Toyota Matrix: MPG-Real World Numbers

mrcranston

I also have a 08 automatic - but it is STD. I was getting really low miles too, thinking it was just cold weather gasoline. My father suggested I move up to mid-grade gas because I drive at a high altitude (I'm in Denver) and the weather can get pretty cold here. I've been getting much better mileage - used to average around 23mpg now I'm getting about 28. So even though I'm paying more, the better mileage will even out the cost. You might want to give that a try if you aren't already using mid-grade.

stevedebi

"My father suggested I move up to mid-grade gas because I drive at a high altitude (I'm in Denver) and the weather can get pretty cold here."

One has to be careful about gas in that area. I'm not sure about Colorado, but in New Mexico, the standard unleaded has only 86 octane. I always used mid grade when I visited NM, because my owner's manual calls for a minimum of 87 octane.

dudleyr

Actually you don't have to be that careful. Cars don't require as much octane at higher altitudes that is why they sell lower octane there.

fallenangelny

That sounds more realisticly and true.

stevedebi

"Actually you don't have to be that careful. Cars don't require as much octane at higher altitudes that is why they sell lower octane there."

It seems that Ford / Honda should have mentioned that in their gas recommendations pages.

dudleyr

They probably should have mentioned it. I live in an 87 octane area, but 85 octane regular is not too far away, and I use it regularly when traveling. Never heard a knock.

The higher octane resists detonation (knocking) at high compression in the cylinder. The air is less dense at higher altitudes, so the compression is lower and the need for higher octane is lower.

nippononly

Filled up over the weekend: 414 miles, 11-1/3 gallons, for a calculated average of 36.5 mpg. That's the best one in a while, considering it was all in town. :-)

2007 XR 5-speed manual.

bonesjustice

I own a 2003 XR with automatic transmission. I drive mainly on the freeway through mountain ranges. I only use the AC occasionally. I never turn off the overdrive. I never fill up above a quarter-tank and always buy regular gas, not premium.

I got over 37 mpg on my last tank. I typically get 37-38 mpg as long as I watch my speed. The lowest I've ever gotten was 29 mpg but that was due to driving at very high speeds! I have found that cruising at the speed limit, coasting on exit ramps, and using the whole on-ramp to accelerate really makes a difference.

Great car, I hope mine lasts forever!

nippononly

Hey, kudos! That's especially good considering yours is an automatic. :-)

bonesjustice

Well, it probably helps that my only passenger most of the time is my dog (30 kilos).

I have also found that it helps not to resume cruise from coasting if my speed has dropped more than about five from the set speed. Resuming from down ten or more can cause the car to downshift and accelerate harder than I would manually. Usually, I just get back to speed manually then resume. But then, this is true of any model of car that I've ever driven. It's too bad that there isn't a "casual" resume option that would gradually bring you back to speed rather than as fast as possible.

Don't get me wrong, I love the cruise control on my Matrix. It's the easiest one I've ever used. The positioning of the control is perfect as is it's operation. Most cruise controls that I've used in other cars are in an awkward place with switches too small. I hope the controls have been kept for the 2009 model.

clivia4121

I have a 2007 Matrix XR manual transmission and I recently got 38 mpg, which is the highest its been since winter started. The weather definitely has an effect. The Matrix is very aerodynamic and it just loves to coast. I'm sure that helps with gas mileage. I'm going to try cruise control next.

nippononly

Oohhhh, impressive! You have just given me a new target mpg to hit. :-)

I've had 37 mpg out of mine, but not 38. Mainly the thing is my long trips take me onto the interstate, which is 70 mph in my state. I bet there is a point lost between 65 and 70.

