Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Price Comparison
TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI. Including:
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Price/Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- Specs Comparison
- What Our Members Are Saying
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Toyota Matrix
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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
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Summary
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For the Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Matrix vs. Golf / Rabbit / GTI Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Matrix and Golf / Rabbit / GTI will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLS's price is $1,930 lower than the Toyota Matrix S's price |
TrueDelta Value Comparison: Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLS | ||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 1,930 | ||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 1,631 | ||
| Model Year | 2011 | 2006 |
| Model | Matrix | Golf / Rabbit / GTI |
| Trim | S | GLS |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Engine | 158hp I4 | 115hp I4 |
| Transmission | T5 | M5 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 21/29 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| Audio (watts, speakers | ?, 6 | 200, 8 |
| Tire (rear if not all the same) | 205/55-16 | 195/65-15 |
| Total Price | 22,925 | 19,300 |
| Adjustments for Features | -1,695 | 0 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Price | 21,230 | 19,300 |
| Total Invoice | 21,214 | 18,015 |
| Adjustments for Features | -1,568 | 0 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice | 19,646 | 18,015 |
Invoice Comparison: Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Price Comparison (MSRP): Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIThe sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
| Lowest Total Price: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLS | ||
| Difference: 3,625 | ||
| Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLS | ||
| Difference: 3,199 | ||
| Model Year | 2011 | 2006 |
| Model | Matrix | Golf / Rabbit / GTI |
| Trim | S | GLS |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Base Price | 19,565 | 18,390 |
| Base Invoice | 18,097 | 17,138 |
| Premium Package | 1,410 | |
| 5-speed shiftable automatic | 1,190 | |
| FWD | 0 | |
| Stability control | 280 | |
| Premium Package | 0 | |
| 5-speed shiftable automatic | 0 | |
| FWD | 0 | |
| Stability control | 247 | |
| Total options | 2,600 | 280 |
| Total options | 2,357 | 247 |
| Destination | 760 | 630 |
| Total Price | 22,925 | 19,300 |
| Total Invoice | 21,214 | 18,015 |
While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Toyota Matrix
| Price of the Toyota Matrix: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 123-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD | The Matrix price represents good value for the features and quality. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Lease payments were very low. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | In the summer of 2007, I bought this car from a Lincoln-Mercury dealership that had taken it in trade - for $8,995. The car was (and still is) in excellent condition. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | It was pretty cheap to buy - $8000. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Climate control & stereo system in base model. Rear wipers and defrost should be standard. Rear window becomes translucent with heavy rain or snow, which can be cleared easily by 1-3 wiper cycles. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The Matrix was an affordable car. At the time, there were very few options under $20k that met all our needs. |
| Price of the Toyota Matrix: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 158-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic AWD | Price was $3000 more than the Elantra after the options were added. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Price was a little higher than I wanted but i guess you pay more for quality. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
| Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD | The TDI was more than $7,000 cheaper than a Golf R. You have to really want the R to pay the premium. I wanted it more than my wife did. Guess who won? Three months later, I'm very happy with the economy but feeling no pain as the car is still great to drive everyday. |
| 2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD | For 35 percent less monthly than the BMW I can own the car rather than lease. |
| 2010 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | For the amount of standard equipment (ESP, 6-speed tiptronic, 170 hp engine), it is actually cheaper than a similarly configured Honda Civic or even Fit. Great value for money. |
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD | Relatively low payment, get lots of nonstandard options as standard on VWs |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD | Purchased as a used-corp. leased vehicle at a 30%+ discount |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD | I paid 23K for a 2008 with 6K miles. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Reasonable trade-in value on the 2002 GTI, + incentives, "drive-away" lease program = $88/month. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Great value for the engineering and materials |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | For about $17,000, the best package of standard equipment available today! Aircon, 4-wheel disk brakes, stability control, electric-assist power steering, power everything, remote entry, alarm, zippy 2.5 liter engine, comfortable seats, large cargo room |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD | The GTI was much cheaper then most other cars I was considering (3-series, A4, 9-3, TSX, and G35). |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | $15,000 is a good price given that it carries 4 people+ gear in good comfort, gets decent fuel economy, and has an interior looking at least one class above. |
| Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD | I mentioned earlier that the Golf is still assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany, and hasn't been moved to any of VW's new world plants. This might be a mark in its favor vis-à-vis quality control, but the Euro-dollar exchange rate is not your friend on this model. 18K is a steep base price in this segment (although, to be fair, you often have to step up to some kind of "sport" trim line in other cars to get remotely competitive refinement). Things only get worse from here, as the jump to a GTI or a TDI is quite brutal. But if you just remind yourself that you're buying into the cheapest European car to be had in the United States, a car of exquisite refinement, I find that the sting goes away very quickly! |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD | There are many other similarly sized cars that cost much less. The extra cost gets you the better handling, faster engine, and higher quality interior. |
