The Series Two Toyota Matrix SUV comes in four versions, with various standards of finish. The standard variation Matrix comes with power mirrors, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a dashboard with Optitron (electroluminescent) gauges including a tachometer, an engine immobilizer, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, CD player,MP3player and sixteen inch steel wheels with P205/55R16 89H all season tires.
Optional extras for the standard version include keyless entry, power locks, power windows, cruise control, upgrade to a six-speaker system , upgrade alloy wheels, moonroof, heated mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, rear-seat heat ducts and electronic stability control.
The next Matrix up the ladder is the S version that comes with all of the standard features while also fitted with a six speaker radio, upgrade alloy wheels and larger rear brakes, heated mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, rearseat heat ducts and electronic stability control.
Optional extras for the S version include navigation with real-time traffic features, h), moonroof, rear spoiler, cruise control, seventeen inch alloy wheels, and the choice of a five speed automatic gearbox.
The Matrix S all wheel drive version comes with all of the above as well as larger rear brakes and independently controlled rear suspension as standard.
The top of the range for the Toyota Matrix SUV is undoubtedly their XRS version that comes with a luxury seat fabric upgrade, three spoke leather steering wheel, fog lamps electronic stability and traction control, rear spoiler, independent rear suspension and considerably larger rear brakes, eighteen inch alloy wheels with 215/45R18 tires.
Options for XRS options for anyone who needs more are cruise control, JBL sound system, moonroof, and automatic transmission.
Safety features on all version takes in front airbags, side impact airbags for front passengers, and side air curtain airbags for both the front and rear seats.
Fuel consumption for the Toyota Matrix SUV , according to the US EPA averages at 32 miles per gallon for the 4 cylinder 1.8 version manual, with 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the open road being reported in most reviews. The 4 cylinder 1.8 versions automatic does not do as well with 29 miles per gallon on average with 26 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the open road showing up. The 4 cylinder 2.4 version automatic shows an average consumption of 22 miles per gallon with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the open road while the manual version of the 2.4 liter engine provides a combined figure of 24 miles per gallon with 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the open road.
Among the 2011 Toyota Matrix's closest rivals in their niche are the Nissan Juke, Honda Fit, Mazda 3 and the VW Jetta SportWagen with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage also somewhere in the distance. However the Matrix seems to be holding more than its own as a no nonsense hatchback at a very competitive price.
Toyota have made a serious attempt at catching some of the mass market compact hatchback market in the face of some strong competition. They have done so on the back of their all time best-seller compact, the Corolla, and have provided a model that can compete with the best. Overall the feeling in trade reviews echo the opinion that the 2011 Toyota Matrix continues to provide a blend of practicality and comfort at a reasonable price.