2009 Toyota Matrix
Matrix magic: Big things in a small package
Thu, Sep 18th 2008
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, hatchback, awd |
| msrp | $20,400 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 20mpg/26mpg |
| rating |  |
If the Toyota Matrix puzzles you because you can’t tell if it is a small station wagon or an SUV, don’t be concerned, you are not alone.
The small vehicle has a somewhat sporty design on the outside, yet the interior layout resembles that of a compact sport utility vehicle.
But don’t worry, the mystery of the Matrix is easily explained.
Built on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla (in fact, the official name is the Toyota Corolla Matrix), the spunky little runabout gets decent gas mileage and fits into small spaces with ease.
But once inside the Matrix, you find many of the dog-friendly attributes that you’d expect to get in a sport utility vehicle.
Fold flat seats? Check
Easy-to-clean flooring? Check
Wide-open tailgate? Check
Multiple cargo hooks for securing crates? Check (I counted eight).
All-wheel drive? Check
The Matrix S fills all those puppy parameters and much more.
With a low-to-the-road stance and an easy-to-open tailgate, the Matrix offers uncanny flexibility for canines and their cargo. One pleasant surprise is the rubber strips embedded into the hard plastic cargo floor, providing some traction for pup paws and other items that tend to slide during a ride.
The interior space is more than adequate in the Matrix, measuring 40 inches wide by 67 inches deep from tail to the back of the front seats.
For the best fuel economy, you will want to consider the smaller choice in engines, a 1.8 liter version that gets an average of 30 mpg overall. But for those driving in hills, you will want to upgrade to the 2.4-liter engine, which drops overall fuel economy to 22 mpg.
So the mystery of the Matrix is solved: It's a great car for active dogs and their families.
--Keith Turner
Carguy Comments: The Toyota Matrix has been redesigned in 2009 to give it a wider, lower stance. It comes in three grades, the Standard, S and the XRS, with all-wheel-drive available on the S version. Cargo capacity is 61.5 cubic feet.
Toyota Matrix: Proving that good things do come in small packages, the newly redesigned Toyota Matrix is a marvelous DogCar in a compact profile.
Comments
The Matrix actually has an accessory piece that turns the back cargo area into a fenced pet crate. My 90 pound golden retriever jumps up there himself and LOVES it…plenty of room to move around, just tight enough to hold onto him for sudden stops.
2009-12-03 08:01:51
our 2005 Matrix serves great, fitting all our camping gear in the back seats and our lazy PitBull in the back. on long drives we put a small bed there for him, so he snores all the way to the mountains.
2009-10-28 13:20:07
Great information on this vehicle. How is the ride over bumps and rough roads, and is there a lot of road and wind noise? Thank you, Tamara
2009-08-13 17:17:12
I got my Matrix 3 years ago. I show Wire Fox Terriers and can fit 2 crates, a grooming table, an x-pens, a dolly, ice chest and all my grooming supplies and luggage. I love it!
2009-08-08 20:22:42
Just bought an ‘09 base model one on 07/06/09. Except for the dinky sun visors, I really love this vehicle on all points already mentioned. Great mileage, but roomy. Amazing. I have Aussies and I can fit 2 green vari-kennels, plus a cooler and a big bag of stuff -no problem! Mo in So CA
2009-08-06 11:24:05
I LOVE this car. I can fit 3 crates in here (all border collies) and still have room for my gear. I have the smaller engine, and it gets 30+ mpg.
Barbara
2009-07-31 14:38:34
I just bought one.
2009-07-23 12:53:47
How is it that the sister car to the Matrix- the Pontiac Vibe, which is built side by side on the same “Nummi” line in California isn’t even mentioned? Oh, yeah, Pontiac lifted their ads from these guys didn’t they?
2009-07-23 09:56:40
I use my 2005 Matrix as a Pet Taxi and can easily transport 3-5 dogs and their gear.
2009-05-01 11:58:07
I have two large breed rescue dogs and this car is fabulous!! Plenty of room for both of the animals and all of the supplies that we need for hiking and camping, ect.
2009-01-28 20:04:12
We are lab breeders & have a 2005 Matrix. The reason we purchased the Matrix is because we can open both a Large and X-Large collapsible wire crate in the cargo area with tie downs. The X-Large crate is turned sideways behind the drivers seat and with the huge side doors the Labs have lots of room to get in & out. The Large crate faces the back hatch of the Matrix so there’s still room for bowls, leashes, food, etc along side of the crate. On top of all this it’s great on fuel, we love our Matrix. Brent Harrison
2008-11-20 05:31:34
Hi from Canada. I did alot of research before I chose my matrix and it is perfect! I consistently get great gas mileage and good maneuverability in snow. I like the back area being easy to clean and added a rubber mat for grip. I have used the tie down rings in the back for luggage to ensure nothing fell on our dog. The dealership “threw in” the pet divider behind the back seats, and the rear bumper protector, and floor mats. The new model has tiny rear side windows, but my 2007 model has good windows, with doggy nose marks on them!
2009-12-10 09:55:59