Bill Estes Toyota
2012 Toyota Matrix
Now available at Bill Estes Toyota in Indianapolis, IN
- Starting MSRP$18,845
- Horsepower132–158 hp
- EPA MPG21–26 city / 29–32 hwy
- Max Towing1,500 lbs

The 2012 Toyota Matrix is a practical hatchback for Indianapolis drivers who want flexible cargo space, front-wheel drive, and a choice of efficient or stronger four-cylinder power. At Bill Estes Toyota in Indianapolis, shoppers can explore how the Matrix’s two trims differ in price, fuel economy, horsepower, transmission, and engine size, then compare those figures with other Toyota models from the same year and class. The Matrix offers 19.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, regular-unleaded fuel, and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Use the information on this page to narrow your priorities before contacting the dealership or browsing current Toyota inventory.
- Starting MSRP
- $18,845
- Horsepower
- 132–158 hp
- EPA MPG
- 21–26 city / 29–32 hwy
- Max Towing
- 1,500 lbs
- Drivetrain
- Front Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Unleaded
- Body Style
- Hatchback
How the 2012 Toyota Matrix Compares With Toyota’s Lineup
Pricing, power, efficiency, seating, and drivetrain help distinguish the Matrix from other Toyota choices. The 2012 Toyota Matrix starts at $18,845; MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.
| Spec | 2012 Toyota Matrix | 2012 Toyota Prius c | 2012 Toyota Yaris | 2012 Toyota Prius |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $18,845 | $18,950 | $15,140 | $23,015 |
| Horsepower | 132–158 hp | 99 hp | 106 hp | 134 hp |
| EPA MPG | 21–26 city / 29–32 hwy | 53 city / 46 hwy | 30 city / 38 hwy | 51 city / 48 hwy |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded |
Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.
Compared with the 2012 Toyota Prius c, the Matrix starts at $18,845 while the Prius c starts at $18,950. The Matrix offers 132 to 158 hp and 21 to 26 city MPG / 29 to 32 highway MPG, while the Prius c has 99 hp and EPA fuel economy of 53 city / 46 hwy; the Matrix suits shoppers prioritizing hatchback utility and available power, while the Prius c favors fuel economy.
Compared with the 2012 Toyota Yaris, the Matrix starts at $18,845 and the Yaris starts at $15,140. The Matrix produces 132 to 158 hp and returns 21 to 26 city MPG / 29 to 32 highway MPG, while the Yaris has 106 hp and EPA fuel economy of 30 city / 38 hwy; the Yaris may appeal to shoppers focused on a lower starting price and higher listed fuel economy.
Compared with the 2012 Toyota Prius, the Matrix starts at $18,845 and the Prius starts at $23,015. The Matrix provides 132 to 158 hp and 21 to 26 city MPG / 29 to 32 highway MPG, while the Prius has 134 hp and EPA fuel economy of 51 city / 48 hwy; the Matrix fits shoppers seeking a lower starting price and conventional power, while the Prius favors fuel economy.
2012 Toyota Matrix Specifications and Configuration
The Matrix is a front-wheel-drive hatchback with an inline-four engine, regular unleaded fuel, and a five-speed transmission available with manual or automatic operation across the model range. Engine size ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 liters, displacement ranges from 1,798 to 2,362 cc, and output ranges from 132 to 158 hp with 128 to 162 lb-ft of torque.
Peak power arrives at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque arrives between 4,000 and 4,400 rpm. The Matrix measures 171.9 inches long, 69.5 inches wide, and 61 inches high, with a 102.4-inch wheelbase. Curb weight ranges from 2,844 to 3,053 pounds, fuel capacity is 13.2 gallons, and cargo space behind the rear seats measures 19.8 cubic feet.
The L trim starts at $18,845 with a 1.8-liter engine, 132 hp, 128 lb-ft of torque, manual transmission, 26 city MPG, and 32 highway MPG. The S trim starts at $20,755 with a 2.4-liter engine, 158 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque, automatic transmission, 21 city MPG, and 29 highway MPG.
Buying a 2012 Toyota Matrix in Indianapolis
Bill Estes Toyota serves the Greater Indianapolis metro area, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Lawrence, Zionsville, and Brownsburg. Located at 3232 Harper Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240, the dealership provides access to new Toyota models, certified pre-owned vehicles, and quality used cars from major manufacturers.
Vehicles arrive on a rolling basis, so shoppers can search inventory for current options. Bill Estes Toyota also offers online trade tools and financing resources to help shoppers plan their next purchase.
What to Weigh Before Buying
Consider whether the L trim’s manual transmission and higher listed fuel economy match your driving routine, or whether the S trim’s automatic transmission and stronger engine better suit your priorities. The Matrix’s 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity adds useful capability, while its hatchback body style and 19.8 cubic feet of rear cargo space support everyday hauling.
Fuel economy varies by trim, with the range spanning 21 to 26 city MPG and 29 to 32 highway MPG. Comparing the Matrix with the Prius c, Yaris, and Prius can clarify whether the priority is power, starting price, or fuel efficiency.