Alright, the time has come to buy another Yota. My mom has finally decided to get rid of her 12 mpg Jeep and get something new. I've done the math for her, and at only 5k miles a year and 25mpg, she'll save $50-60 alone on gas each month, and I said I'd pay $100 a month for her since she doesn't really want payments. Plus the Jeep needs $500-1000 worth of regular maintenance over the next year, so that's another selling point.

I talked her into the xB a few months back, and she refused to even look at it because she thought it was the old one. I took her to the dealer and told her to get in the new one and she changed her mind immediately. She has a bad hip, so it's really easy for her to get in and out of, plus it'll be great for my grandparents to get in and out of.

Now that I've looked around for some other options, I've really grown to like the new Matrix. The one turning point for the Matrix, is that it has AWD, VSC, and TC (S model). The price difference doesn't make a difference, since the AWD is easily worth the extra $3k. The Matrix has less headroom (F/R) and slightly less legroom in the back, but I still fit comfortably up front and in the back (with the front seat all the way back) and I'm 6'4.

I know 99% of the xB2 owners will say get the xB, but does anyone have any advice on which to choose?

Btw, it would be a BCM xB2 or Sundance Metallic/Radiant Red Matrix S.


And I don't even know if Radiant Red is the right color...

Whatever color this is supposed to be


Or this

 

The choice is pretty obvious...xB2!
I personally don't like the new xB but since it's for your mom, it does have more head and leg room, which is a plus!

 

The Matrix actually has more front legroom and A LOT more shoulder room (my Dad will use it too and he's 6'3 240lbs). HR and LR really isn't an issue since I fit comfortably in both cars.

 

^^^You stated it was for your mom though, not you...

 

Yea but I''ll be using it occasionally and my Dad will use it for work also.

And if it was just for my Mom, headroom and legroom would be of 0 concern since she's 5'5 .

 

how does the matrix have more room? are you looking at the specs or sitting in one. I found the matrix to feel more cramped than the xB2

 

xB2, I just bought one too!

 

The only main thing the xB2 has more of, is headroom, which gives it a much more open feel. The Matrix has more shoulder room and a lot more cargo room. I had enough space in both vehicles in all 4 seats, but I did have more legroom in the back of the xB2.

 

I have to admit the style of the redesigned Matrix is a lot sexier than the previous frumpy design, but to my eyes it still looks like another generic car compared to the groovy xB.

But... from your posts it sounds like utility, room and comfort are your priorities. Sit in and test drive both (sounds like you already have); one is bound to appeal to you more.

Actually, reading over your posts now, it seems that whenever someone makes an argument for the xB, you defend the Matrix. Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind. Just go buy the Matrix and stop obsessing.

 

That's just the thing, I haven't made up my mind on the Matrix, I'd just like to hear from someone a little less biased. The xB guys are obviously going to say get the xB.

 

if your mom is at all like my mom, shell want the awd just because its safer in bad weather. have her drive both and see what she likes more.

but for more info on the matrix id try asking someone on a matrix only forum. of course everyone's going to like the xb here, we all drive one

 

Yeah I know, I should have just started this in the other vehicles forum lol. That way more xD/xA/tC owners would join in.

I'm actually surprised she isn't all over the AWD, she always wanted an SUV and AWD because it was safer (when in reality, it's not).

As of right now, I'd rather have the Matrix, but I'd only want it in that orange color (it's some special edition thing so I have no clue how much it is), because it's sportier and has a more rugged look/feel (plastic cargo area = made for muddy things). I used to want the xB2 a few months ago, but now that I've seen it more, the front end just looks depressed (could have been the color). My mom is more for the xB2 since it's easier to get in and out of, and my dad wants the RS 5.0 (which I'm all for). So most likely, we'll have an RS 5.0 in the driveway.

My mom actually liked the xD the most, but it's way too small, it needed about 4-5" more rear headroom if I had to sit in the back .

 

get the matrix and then turbo it Woooo!
AWD turboed 2AZ-FE FTW!!

 

I've already got a turbo 2AZ coming up, not going thru this headache again lol.

 

I really like both but the xB2 is the better deal for the price & what you get. Also you did mention about your mom not wanting payments, the xb2 would be a little bit easier on the wallet,

G/L with your choice!

 

I like the box but AWD is nice. The thing is, most people lift their throttle foot when they start to feel a car move in bad weather. It's just reflex. With AWD, you have to keep steady light power to really get the advantage. Other wise you're just coasting through the bad stuff and you can do that with a FWD vehicle.

I only mention this cause it takes some getting used to, especially for someone like parents who have been driving for usually 25-plus years.

AWD does help you take corners better in the dry though. I don't think you can go wrong with either car. It's just which one/price/features you like better.

 

Well if one of the major points is saving money on gas, doesn't the AWD matrix use more gas than the xB2?

 

I really dont like the look of the new Matrix. Liked the previous one a lot better. What is up with that little stupid window in the back. The new pontiac vibe looks WAY better. Cheaper too. But gonna depreciate more. I sat in both xB2 and Matrix. Matrix felt more cramped to me in shoulder room but same in leg room. One think i dont like about the matrix is that the interior is nearly identical to the 1st gen. Liked the first gen but was really looking forward to 8 years of progress... oh well. I really wish that the xB had the plastic seat backings and the passenger seat that folds flat. Great for my windsurfing equip. But i was at the dealership and was seeing Matri priced from $20k to $27K!! holy crap not not not worth it. Not when i can get an xD or an xB.

For that price it had better be a "Blade Master G"
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/129...32-challenger/
you can see why the Matrix is such a disapointment after looking at that interior

 

oh yeah and only 4star crash test on rear side impact makes it a no-go for me. Would hate to get in a crash and wish the kids were more protected

 

Barely, it's 20/26, xB2 is 22/28. But if that was the #1 factor, then it'd be the FWD Matrix which is 32 HWY.

You're complaining about the price of the Matrix (which is $22k for the AWD model) and you compare it to something that costs over $30,000?