Matrix seats five passengers

Toyota’s Matrix fills an important niche as a compact crossover utility vehicle, and the current-generation Matrix has become popular with fuel-concious drivers who want sporty performance. In our VehiclesTEST video test review, the Matrix achieved highway fuel economy of 30.5 mpg, powered by the 1.8-liter four-cylinder 132-hp engine, and sped from 0 to 60 mph in 9.63 seconds. For complete test results, see the full Matrix review and video.

Toyota designed the Matrix with coupe-like styling, a wider, lower stance, and better overall performance, while at the same time maintaining interior space for five passengers.

To achieve that goal, Toyota designers created a body structure that is a little more than ½ inch longer and about a half-inch lower than previous models. These changes essentially lower the center of gravity of the Matrix while still providing the sporty lines of a coupe that’s fun to drive. The Matrix comes in three different trim packags: the standard Matrix, the S, and the XRS. For improved road handling performance, the S and XRS models have a front and rear underbody spoilers, and a rear deck spoiler is standard on all XRS models.