The Toyota Matrix has been one of the most efficient and reliable cars in the Toyota stable over the past decade or so. The fuel-efficient hatchback offers economy and power at the same time. The 2013 model of the car is just as reliable as its predecessors. Plus, it carries the signature quality of the Toyota brand and you get one of the best value-for-money cars on the market today.
Here is a brief review of the 2013 Toyota Matrix and the features it brings to the table.
Trim Levels
There are two different trim levels of the 2013 Toyota Matrix which you can choose from. The L-base carries 16-inch steel wheels along with a host of standard and upgraded features, including:
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat
- Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel
- Bluetooth Phone Connectivity
- Six-Speaker Sound System & CD Player
- iPod/USB Interface
The S trim level enhances the features of the car by adding:
- Fog Lights
- 6.1-inch Touchscreen Interface
- 60/40 Folding Rear Seats
- Metallic Interior Trim
You can also get a sunroof for your 2013 Toyota Matrix.
Performance
The trim levels feature different powertrains. The Matrix S has an all-wheel drive system while the Matrix L has a front-wheel drive system. The L model is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 132 hp with 128lbs of torque. Meanwhile, the S model has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates up to 158 hp and can deliver 162 lbs. of torque.
For the L model, you can choose between a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission delivers an average of 28 miles per gallon while the manual improves on it by 1 mile.
The S models, which have a front-drive system, carry a standard five-speed manual transmission, but a five-speed automatic transmission can be installed instead. The mileage remains the same, i.e. 24 miles per gallon, for both options. The all-wheel system features a standard four-speed automatic transmission with no options. It delivers 22 miles per gallon.
Interior
The 2013 Toyota Matrix is larger than the previous model and it shows in the added headroom for passengers as well as enhanced cargo space. You can also fold the front passenger seat to get in more cargo if necessary. The design is visually striking, based on Toyota’s basic sober designs. Plus, the controls of the car are incredibly easy to operate.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted crash tests on the 2013 Toyota Matrix and gave it its highest rating, i.e. ‘Good’. The car carries a number of safety features, including:
- Front Seat Side Airbags
- Side Curtain Airbags
- Antilock Disc Brakes
- Front Head Restraints
- Stability & Traction Control
Possible the only ‘con’, if you can call it that, of the 2013 Toyota Matrix is that its design is the same as it has been for many years now. Toyota’s rivals have taken the features of the car and improved on it but Toyota seems content to keep the Matrix as it is. That being said, there is no other drawback of the 2013 Toyota Matrix.
Given its price level, the 2013 Toyota Matrix is the best four-door, five-seater hatchback you will find on the market today. So, if you are looking for an economical, roomy and high-quality hatchback, the 2013 Matrix is one of the best options you have.