2010 Toyota Matrix

The 2010 Toyota Matrix comes in 3 trim levels, which are the same as they were in 2009: the base, the S, and the XRS. All 3 come with front-wheel drive standard, but all-wheel drive is an option for the S. For 2010, the 1.8L inline 4-cylinder engine with 132 horsepower is available only on the base model. The 2.4L 4-cylinder with 158 horsepower is standard on the S and XRS models. Both engines still use the VVT-I variable valve timing system to improve engine response and fuel efficiency.

The transmissions available in 2009 carry over for the next year as well. The base and S models offer the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) automatic, though the AWD S is only available with a Super ECT four-speed auto transmission. The XRS can be had with either a traditional 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic with gear-by-gear up- and downshifting.

In normal conditions, the optional all-wheel drive system in the S trim sends all the power to the front wheels, helping the vehicle behave like a front-wheel drive vehicle until conditions warrant a change. When necessary, it uses active torque control, which receives signals from the anti-lock brakes and distributes power to the wheels that need it most.

Fuel estimates for the 2010 Matrix are impressive. The base level trim with the 1.8L engine and 5-speed manual gets a big 26 city, 32 highway, while the all-wheel drive S gets slightly less at 20 city, 26 highway. Even the sporty XRS with the 5-speed automatic gets a respectable 21 city, 29 highway.

The big change in features for 2010 is the addition of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC) to the list of standard features for all trim levels of the Matrix, along with electronic brake-force distribution. Other standard features for the entire line include air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heavy duty rear defogger, color-keyed outside mirrors and intermittent wipers. Front, seat-mounted side, and front and rear curtain airbags are standard on all Matrix models, as are seatbelt pretensioners and active headrests.

The S model adds power locks and windows, cruise control, rear wiper, remote keyless entry, a 6-speaker CD sound system with MP3 compatibility, a 115-volt power outlet and a fold-flat front passenger seat. Options for the S trim include 17-inch alloys, tilt-and-slide power moonroof, and a Sport package for the all-wheel drive model that includes front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
The XRS has standard 18-inch alloys, a front sport strut-tower brace for improved handling, a rear deck spoiler, and audio controls integrated into the steering wheel, as well as Bluetooth hands-free capability.
The biggest change for the 2010 Toyota Matrix is the addition of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) as standard equipment on all trim levels. The price of the 2010 Matrix has increased by about $200. After a major overhaul for 2009, the Matrix enters the 2010 model year with few changes. There are still 3 variants, including the base, the all-wheel drive S, and the sporty XRS.
Versatile cargo-carrying ability; standard safety features; 30+ mpg on the highway
Despite the slight price increase for the 2010 model year, the Matrix still comes in on the more inexpensive end of the crossover or sport wagon segment. The base model, with a 1.8-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission, starts at $16,550, while the XRS with a 2.4-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission starts at $21,960. VSC and TRAC are standard even on the base model -- which achieves 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the manual transmission.