2010 Toyota Matrix Review
Price Estimate: $11,995





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Pleasant ride, intuitive controls, roomy backseat, flat load floor facilitates cargo carrying, good fuel economy with 1.8-liter engine.
Cons
- Unremarkable fuel economy with 2.4-liter engine, 1.8-liter engine unavailable on higher trim levels.
What’s new
After a redesign last year, the 2010 Toyota Matrix is unchanged except for the notable addition of standard stability control.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a practical and stylish compact wagon that should please economical shoppers who value functionality over performance.
For sale nearby
64 listings
- 141,295 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Minneapolis Motorcars (212 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in Hopkins, MN
***** 2010 Toyota Matrix S AWD ***** Carfax Certified and No Accidents ***** White on Black. Enjoy this Well Maintained, Reliable and Versatile Toyota...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T1LE4EE6AC014891
Stock: 5646
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-13-2025- $7,995fair price$149 above market
- 145,789 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 25 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- Nebraska Motors (322 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Fremont, NE
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T1KU4EEXAC361848
Stock: 361848
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-20-2025
Vehicle overview
The Corolla-based 2010 Toyota Matrix hatchback reminds us that the folks at Toyota can still make a darned good small car when they put their minds to it. We've been underwhelmed by the latest Corolla, to put it mildly, but its Matrix cousin is a thoroughly competent effort. It's certainly no hot rod, but we're pretty sure most compact hatchback or wagon buyers care more about practicality than performance. And for them, the 2010 Matrix is one of the most compelling choices in this segment.
In many ways, the Matrix is like Corolla version 2.0. Its sheet metal is far more stylish, its 3 extra inches of height boost passenger space, and its convenient hatchback/wagon design means you can haul a lot of stuff. This cargo-carrying capacity is one of the Matrix's biggest draws -- with 61.5 cubic feet of space, this modestly sized Toyota can haul nearly as much as some compact SUVs. Yet its fuel economy with the base 1.8-liter engine is still quite good at 28 mpg combined. The Matrix costs a grand or two more than the Corolla, but its verve and versatility make it well worth the extra coin.
Unfortunately, the economical 1.8-liter engine is only available on the base model. If you want the additional feature content of the S or XRS model, a larger 2.4-liter engine is mandatory. The 2.4 engine adds some punch, but fuel economy drops to 24 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is optional on the S model, dropping fuel economy to 22 mpg. Notably, both the S AWD and XRS models feature a more advanced independent double-wishbone rear suspension in place of the standard torsion-beam setup, moderately improving the Matrix's handling behavior.
Of course, the Matrix is no Mazda 3 when the going gets twisty. But that hasn't kept myriad Matrix owners from driving home with smiles on their faces, and we expect this trend to continue. There's a reason Europeans love hatchbacks and wagons: They drive like cars and haul like SUVs. Americans now have many such models available to them, including the aforementioned Mazda 3 (all-new this year), the all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza, the impressive Hyundai Elantra Touring, the premium-built Volkswagen Rabbit and even Toyota's own Scion xB. Each of these cars has its own particular set of merits, but for a compact hatchback offering practicality and style in equal measures, the 2010 Toyota Matrix stands tall.
Performance & mpg
On the base front-wheel-drive Toyota Matrix, you'll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. Matrix S and XRS models upgrade to a 2.4-liter engine that makes 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, as well as an optional five-speed automatic alongside the standard five-speed manual. The AWD S comes only with the four-speed automatic.
Equipped with the 1.8-liter engine, the Matrix returns above-average fuel economy -- 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the manual, according to the EPA, while the four-speed auto yields 25/31/28. City mileage takes a dive if you opt for the larger engine: Ratings are 21/28/24 mpg with the manual, 21/29/24 mpg with the automatic and 20/26/22 mpg with AWD.
Safety
The 2010 Toyota Matrix comes standard with stability control and antilock disc brakes, with the S and XRS boasting larger discs all around. Also standard are front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Matrix scored a perfect five stars for frontal and front-seat side impacts, dropping to four stars for rear-seat side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Matrix its highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side impact crash testing.
