The 2012 Toyota Matrix comes in two trim levels--the base and the S trim. For 2012, there are two engines available, a 1.8L 4-cylinder that makes 132 horsepower and on the S trim, a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower.
The transmissions available in 2011 carry over for this year as well. The base model offers the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic. On the S trims, both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic are available.
In normal conditions, the optional all-wheel drive system in the S trim sends all the power to the front wheels, helping the vehicle behave like a front-wheel drive vehicle until conditions get slippery. When necessary, the system uses active torque control to distribute power to the wheels that need it most.
Fuel efficiency estimates for the Matrix are impressive. The base level trim with the 1.8L engine and 5-speed manual gets 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, while the all-wheel drive S gets slightly less at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.
Standard features for the entire line include air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heavy duty rear defogger, color-keyed outside mirrors and front and rear intermittent wipers. Front, seat-mounted side and front and rear curtain airbags are standard on all Matrix models, as are seatbelt pretensioners and active headrests.
The S model adds power locks and windows, cruise control, rear wiper, remote keyless entry, a 6-speaker CD sound system with MP3 compatibility, a 115-volt power outlet and a fold-flat front passenger seat. Options for the S trim include 17-inch alloys, tilt-and-slide power moonroof and a Sport package for the all-wheel drive model that includes front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
Bodystyle:Wagon
Fuel:Gas
Interior:DK CHAR FABRIC
Engine:4 Cyl. 1.8L
Drivetrain:FWD
Standard Features:
MECHANICAL
1.8L DOHC 16-valve 4-cyl engine w/VVT-i
4-speed automatic transmission
Front wheel drive
Independent MacPherson strut front suspension
Torsion beam rear suspension
Front & rear stabilizer bars
Electric pwr-assist rack & pinion steering
Vented front/solid rear disc brakes w/pwr assist
EXTERIOR
16" steel wheels w/full wheel covers
P205/55R16 all-season tires
Temporary spare tire
Color-keyed side rocker panels
Color-keyed front bumper
Multi-reflector halogen headlamps
Color-keyed heated pwr mirrors
Front intermittent wipers w/mist cycle
Rear intermittent wiper
License plate bracket
Color-keyed door handles
Wrap guard body protection film
ENTERTAINMENT
AM/FM stereo w/CD player -inc: MP3/WMA playback capability, auto sound leveling, (4) speakers
Auxiliary audio input
Roof mounted AM/FM antenna
INTERIOR
Front sport bucket seats -inc: active head restraints
Cloth 6-way adjustable driver/4-way adjustable front passenger seat w/seatback pocket
Rear 60/40-split folding bench seat
Front console w/storage box
Carpeted floor
3-spoke tilt/telescoping sport steering wheel -inc: metallic accents, audio controls