Not quite a utility vehicle, but a little more robust than a no-frills hatchback, the 2010 Toyota Matrix offers an appealing combination of frugality and versatility.
Overview of 2010 Toyota Matrix
The 2010 Matrix is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in 7 trims and MSRP as following:
Base 5-Spd MT — $16,550
Base 4-Spd AT — $17,360
S 5-Spd MT — $18,460
S 5-Spd AT — $19,650
S AWD 4-Spd AT — $20,760
XRS 5-Spd MT — $20,770
XRS 4-Spd AT — $21,960

Upon introduction, the Base 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 132-horsepower engine that achieves 26-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The XRS 4-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 158-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 Matrix is a carryover from 2009.

Index of 2010 Toyota Matrix Expert Reviews

• thecarconnection—STYLING:Sporty exterior styling yields to a very practical, straightforward interior in the 2010 Toyota Matrix;PERFORMANCE:The 2010 Toyota Matrix performs reasonably well, though fuel economy isn’t much better than that of larger crossover utes;QUALITY:The 2010 Toyota Matrix has a roomy, useful interior layout, though materials and overall refinement aren’t so great;SAFETY:With standard electronic stability control, the 2010 Toyota Matrix now has a very strong set of safety features, but crash tests don’t show it to be among the best;FEATURES:The 2010 Toyota Corolla does come with the basics, but it lacks a lot of the tech features that are increasingly becoming must-haves.
• Edmunds—”The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a practical and stylish compact wagon that should please economical shoppers who value functionality over performance. Pros:Pleasant ride, intuitive controls, roomy backseat, flat load floor facilitates cargo carrying, good fuel economy with 1.8-liter engine. Cons:Unremarkable fuel economy with 2.4-liter engine, 1.8-liter engine unavailable on higher trim levels.”
• CarSeek—”It’s best to give a test drive to each and see which captivates your sense of what you’re after. Being a Toyota is a good sell point in itself. Dependability, safety, consistent performance and solid resale values top the list for desirable characteristics concerning the Matrix. The best advice, if you are in the market for this class of vehicle, is to short list it and take it from there. Consider the price point of the S trim for the most benefits presented for the money.”
• CarGurus—”Toyota seems to need some time to refine its compact offerings, not to mention a little bit of style, especially considering the younger skew of the target demographic. While the AWD system sets the Matrix apart from its competitors, its shortcomings more than outweigh its appeal. The Base trim has far too many negatives to consider anything other than an S or XRS, for the benefits of the 2.4-liter engine alone.”
• newcars—“Taller drivers will significantly enjoy the extra head room in the Matrix’s front cabin compared to the average coupe/hatchback. The Toyota Matrix provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the typical coupe/hatchback does.”

Buying Tips:
If you’re looking at the Matrix rather early in the 2010 model year, you might want to check for any remaining 2009 Pontiac Vibe models; if so, you’re basically getting the same vehicle and might be able to swing quite the deal.
Competitors Box
* Scion xD
* Honda Fit
* Mazda 3
* Subaru Impreza
* Hyundai Elantra Touring