Driving
The base Matrix accelerates sluggishly off the line with its 1.8-liter engine, but its admirable fuel economy will redeem it in the eyes of many shoppers. The 2.4-liter engine in the S and XRS is the opposite -- power is ample, but fuel economy is just OK. The ride is smooth and well-insulated. The 2010 Toyota Matrix may not be the sportiest economy hatchback, but its refinement is laudable.
Interior
Inside, the Matrix has a significantly edgier ambience than the Corolla. If you think this compact sedan's interior lacks flair, the Matrix is the antidote. A telescoping steering wheel and ample seat-track travel allow drivers of all sizes to get comfortable, and the controls are both intuitive and attractive. In back, the tall, deep bench is inviting for children and adults alike, and it folds completely flat in 60/40 sections. Fixed tie-down points and rubber inserts help keep cargo from sliding around. There are 19.8 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the rear seats and an impressive 61.5 cubes with the seats folded flat (note that this figure also likely takes into account the folded front passenger seat).
2010 Toyota Matrix models
The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a compact hatchback available in three trim levels: base, S and XRS. All-wheel drive is optional on the midrange S. The base car features 16-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a fold-flat front passenger seat. Cruise control, keyless entry and power windows and locks are optional on this version of the Matrix but standard on the S, which also adds a rear window wiper, underbody spoilers, an upgraded stereo and a 115-volt utility outlet. The all-wheel-drive version of the S loses the spoilers, but it gains foglights and an independent rear suspension. The top-of-the-line Matrix XRS tacks on 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, sport-tuned suspension and steering, upgraded seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A sunroof and an in-dash CD changer are optional across the board. Optional on the S and XRS only are a JBL sound system, satellite radio, a navigation system with real-time traffic, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

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Compare 2010 Toyota Matrix trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$139/mo for Matrix Base
Matrix Base
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#9 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$313/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
1.15x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
8.2%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Toyota Matrix Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fun Little Car
4.88 out of 5 starsHappy Owner, 03/23/2010
2010 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
This is a peppy little car that's not so little. Lot's of room for kids, groceries, or whatever you need to haul around. It's fun to drive, has a great safety rating and it doesn't look like a "mom" vehicle. Tint the windows and even the base model is quite sporty looking.
Best handling compact!!
5 out of 5 starsBeth B., 04/20/2018
2010 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I love my Toyota Matrix more than any compact car I've ever owned. It's comfy, quiet, has lots of room & great pick up. The A/C & heat are outstanding too!! I travel a lot in it and get great gas mileage saving me lots of money & have had no mechanical issues. I do keep it properly maintained. Being a 2010 it doesn't have bluetooth or nav, but u can add those. I'd recommend seat … covers as the cloth seats do tend to hold onto even water drops as stains. You'll do well in getting this model for yourself or a family member!!
Roomy
5 out of 5 starsTracy, 04/21/2016
2010 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
This is the 2nd matrix ive had because they are so great! You can fit almost anything in this car like a dining room set, recliner, seriously Im speaking from experience. The gas mileage is great too, very efficient even in town.
Awesome SUV alternative coming from Jeep
4.75 out of 5 starsAnonymous, 12/06/2010
2010 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I have been driving small to mid size SUV from Nissan, Toyota, and Jeep brand. However gas was just killing my wallet driving SUV. So i sold my gas guzzler to get a new car and I got the 2010 Toyota Matrix S AWD with sports pkg and alloy wheels. On conservative driving i get a combined MPG of 24, and on aggressive driving i get around 21 which are within spec. Lots of power with … the 2.4 L engine with VVT-i system just like the lexus with torque on demand without lag. Powerband is most part linear with lots more room to go up. Reliability has been good with steep discounts and complimentary free maintenance given by the dealer for 2 years. This car definitely saving me money
2010 Matrix Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $139/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Matrix include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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