In town my mileage has been 34 to 36, which makes me think I could do quite a bit better on highway trips if I were going just slightly slower...

nippononly

another tank at just shy of 36: 370 miles, 10-1/3 gallons. The problem is this car is too fun to drive peppy! I am sure if I slowed down I could get to my goal of 37 mpg around town. :-/

'07 XR 5 speed.

matrixgirl09

Now up to 32 mpg. Yeay.
09 Base model, 4113 miles. Maybe I can get that up a little

circuitsmith

2006 Base Matrix with power package, 5-speed, tire pressure 36 PSI front, 32 PSI rear, mostly highway 65-75 MPH with AC on trip from Wash DC to MD eastern shore.

path4

For those who like to cruise at 80mph, my MPG is consistently 30+(-)1mpg in summer. At 85mph, you will probably get 28MPG. During the 80K miles since I bought the car, only once, I drove at 65mph for 350 miles and it gave me 35MPG. Winter gas sucks 2-3 points. I think Matrix is not very efficient at slightly high speed due to its height. I once rented a 2005 3.4L impala for a trip of 1000 miles at averaged speed of 85mph, I was really surprised to find out it averaged 31MPG. Also for new owners of matrix, the first time I got 30MPG was when the car had 40K miles on it. It seems to be a long breaking in. Now with 80K miles, I do believe the engine runs at least as well as when it was new.

I bet the new 2.5 Matrix is more fuel efficient than the 1.8 at 80mph.

tucsondivots

Hey Matrixgirl09,
I am seriously considering the base model 2009 Matrix and would appreciate any info you might share on yours after 4K miles. The sticker shows 26mpg city. Is your 32 mpg city driving or highway? I really want to be able to get 30 mpg. Do you have the auto or 5 speed? Also, I am curioius what options you have and which you wish you might have gotten.
Thanks,
Tucsondivots

matrixgirl09

I can't drive a stick. never learned

base model 4 speed

automatic

Power Package
All Weather Package
I added on a remote start (live in MI, park outside, so its worth it)

had them throw in the floor mats

So pretty much everything except the vsc

I did buy off the lot though, so that was their standard package that most of them were shipped as. They didn't want to do factory orders.. or the salespeople didn't want to.

Only thing I wish was the Nav system but I will eventually get a tom tom. I wasn't interested in a moonroof,
( well the moonroof didn't fit my budget )

I drive maybe 60 to 70 % highway, top speed 80,usually at 70 mph. I don't really drive that aggressive which I am sure helps.

rhester

My wife got a base 09 Matrix about 2 months ago, maybe 1400 miles on the odo so far, she has never gotten more than 23mpg, although that is mostly city miles (80%+) with a/c on most of the time. Still very disappointing though because believe me, she is no leadfoot!

dcamarce

My 2009 Matrix Touring (1.8L touring) is averaging 33.5 mpg, 70% highway and 30% city driving. It has already 3500kms on the odometer, It's getting more better now! Remember,The 09 Matrix has more aerodynamic although are heavier than
previous generation. (just 200lbs only).

tucsondivots

rhester and matrixgirl: Thanks. I picked up my 1.8L today. Are there any surprises you have found that I should look out for (such as cool compartments or set-up tips)? Have you added XM radio? I had that in my Mustang and would like to add it to the Matrix. They told me it was "XM ready" but not sure what that means. Anyway, I am excited to have my new 2009 Matrix and join the forum.
Regards,
Tucsondivots

matrixgirl09

Glad you bought the car. I am sure you will like it.

No xm stereo yet. I was told the receiver is built in and I guess you would just buy the radio but I haven't priced it yet. I just listen to the regular radio or the ipod now that I have an mp3 jack.

Compartments are ok, not great but I can just throw stuff in the back I guess. I might get a bike rack, even though you can fit the bike in there its not as easy as I thought it was but maybe I just need to practice getting it in and out.

nippononly

363 miles, 10-1/4 gallons, I make that 35.5 mpg, so it is remaining very consistent (what is NOT staying consistent is the price of that fill-up, my $47 spent yesterday was a new personal high, even with me sometimes waiting in the past until the light came on, when it would take 11 gallons).

