We also drove the sporty XRS with the 180-horsepower engine. The power increase comes from improved breathing by using Toyota's variable-valve timing and lift setup. At low revs the engine delivers no more performance than the standard 130-horsepower engine. The real power comes into play between 6000 and 8400 rpm, so you need to keep it wound up in the upper part of the rev range to tap into its performance. The six-speed gearbox comes from the Celica and uses the same gear ratios, but the Matrix uses taller tires effectively giving it taller gears. So you need to wind it up before shifting into the next gear to enjoy good acceleration performance. We quickly grew tired of the high-revving engine, however. We found that the XRS was not nearly as pleasant as the XR. The 130-hp engine seems a better match for the Matrix than the high-strung 180-hp engine.
Four-wheel-drive models are not as sporty as the two-wheel-drive models. As noted, all-wheel drive is only available with an automatic transmission and the 123-hp engine. With more weight (185 pounds) and slightly less power than the front-drive models, plus the friction from the all-wheel-drive system, the 4WD models do not accelerate as quickly. It's still peppy, though, and the all-wheel provides superior traction on snow, ice and slippery pavement. The Matrix XR 4WD automatic is rated 26/31 mpg. Next Page