Toyota Matrix
25.2 MPG The 2013 Toyota Matrix is EPA-rated at 25.2 MPG combined (22.6 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 595 gallons, $1905 a year in fuel, or $0.127 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2013 run it averages 26.3 MPG, falling by 0.8 MPG over 11 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.099 | $992 | $1488 | $1984 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.127 | $1270 | $1905 | $2540 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.159 | $1587 | $2381 | $3175 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.198 | $1984 | $2976 | $3968 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25.2 MPG | 22.6 | 29 | $2500 | 354 | 5 |
| 2012 | 25.2 MPG | 22.6 | 29 | $2500 | 356 | 5 |
| 2011 | 25.2 MPG | 22.6 | 29 | $2500 | 356 | 5 |
| 2010 | 25.2 MPG | 22.6 | 29.2 | $2490 | 356 | 5 |
| 2009 | 26 MPG | 23.3 | 30 | $2400 | 344 | 4 |
| 2008 | 28 MPG | 25.5 | 32 | $2225 | 318 | 2 |
| 2007 | 28 MPG | 25.5 | 32 | $2225 | 318 | 2 |
| 2006 | 27 MPG | 24.3 | 31 | $2517 | 330 | 3 |
| 2005 | 27 MPG | 24.3 | 31 | $2517 | 330 | 3 |
| 2004 | 26.3 MPG | 24 | 30.7 | $2567 | 339 | 3 |
| 2003 | 26 MPG | 23.8 | 29.8 | $2700 | 343 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Toyota Matrix ranks 36 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Skyhawk Wagon (25.5), Suzuki Esteem Wagon (25.7), Audi A4 allroad quattro (26), Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (26), Nissan Sentra Wagon (26).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 354 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Toyota Matrix get?
The 2013 Toyota Matrix is rated at 25.2 MPG combined by the EPA — 22.6 city and 29 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 26.3 MPG, ranging from 22 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Toyota Matrix cost in fuel per year?
At 25.2 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 595 gallons — roughly $1905 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.127 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $2500.
Has the Toyota Matrix become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 26 MPG in 2003 to 25.2 in 2013. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Toyota Matrix efficient for its class?
It ranks 36 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 4.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.