
Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.
Toyota has finally announced pricing for the 2009 Matrix and Corolla that made their unceremonious debut back in November at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Both models get a bump in their sticker, with the Corolla costing $845 more than the outgoing 2008 model, while the Matrix increases by $680.
The base Corolla, whose nomenclature has been changed from CE to "Standard", starts at $15,250 sporting a five-speed manual, while an automatic model will set you back another $800. The LE and XLE models start at $16,650 and $17,550, respectively, both equipped with an automatic tranny and the 132-hp, 1.8-liter four. Care to upgrade a bit? You can now get the new 2.4-liter four producing 158 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in the XRS version starting at $18,760 with a manual or $19,950 with an automatic that Toyota notes can be "shift sequentially."
The Matrix, which Toyota claims redesigned the crossover segment, but in reality is just a five-door Corolla, comes in three flavors: Standard, S and XRS. You can equip the warmed-over hatch with either the same 1.8-liter or 2.4-liter four found in the Corolla, mated to either a five-speed manual or a four- or five-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will be an option on S-trim models that will come standard with the 2.4-liter four-pot and "Super ECT" four-speed gearbox. Pricing for the standard matrix starts at $16,190 if you row the gears yourself, while the max'd out XRS models shoots up to $21,850 with an auto 'box. None of the prices listed above include the $650 destination fee.
All the details and trim levels are available in Toyota's press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE
Toyota Announces Prices For All-New 2009 Corolla And Matrix And 2008 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition
January 25, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2009 Corolla and Matrix, along with the 2008 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition.
The Corolla base MSRP will range from $15,250 to $19,950 while the Matrix will range from $16,190 to $21,850. MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $660. Both models will begin arriving at dealerships next month.
Following the extremely successful launch of the FJ Cruiser TRD limited edition, Toyota is introducing the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition. The special edition offers a new level of customization to the base FJ Cruiser 4WD models.
2009 COROLLA
Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, an all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. The new Corolla with an all-new body that delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.
The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. A standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.
The 2009 Corolla is offered with a pair of efficient new engines, each of which can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission is combined with a 1.8-liter engine and the five-speed automatic is combined with a 2.4-liter engine.
The Standard, LE and XLE will be equipped with one of the all-new engines. The 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine, will produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the engine's most important features is its use of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
For those who desire just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 2.4-liter engine transmits its power through the five-speed manual transmission, but is available with a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted sequentially.
Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats and side-roof. Side curtain airbags that help protect passengers in the front and rear seats in the event of a side impact are standard. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and cut-off switch available is available as an option.
The all-new Corolla is equipped with an array of standard performance and convenience features. Among the many features on the Standard grade are P195/65 R15 tires, a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM® satellite capable, air conditioning with air filter, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, daytime running lights, black manual folding power mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.
In addition to standard features on the Standard grade, the LE grade adds power windows with driver-side one-touch-down, shift-activated power doorlocks and color-keyed manual-folding power mirrors.
As well as the features on the LE grade, the XLE grade adds P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, Optitron gauges, center console with sliding armrests, wood grain trim, and driver and passenger rear-seat pockets.
Besides the Standard grade features, the sporty S grade also features standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers.
In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and interior chrome accent.
Additional standard equipment on the XLS grade includes VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, P205/55 R16 tires with 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, XM® satellite and eight speakers in six locations and navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability.
The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic.
2009 MATRIX
The Toyota Matrix helped redefine the concept of a crossover vehicle, and has been redesigned for the 2009 model year.
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. The result is a sporty shape that has a wider, lower stance than the current model, but contains room for five people to ride in comfort. The Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
The Matrix features three distinct grades, Standard, S and XRS. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard for all XRS models.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission models.
For those who crave horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 21/29 city/highway mpg for the automatic transmission models and 21/28 with the five-speed manual transmission models.
In addition, Matrix once again offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The AWD Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the Super ECT 4-speed transmission.
The AWD system uses active torque control to distribute the appropriate amount of torque to each wheel. The system is front-wheel-drive-based and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupler only when needed.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility. The instrument panel and center cluster were designed to create the sensation of a cockpit. The option gauges in the instrument panel feature bright white lighting and red needles. A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with standard seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table is available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. For rear-seat passengers, a folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
Throughout the interior, designers supplied multiple storage spaces. A folding tonneau cover is standard and helps keep items placed in the cargo area out of sight.
All systems are equipped with a universal mini-jack port that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the Matrix's speakers.
Form, fun and functionality are in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on the Standard Matrix includes P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade includes standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
The Standard Matrix with a five-speed manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $16,190, while the four-speed automatic begins at $17,000. The Matrix S front-wheel drive with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $18,260, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $19,450. The Matrix S AWD with a four-speed automatic has a base MSRP starting at $20,400. The Matrix XRS with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP starting at $20,660, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $21,850.
2008 FJ CRUISER TRAIL TEAMS SPECIAL EDITION
The special FJ Cruiser will feature the first-ever monotone white roof and body with black trim pieces, which set the FJ Trail Teams edition apart from the rest. Additional exterior features include black front and rear bumper end caps and front grille surround, and black exterior mirrors and door handles. Trail Teams badges have been added to the rear door and glove box.
Inside, the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition will include a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, white color-keyed door trim and instrument panel trim, AM/FM six CD/nine-speaker audio system with MP3 player and 12-volt and 115-volt auxiliary power outlets.
Additional standard features on the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition include trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail Tires with custom 16-inch TRD alloy wheels, Cyclone air cleaner, rear differential lock and A-TRAC, TRD exhaust system, rock rails, all-weather floor mats, front bumper-mounted auxiliary lights, and front and rear skid plates.
The FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition will carry an MSRP of $4,755 over the $23,725 base price of the FJ Cruiser with a six-speed manual transmission with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and $5,110 over the $24,135 base price of the automatic transmission model with a 4.0-liter V6. . MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $685.
The 3,200 units of the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition package will be produced in 2008 model year and will go on sale in late January and early February.













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Todd @ Jan 25th 2008 4:05PM
Yawn. Give me a Mazda3.
Mercury Fan Forever @ Jan 25th 2008 4:21PM
100% Agree
Alex @ Jan 25th 2008 4:23PM
co-sign
Xcountryflyer @ Jan 25th 2008 4:47PM
There hasn't been a fun to drive Corolla since the 80's. Looks like a mini me Camry esp. the Corolla. A snooze to look at and drive I'm sure and I hear the quality of materials has gone downhill. The Matrix is okay. I think it is rather practical. I'd take it over a Corolla and it has an independent rear suspension.
Jim @ Jan 25th 2008 9:03PM
At 6'2" tall the Mazda3 might as well be a coupe, as the back seat is not usable behind me. The Matrix / Vibe doesn't have this problem, being more upright. Maybe a small detail to some, but important to me. Otherwise, I'd just buy an S2000.
Kumar @ Jan 25th 2008 4:07PM
Saw it at the Detroit auto show. Not bad.
Much softer/sleeker/more rounded/whatever than the current one.
Will probably sell a ton like usual.
Would have preferred to see an all wheel drive version with a manual transmission, but oh well, so much for a fun car.
Russell @ Jan 25th 2008 4:10PM
I wouldn't be caught dead in one of these.
Tricky dicky @ Jan 25th 2008 4:23PM
wake me up when its over. I left a budget rent a car when they only offered me a corolla or a camry.
Seoultrain @ Jan 25th 2008 4:30PM
lol, more people need to do this. Then, maybe we'd get decent rental cars. eh, probably not..
Bob-omb @ Jan 26th 2008 12:56PM
Considering the Impalas and Tauruses Hertz usually gives me, I was *beyond* relieved to get a Camry last time as my rental car.
Jeff @ Jan 25th 2008 4:29PM
No manual tranny available on the AWD model = FAIL
If they made a Matrix with AWD, a proper manual and a turbo on the 1.8 (instead of the 2.4), they'd really be on to something!
Seoultrain @ Jan 25th 2008 4:30PM
they wouldn't be Toyota.
Joe K. @ Jan 25th 2008 4:41PM
The reason they don't make a manual transmission with the AWD is because it is the dumbest form of AWD ever. They are using the same system they used for the initial Matrix. I was in attendance for the Toyota launch of the 03 Matrix at Toyota's east region and took on the guy in charge of drive train for these cars.
Ultimately what they do to save gas and such is drive around in FWD all of the time, until the front wheels slip and engage the viscous-coupler, that send power to the rear wheels.
For those of you not following too closely, this means that once my front wheels don't have traction, my back tires will push me.
Again, My turning wheels that control the direction I will travel are not controlling my car and Toyota feels that's the appropriate time to move me with a different set of wheels.
The other inherent problem with the system is that a manual transmission that would, in theory, give me the ability to spin the front tires by being a bit harsh on the clutch would cause strain on the viscous-coupler in a way that would cause warranty claims, hence no manual.
Meanwhile if they went to a proper AWD system with a center differential, etc. they would be able to have a manual, not move me when it is the worst possible time to move.
Why don't they? Because people don't actually need AWD, and they don't want to give up floor space for a true center differential.
jgp @ Jan 25th 2008 4:34PM
I like the new Corolla's styling updates (except the front end). The character line and the new roofline (which thankfully no longer looks like a bubble) inject some much-needed personality into the car. It's like the exact opposite of the change between the E100 and the E110.
The Corolla really needs the Matrix front end, though (and why'd they change the door handles from the JDM model?). Anyone willing to Photoshop the Matrix front end onto the Corolla?
djSyndrome @ Jan 25th 2008 4:46PM
21 and change for a Matrix XRS? That's dangerously close to GTI territory.
mattydread @ Jan 25th 2008 4:47PM
A friend of mine has a Matrix, and I drove it half-way on a car trip once last summer. Overall it was a fine car for a road trip. I wouldn't buy one becuase I like the look of conventional rear ends with trunk lids and such, but it did make a good impression with me.
JoeK - Good info! I always did wonder why they didn't offer the 6-speed manual with the "all-wheel drive" tranny.
tanooki2003 @ Jan 25th 2008 4:51PM
When I bought my wife an 07 Hyundai Elantra I was starting to wonder if I should wait for the redo of the Corolla. now that I am seeing it I think I made the right decision on the 07 Elantra. A complete pass for me
spw @ Jan 25th 2008 5:03PM
Actually, on-demand AWD is pretty awesome - same system as on current Rav4 that has won pretty much every comparo known to man. It works so well and so fast that you never actually notice it and it acts before you wheels slip.
I suggest that you drive it before writing nonsense.
djSyndrome @ Jan 25th 2008 5:13PM
I don't care how many 'comparisons' against other soft roaders its won - as mentioned above, on-demand AWD systems are the wrong idea at the wrong time. I don't want my car to suddenly become RWD when I'm slipping on ice. You want traction on bad road conditions? Get a Forester.
(also, before you open your piehole and call me anti-Toyota, I drive a Matrix XRS)
spw @ Jan 25th 2008 5:18PM
As I said, drive the car.
I drove my Rav4 through snow storm on closed down road, that was iced completly, never had an single slip and never felt the damn thing turn on.
You are making assumptions based on your theory - you need to test it before complaining.
And yeah, big plus is better mpg of course. Which makes them great idea at great time. Previous systems (Tucson, old CRV) were much slower to react and felt jerky... New systems are so good that I see manufacturers adopting them to many, many vehicles.