Toyota Matrix

Name: 2012 Toyota Matrix
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

A tall hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla sedan, the Matrix has added height, giving it more passenger and cargo space than most competitors. This also eases entry and exit. Additionally, Matrix returns impressive fuel economy for its size and has good power. Many of of the virtues of an SUV, such as a little higher driving position, easy access, and optional AWD are among its attributes. Stability control was standard too. Other plusses include a compliant ride, fairly nimble handling and effective brakes. But an unsettled ride, boomy engine and a cheap feeling interior number among shortcomings that also include a flawed driving position and a noisy engine. Still, overall, Matrix offered a good and practical alternative to a small SUV.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Toyota Matrix

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2020

2021

2022

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2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Toyota Matrix

$6,450 - $7,050

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$3,625

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$ NA

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$6,175 - $7,700

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$6,025 - $6,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Scion xB

$6,375 - $6,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Scion xD

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2012 Suzuki SX4

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2012 Toyota Corolla

$6,675 - $7,300

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2012 Toyota Prius

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.8-liter 4 (132 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (158 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

More powerful engines made the Matrix's 2009 redesign feel more eager to drive. We measured an impressive 27 mpg overall from the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder; all-wheel-drive remained an option. This tall hatchback has more passenger and cargo space than most competitors, and the high roof eases entry and exit. Folding the rear seats and the front passenger seat lets you haul extra-long cargo. However, the car falls short on refinement, with an unsettled ride on the highway, pronounced wind and engine noise, and a cheap-feeling interior. Hard plastic lining the cargo area lets small items slide around and rear visibility is pinched. The addition of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helped the previously awkward driving position, but the wheel doesn't adjust enough to suit everyone. Stability control was standard from 2010 on. 2013 closed out the Matrix.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

Practical and reliable, the Matrix is a Corolla-based small wagon available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Practicality reigns here, with very easy access, a roomy rear seat and a large and flat load floor, once the rear seats are folded. Performance is modest from the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which drones loudly under acceleration. XRS models use a more powerful engine, but you need to use the six-speed manual transmission to rev the engine hard to wring out its power. Handling is fairly nimble, and the ride is compliant if a little jittery. The optional AWD system works well, but hurts acceleration and fuel economy. Limited left foot room and a long reach to the steering wheel combine to hurt the driving position. Stability control was a rare option through the years.