Login Register Sign up for the GRM e-newsletter

New car reviews » 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix XRS

Better than: Corolla XRS
But not as good as: Mazda 3
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 71.39  

Fresh for the 2009 model year, the Toyota Corolla Matrix XRS is evidence of the new car market’s changing landscape. This Matrix has grown a bit bigger than the earlier models, and for the most part we liked the added utility of the expanded cabin.
Aside from the sheet metal, the most noticeable update is the new driveline. It features the same 2.4-liter engine found in the Camry. This new engine doesn’t offer the high-rpm zing of the early model, replacing it with adequate torque. The new configuration makes the 2009 Matrix a whole lot easier to hustle along than the last model we tried, but it doesn’t quite match the sporting capability of a Mazda 3 or base MINI Clubman.

Reader comments:

  1. joey48442: — Oct 9, 2008 10:44 a.m.

    My mother has leased a new Vibe. It has the 2.4, though it isn’t the GT model. Nice, roomy, and lots of cargo space. She likes it. Also, on her very first tank of gas, mostly city, with a autotragic trans, she got 27 mpg. Not bad for the first tank. I think it will get into the 30s on later tanks. The auto sucks up the HP, though. It doesn’t feel any quicker than my sisters 2005 Vibe with the slushbox. I’m sure with a stick it could do much better.

    Joey

  2. jezeus: — Oct 12, 2008 10:06 p.m.

    Are these the correct pictures? I thought 09 was redesigned?

  3. 4eyes: — Sep 2, 2009 2:16 a.m.

    has this got the same 2.4 as the Scion? If so, has anyone put the supercharger on one?

2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix XRS Specs:

Drivetrain Layout:
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Engine:
2.4 liter Inline-4
Horsepower:
158 bhp at 6000 rpm
Torque:
162 lb.-ft at 4000 rpm
Transmission:
automatic
Suspension:
MacPherson strut front; double-wishbone rear
Wheels:
18x7.0-in.
Tires:
215/45R18
Brakes:
disc (front)
disc (rear)
Weight:
3221 pounds
Price:
Base: $21850
As tested: $24759
MPG:
EPA City: 21
EPA Highway: 29

Staff Ratings:

Stock Performance:
***
Performance Potential:
****
Daily Driver Manners:
****
Fit and Finish:
****
Overall:
***

Save & Share:

What's this?

If you're reading this, you've probably seen these odd links with funny names somewhere on the site and want to know what they're all about. Well, prepare to feel a bit more Net savvy. Those links are what the geeks call "social networks."

Social networking sites allow you to store and share links and pages across the Internet. It's like taking your bookmarks list and being able to see it from any computer.

Even better, social networks allow you to steer friends, relatives, colleagues and pretty much anyone else to the cool stuff you've found, so they have something better to do online than watching the skateboarding squirrel video on YouTube for the thirtieth time. You're making the world a better place.

The only catch is that while all the social networks are free, you do have to register. Each site has a slightly different focus, so take a look through the links and see which service suits you best.