2011 Toyota Matrix

The 2011 Toyota Matrix is a practical and reliable hatchback that has good fuel economy with its base engine and a comfortable rear seating area. Despite its practicality, few reviewers single it out as a favorite. Hatchback competitors such as the 2011 Honda Fit (Base MSRP: $15,100 to $16,860), 2011 Mazda3 (Base MSRP: $15,800 to $23,010) and 2011 Volkswagen Golf (Base MSRP: $17,995 to $19,755) are preferred by experts for their superior driving dynamics and nice interiors.

For 2011, Toyota has nixed the most expensive trim, the XRS, which offered a sportier suspension tuning and other features. A few more options are now standard on the remaining Matrix trim levels. Otherwise, the Matrix is essentially the same as the 2009 model. See our full report on the 2009 Toyota Matrix for more detailed information.

Fuel economy is good for the base engine but less impressive with the larger, optional engine. The base 1.8-liter four-cylinder gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined with the five-speed manual and does one mile per gallon worse in the city and in combined driving with the four-speed automatic transmission. The larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder delivers a less impressive EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined with a five-speed automatic. When mated to the five-speed manual, the larger engine delivers one fewer mile per gallon on the highway but gets the same city and combined ratings. Finally, the 2.4-liter engine is available with all-wheel drive and gets a disappointing estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined with the only available transmission for the all-wheel drive configuration, the four-speed automatic.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the 2011 Toyota Matrix, and it does not perform as well as many other economy cars. While the Matrix is given the highest rating of Good for front- and side-impact protection, it is given the lower Acceptable rating for rear-impact occupant protection. Roof strength has not been tested by the IIHS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has only rated the 2011 Toyota Matrix for rollover resistance as of this writing and gives the Matrix a 4-star rating out of 5 on that measure.

Standard safety equipment includes traction control, stability control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints, side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Base MSRP for the base 2011 Matrix is $18,545. The Matrix S with the larger engine starts at $19,265.