'07 XR 5 speed.

mywreck

I wonder how the new Vibes are for gas mileage. I have an '05 auto and get 35 mpg highway at 65-70. I assume the new vibe w the same engine will be the same, but the larger engine lower.

nippononly

Don't be too sure, the new one is heavier than the old one.

I assume the new 2.4 would be around 30 on long highway trips, a little less than what the Camry with the same engine does.

tucsondivots

I just bought my 2009 Matrix and want to change out the factory stereo for an aftermarket one. Has anyone found a source for the dash kit to allow installation of a double-din after market unit? Metra has announced one but it is a couple of months away. Crutchfield and Scosche are also "no". Custom made is about $300.

If anyone knows of someone who makes these please let me know.
Thanks :shades:

nippononly

almost 38 mpg last night! 390 miles, 10.3 gallons, 37.8 by my calculator. :-)

clivia4121

I also got about 38 mpg last night! Actually a little bit higher. I'm thrilled. I have a 2007 standard transmission Matrix.

nippononly

So do I! :-)

matrixgirl09

I guess I should have learned how to drive a stick. That's great gas mileage.

nova

rhester Do you have a 5 speed or automatic transmission

clivia4121

I have a 5 speed manual transmission. What do you have?

captain2

Been seeing right at 31 mpg overall - about 70% highway - about what I thought it would do. Think Toyota is making a mistake by limiting the 1.8L engine to the base model only,while the Camry drivetrain does make a difference in power and relative smoothness, it was irrating that I couldn't get all the available options and still get the FE advantages of the samller engine.

ecotrklvr

This new Dual VVT-i engine is sweet. I too wish car makers would stop forcing us into larger engines to get fog lights.

It may be that Toyota is going to have to deal with a glut of older-single VVT-i 2.4's with the impending release of the 2.5L. It may have Dual VVT-i or even Valvematic. I read where it may make its first appearance in the '09 RAV-4.

Curious - what is your top-gear RPM at 60 mph - or more realistically (for me) 70 and 80 mph? With the 2.4L Matrix S that I just rented, it's 2250 RPM at 70 and 2500 at 80. Very smooth, as well.

captain2

have to ask the 'boss' about the rpm - she is the one driving the new Matrix. I'm thinking something about 2500 at 60 though because the smaller engine does not offer nearly as much torque to support any kind of highway 'overdrive' gear. The bigger (and torquier) 2.4 should not have to work quite as hard but would logically be closer to the 1.8s highway FE than it is to its City ratings.
Dual VVTi is something Toyota first used (I think?) on the 2GR 3.5 liter V6 and it will change both intake and exhaust valve timings to maximize power and efficiency - effectively levelling out some of the peaky nature you find in the smaller engines. Would expect Toyota (and other mfgrs) to use it more often now that a gallon of gas is at $4. which is why I don't understand the Matrix's current engine choices.
I do not find the slightly noisier and power challenged 1.8 too much of a compromise - and certainly not worth 5 mpg although as I said I doubt seriously that there is that much difference on the highway specifically when comparing it to the 2.4.

circuitsmith

2006 Base Matrix, 5-speed, tire pressure 36 PSI front, 32 PSI rear, 75% city, no AC, mostly two occupants, driven gently.

nippononly

with the little puppy this weekend: took a trip to Tahoe, myself and two passengers, the car was so loaded with stuff there was NO extra room.

That's around 500 miles, including 7000 feet elevation gain, managed 37 mpg. Stuck mostly to the speed limit (65), with occasional faster spurts up to 80 mph to pass. A/C running constantly.