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | not willing to deal at all, I get a supplier discount and it didnt matter |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD | they are a little pricey compared to others with similar MPG |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Pretty expensive to buy in Canada |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | VW golf seems to be priced a lot higher than equivalent japanese or north american compact cars. |
| 2005 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The price was more than a Passat |
Features Comparison: Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
| Model Year | 2011 | 2006 |
| Model | Matrix | Golf / Rabbit / GTI |
| Trim | S | GLS |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Transmission and Drivetrain | ||
| 5-speed manually-shiftable automatic | $1000 | |
| 5-speed manual | $0 | |
| FWD | $0 | $0 |
| Accessories | ||
| AC power outlet | $100 | |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
| Front seat active head restraints | $50 | |
| Tire-pressure monitor | $75 | |
| Traction control | $100 | |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | ||
| Audio controls on steering wheel | $125 | |
| Aux input | $100 | |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | $25 | |
| Bluetooth cell phone link | $100 | |
| Cassette player | $50 | |
| iPod integration | $150 | |
| MP3-compatible player | $50 | |
| Satellite radio | $200 | |
| Exterior | ||
| Bodyside moldings | $75 | |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
| Exterior temperature display | $50 | |
| Fog lights | $125 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, driver | $50 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, passenger | $50 | |
| Turn signals on or near mirrors | $25 | |
| Visor mirror, driver | $10 | |
| Visor mirror, passenger | $10 | |
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||
| Floor mats | $75 | |
| Folding passenger seat | $150 | |
| Manual height adjuster, passenger seat | $50 | |
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||
| Alloy wheels | $350 | |
| Total Value of Features | $2,420 | $725 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | $1,695 | $0 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | -1,568 | 0 |
Specifications Comparison: Toyota Matrix vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
| Model Year | 2011 | 2006 |
| Model | Matrix | Golf / Rabbit / GTI |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 98.9 in |
| Length | 171.9 in | 164.9 in |
| Width | 69.5 in | 68.3 in |
| Height | 61.4 in | 56.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,140 lb. | 2,857 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| Row 1 Headroom | 40.5 in | 38.6 in |
| Row 1 Shoulder Room | 53.3 in | 53.7 in |
| Row 1 Hip Room | 52.3 in | 0.0 in |
| Row 1 Legroom | 41.6 in | 41.5 in |
| Row 2 Headroom | 39.3 in | 37.4 in |
| Row 2 Shoulder Room | 52.6 in | 52.4 in |
| Row 2 Hip Room | 43.7 in | 0.0 in |
| Row 2 Legroom | 36.2 in | 33.5 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 19.8 ft3 | 18.0 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 61.5 ft3 | 41.8 ft3 |
Option Package Details
S
| Premium Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Sunroof | 900 | Yes |
| Satellite radio | 200 | No |
| Bluetooth cell phone link | 100 | No |
| iPod integration | 150 | No |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | 25 | No |
| Total Requested | 900 | 65% |
| Total Not Requested | 475 | 35% |
Option Package Details
GLS
| Stability control | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Stability control | 400 | Yes |
| Brake assist | 50 | Yes |
| Total Requested | 450 | 100% |
| Total Not Requested | 0 | 0% |
Dealer Price Quotes
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Want to find out how much dealers are willing to discount these cars? Request free, no-obligation Toyota Matrix price quotes or Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI price quotes from dealers using our car quote form. You can also request quotes from our partner PriceQuotes.com in the sidebar and motivate dealers to compete for your business by offering the lowest possible price. The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll receive price quotes from local approved dealers within 48 hours. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Toyota Matrix Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Toyota Matrix: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Solid. Good workmanship. I also like the plastic floor in the cargo area, which is easy to clean after transporting a muddy dog. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Feels solid and of a high quality |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Toyota Matrix: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 158-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Uninspired and the options when going from S to the XRS only seemed to focus on the musical components and tire profiles. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
rattles, from the first day. quality of workmanship and assembly was so poor. car was vibrating on idle like an old tractor. tried to fix the rattles - it was impossible. the dealer was useless and helpless as well. miserable car. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
low quality plastics. rattles from the first day of ownership. low quality material of steering wheel - becomes very cold during the winter. low quality fabric on chairs. very cheap and unsuitable OEM tires. car is shaking on neutral like crazy. :-( |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD |
Cheap paint chips way too easy on front bumper and hood. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 173-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rattles galore on the interior. Car body was assembled incorrectly and resulted in a rubbing noise that required Toyota to cut out and replace entire A pillar from roof to rocker panel. Got rid of the car after as the warranty expired due to this issue. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The interior is lined by a softish plastic; easily scored, marred, and scratched. However, for the cheap material, the trim and fit is tight. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 180-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
