2011 Toyota Matrix Price, Review & Picture – New Car Reviews, Following the introduction of the new-generation Matrix for 2010, not much changed for 2011 Toyota Matrix. The biggest news was that all trim levels of the Matrix received stability control and traction control as standard equipment. Otherwise, the same engines and trim levels return: 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four with a manual or automatic, or 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four with a choice of three transmissions.

The Toyota Matrix, a five door hatchback, entered the market in 2003; it is a Corolla based offering that is offered as a separate vehicle. The Matrix and Corolla have the identical structures. The 2011 Toyota Matrix competes with the Mazda3, the Hyundai Elantra Touring, and the Kia Forte. The Matrix was very similar to the Pontiac Vibe until Pontiac line stopped being produced. In 2009, the Matrix was refreshed.

The Matrix’s future for 2011 remains in question at this point in time. The new design in 2009 led to greater style and more power. It is offered with one of two motors too; the base edition comes with a 1.8 Liter four cylinder engine, a carryover offering, and the horsepower and torque were improved. The Matrix is offered with either a four speed auto or a five speed manual tranny as well. In the S configurations, the vehicle is offered with all wheel drive and it sports a four speed tranny. The XRS configuration sports a five speed manual or auto tranny. The Matrix combines value and versatility.

The new styling of the Matrix is more aggressive than the previous generation, but it’s still clearly a Matrix. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the base model and S, 18-inch wheels are standard on the XRS. Air conditioning with filter and 12-volt power port are standard across the 2010 Toyota Matrix lineup. Matrix S models add power door locks and windows; XRS adds unique sport fabric, upgraded audio, XM-ready antenna, and aux jack.

We recently tested the Toyota Matrix XRS with the five-speed manual and 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and it went from 0 to 60 in an impressive 7.3 seconds. In addition, it completed the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 88.4 mph. However, the engine is unrefined and buzzy and the overall driving experience is somewhat unengaging. Braking numbers were good — the Matrix stopped from 60 mph in 128 feet.

Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, and side curtain airbags are standard on the Toyota Matrix. So are stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and tire-pressure monitoring.

Body styles: Hatchback
Engines: 1.8L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Models: Standard, S, XRS

EPA Fuel Economy
Standard: 25-26 mpg city/31-32 mpg highway
S: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway
XRS: 21 mpg city/28-29 mpg highway