I was thinking to myself, imagine if it had just been me, less A/C use? Could I have broken 40 mpg? Anyway, that's one of my best readings to date. :-)

2007 XR 5 speed.

jrbradbury

I bought my 2009 base matrix one month ago now. It is a 1.8L 4A. I can't believe how much I love this car! It has 3500 miles on it now and I am consistently getting 38 mpg. I just filled up today and got 36 mpg on the last tank, but I have also twice gotten 39 mpg. I drive 40 miles one way to work and most of that is highway. I traded in a 2006 Dodge Stratus and cannot believe what I have been missing. I have no doubt I will be driving this car for a long time!

speculative1

I am on my 4th tank (I didn't count the first as I couldn't be sure how much gas the dealer put in) and I've been getting 27.8/27.9 mgp fairly consistently with a mix of about 30% city/70% highway.

ecotrklvr

That's great to read that this car can get mileage that good. I'm considering one of these myself - the 1.8L with AT seems fine on power to me. Questions, though:

Do you live in a pretty flat area?
How fast do your drive?
What RPM's do you see at highway speeds - like 60, or 70 mph?

jrbradbury

I don't live in the mountains, but western Maine is pretty hilly. I mostly have hills before I get to the highway. I tend to be a very conservative driver. I go 60 mph on the highway and I don't accelerate hard either. I will have to double check, but I think that 60 mph is around 2500 (or a little less) rpm. I could probably get to 40 mpg if I drove slower on the highway, but 60 mph is as slow as I want to go. I do have to arrive at my destination eventually!

nippononly

38 mpg tankful, going to Yosemite and back this weekend. 390 miles, 10.2 gallons. That includes going from my place at sea level to the park, which peaks out over 7000 feet, and back! This car is gradually hitting its stride for fuel economy, I'm glad to see. Now I'm looking to get my first 40 mpg tank. :-)

2007 XR 5-speed.

stxmatrix

Ditto, rhester. Unexpectedly poor mileage. Granted, I live on an island (stop and go) with AC on but 23 MPG? That's pretty bad. I'd been hoping for 30s but...c'est la vie. Otherwise, it's a nice, if stripped down, ride. Base model, no frills and the stereo sounds awful! I don't think I'll have this car long.

nippononly

With my '07, I am only just experiencing a noticeable improvement in mpg at 20K miles. You may want to keep yours at least that long and see if it gets any better.

mantech

Yes, Nippononly is right, It takes couple 10K miles to improved totally the gas mileage. My old 2007 Matrix took about 30K kilometers (I sold out) Now my Matrix 09 has almost 10K km. still averaging 32mpg mixed i.e. 5 speed 1.8L. I never experienced that 23mpg, my lowest is 28mpg mostly city driving. I'll be expecting FE improvement after 20K km. I have no complain about the sound performance of the stereo system, actually much better sound quality than 07 Matrix it has reach real bass reproduction.

texasgirl2

I have only had the car a few weeks, but I have been averaging about 27 MPG. I had an 07 XR and consistently got at least 33 MPG. The 09 takes a bit of getting used to in that regard, but it does have a bigger engine and it's MUCH faster than my 07. AND, when I am going up a hill with the A/C on, I'm not chugging along at barely 30 MPH. I feel like it's a fair trade off. I also know that when I got my 07, I noticed the MPG improved after about 5K miles. I expect my 09 to get better with time. I feel like 30 MPG is a realistic expectation.

unclesalami

I have a 2005 base Matrix, auto trans. with 84,000 miles. I do about 75 highway to 25 local miles. Highway speeds are usually 75-80. I get between 29-32 depending on the trip, with 30 my norm.

I looking for info on replacing the air filter with a K&N and if this will be worth it for performance and mileage.

nippononly

37 mpg on the latest tank: 376 miles, 10.2 gallons, which is apparently 36.86 mpg. :-)

That was just doing the usual driving, except for one highway trip of 100 miles round trip.

Not bad for winter gas. ;-)

'07 XR 5-speed.

zsinclair

Hey there. I just bought a 2006 Matrix XR and am getting awful mileage as well. Last tank of gas was 19MPG!!! I am at a complete loss. I bought it used at 28K, single owner who took care of it under warranty. What did you find out was wrong with your car?

mantech

Please take it to the authorised Toyota Service and have it computer checked. Keep in mind we are still in winter season our gas still oxigenated. Normal city driving it should be around 25mpg with auto transmission.