it was sloppily put together at the factory and was never a pleasant car to be in. Chrome bits on the dash were blinding. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Here is the true selling point for the Golf for those who value substance and quality vs Style and quantity of accouterments. Almost every surface in the front and rear has heft and depth in quality to it. If the VW logo on the steering were replaced with an Audi's one would be ok with it. But its phenomenal that it can be had for just above $17K. No other economy car comes even close. Paint quality is exceptional and "orange peel" effect is minimal and hard to identify. Under body and under hood plastics feel and look of good quality and well designed. No flashy designs here. Guaranteed, 10 years from now - it will still look fresh. |
| 2013 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
Both cars seem well made, but the Honda had huge expanses of cheap-feeling plastic, whereas more of the VW were soft-touch. The Golf felt more precise and doors closed softly and firmly, seats moved easily, and controls felt better. |
| 2012 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
It's hardly a secret at this point that, whatever else VW has done with its U.S. models, the Golf is exceptionally refined and well-made both inside and out. Materials feel luxurious, especially on the dash; you really have to search to find a hard or flimsy piece of plastic. VW even bothered to cover the seatbelt fasteners with some kind of faux velvet. The seats are comfortable and sporty, and they look about as good as cloth can look - with a kind of textured stitching that also serves to keep you from sliding around. I've put 25K miles on the car and the seats are still as springy and firm as when I bought it. Perhaps best of all, the doors (at least on my 3-door version) are weighty and shut with an extremely satisfying thunk. This car feels far more luxurious than its price would suggest. |
| 2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Materials seem good for the class. Some plastic looks cheap, but not bad for the price point. |
| 2011 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Soft touch, well made materials all around, the very few areas where VW cheaped out are in out of the way locations. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
The materials in this car are top notch. I am shocked by the number of $50000 luxury cars that have cheaper feeling interiors than this car (the latest BMW 3-Series for example). |
| 2010 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Awesome materials, great fit and finish, no squeaks, rattles or creaks, and it just feels incredibly well put together. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
it looks good and feels good to touch. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Best in class, and in the case of the GTI, better than much more expensive vehicles. Stitching, steering wheel, metal accents on vents, I could go on... |
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Everything fits, small gapping, solid feeling car. Nothing falling off or breaking easily. |
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
seemed well made/good materials and craftsmanship |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
As often said, interior more Audi-esque than Mazda-like. Rock-solid construction, interior materials exceptional, all controls are illuminated, extensive warranty consistent w/ that. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
The dash top/door panels, and the leather/vinyl are first rate. The hard (cheap) plastic is regulated to the lower sections of the interior where it can hide. The doors shut very easily, with a solid thunk. All controls have a solid click. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
great!! |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The only car in its price category to have an Audi-equivalent interior. Soft-touch materials, all controls (dash, wheel, doors) illuminated, no rattles/squeaks, excellent seats, all seams regular and tight. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
The interior of every VW is leagues above its segment rivals, and the Golf/Rabbit is no exception. The materials are top-notch, the fit and finish is excellent, and the design is aesthetically pleasing. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Easy access to spark plugs for replacement, cast iron engine for longevity, timing chains are a tossup - they should last a long time, but when they go, they will be too expensive to replace. Doors are over-engineered and strong - you can swing from them. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
The interior is very well done. The attention to detail is very high. The exterior design is very functional and understated. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is one of the main things that turned us off from the Fit. The interior on the Rabbit just seems more solid, of a higher quality, and a lot quieter ride. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and adjustable. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The interior is very nicely put together. It feels like a much more expensive car than it actually is. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
The quality of the car feels "solid", not cheap and plastic. |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
seems to be a solidly built car |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
very solid feel, not flashy |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
German engineering babe! Of course they can improve but hey for a 25k car is not bad. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Great interior material quality and assembly. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Solid German engineering. I have the Fahrenheit edition, so they threw in everything you could possibly get, and topped it with a Lamborghini Orange paint job. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Dashboard materials and soft plastics, and seat fabrics easily blow away any other competitors. Everything else--Imprezas to Evolutions to Cobalt SS--all looks like a plastic rental car compared to the GTI. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Interior quality is top notch |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
The interior has the quality of a car costing twice as much. Fit and finish is top notch. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Good quality. No stupid plastic pieces breaking under normal use, interrior stays together, no sqeaks, the odd rattle when on a really rough road. |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
For the MK VI which is focusing on better interior acoustics, I am very disappointed to have the wind noise problem on my doors. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
design issues with air cleaner location make it very difficult to change (hidden on bottom of engine cover). Oil filter has gone back 10 years from my other vw. requires special tools for simple maintenance. High cost of bringing it in. |
