient interior design remains the best attribute of Toyota's compact wagon. Since the original Matrix's roomy backseat was already a hit with buyers, Toyota designers didn't change much, although front-drive models now have a near-flat rear floor. Up front, the driving position is less awkward than before, thanks to a standard telescoping steering wheel and a longer seat-bottom cushion.

Toyota will sell the 2009 Toyota Matrix in three trim levels: base, S and XRS. Expected to account for a healthy 40 percent of sales, the base Matrix includes essentials like air-conditioning and an auxiliary audio input for MP3 players. Another 50 percent of buyers will choose the midrange S, which has desirable features like power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry and a 115-volt utility outlet. Toyota anticipates just 5 percent of buyers will ante up for the sporty Matrix XRS, which has larger wheels and a front strut tower brace to sharpen up its handling.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on every Matrix, though the discs on models with the 2.4-liter engine are understandably larger. Stability control is standard on the XRS and optional on other trims.

When it arrives at dealerships in February 2008, the second-gen Matrix will account for 20 percent of Corolla sales, says Toyota, which equates to over 70,000 units annually.

What's Edmunds' take?
Toyota's promotion may not reflect it, but the 2009 Toyota Matrix remains a highly practical small wagon that consumers will purchase for rational reasons rather than emotional ones. There's no shame in this reality, because nobody does rational as well as Toyota. — Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor