2012 Toyota Matrix — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Toyota Matrix is an estate/wagon offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota Matrix workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Toyota Matrix: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.8L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Estate/Wagon |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 20 cu ft (566 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 31 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 26 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2012 Toyota Matrix across 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 29 mpg (US), or 26 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (25/31) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/32) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $2,800 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 20 cubic feet (about 566 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Toyota Matrix
Running Costs: 2012 Toyota Matrix
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Toyota Matrix at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Toyota Matrix Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Toyota Matrix (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 20V024000, reported 17 January 2020. Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Matrix. The most-reported areas are Air bags (4), Engine (1).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Toyota Matrix
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 4 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (1 owner complaint) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Toyota Matrix compare to similar estate/wagons? Estate/Wagons in our database average around 34 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 13 g/km lower than the 203 g/km average for estate/wagons on this site. This comparison is based on 194 estate/wagons in our dataset.
At 35 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Toyota models in our database. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 26 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 4 Toyota Matrix model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined). See every Toyota Matrix year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Toyota Matrix
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Toyota Matrix: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Toyota Matrix?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Toyota Matrix cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Toyota Matrix (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Matrix?
Among the 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (4 complaints), Engine (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Toyota Matrix have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 20 cubic feet (about 566 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Toyota Matrix's fuel economy good for an estate/wagon?
Yes — it returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 34 mpg among the estate/wagons we track.