A lot of reviews of The Matrix (Consumer Reports for Example also Motor Trend) describe The Matrix as the Hatchback version of The Corolla. My question then is why does The Matrix have so much worse gas mileage than The Corolla? The Corolla is 27/35 while The Matrix is 21/29. The Matrix weighs a little more, about 150lbs. The Matrix has the wedge hatchback shape, closer to The Prius, so if aerodynamics have anything to do with it, you'd think The Matrix would have better gas mileage. Not that the gas mileage compared to other ICE is that bad with The Matrix but given that it is often described as the Hatchback Corolla, I'm suprised at how big a gap in Mileage exists. The Matrix from a MPG standpoint is closer to The Camry than The Corolla.
Yes, apparently the Matrix/Vibe are based on the Corolla platform. Was mentioned when I took a tour of NUMMI 5+ years ago where they still build Corollas and did build Vibes Don't have an answer for you but fueleconomy.gov doesn't show their figures to be THAT far apart from picking 1.8L Corollas and Matrixes w/automatics. Matrix: 25/31, 28 combined Corolla: 26/34, 29 combined Besides weight and possibly different amounts of optimization for the EPA test, I can spot some differences (don't have the time to do calculations/more research) from http://www.pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/document/2010_Corolla_Product_Info.pdf vs. http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/document/2010_Matrix_Product_Info.pdf?ncid=12066 such as different differential ratios, tires sizes and the Matrix having more drag.
Hmm...I was taking the EPA as it appeared in a 2008 Consumer Reports magazine short review. The Mileage you are showing is much closer. I just assumed (I guess you should never assume) that The Matrix would have less drag being closer to the ideal aerodynamic shape of the wedge. Oh well, live and learn.
CR does their own mileage tests. The 09 Matrix (actually a Vibe) 1.8L automatic they reviewed got 21 city/36 highway, 29 mpg overall, 34 in a their 150 mile trip. They reviewd an 09 Corolla automatic and got 23/40, 32 overall, 39 for a 150 mile trip.
The spousal unit's 07 FWD Matrix averages 34+MPG. It has a 5 spd manual and most of her driving is around town. Her best was 38mpg on a round trip from Eastport-Bangor, ME, ~130 miles each way. Like the man says, YMMV.
If you're talking about the 2G Matrix, keep in mind that S and XRS models (XR and XRS in Canada) have the Camry's 2.4 litre engine. The 1.8 litre model should be fairly close (taking into account the extra weight for the city mileage and the extra drag on the highway). The 1.8 litre Matrix is also geared a little different than the 1.8 litre Corolla (even though they use the same 4-spd auto).
+1 And as to the Consumer Reports tests, the Matrix tested had 16" wheels with 205/55R16 tires, while the Corolla tested had 15" wheels with 195/65R15 tires.
