Can Toyota Matrix Pull A Trailer? (Let’s Find Out)
You might want to go camping or even get a limited living space trailer.
The one question on your mind will be, ‘can my car handle it?’
Your vehicle might look small and feel light, but it packs a lot of weight, and its capabilities might surprise you.
The Toyota Matrix models can pull trailers that have an unloaded vehicle weight below 1,500 lbs. Therefore, trailers whose components weigh less than 1,500 lbs. can be towed by Toyota matrix models. This is quite some weight for the Toyota Matrix.
How Much can a Toyota Matrix Tow?
The maximum capacity all the Toyota Matrix models can tow is 1500 lbs. You can refer to this capacity as a braked capacity.
This simply means the towed trailer features a braking system designed to support the vehicle braking system.
Ordinarily, the towing capacity for trailers without a braking system wouldn’t weigh as much.
In addition, the trailer’s weight is referred to as dry weight or unloaded vehicle weight.
This is the weight of a trailer not burdened with a load. Also, there’s the cargo-carrying capacity (CCC) of the trailer.
The cargo-carrying ability is the maximum extra weight your trailer can carry.
When you combine these two, we have the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Therefore, a trailer with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 1500 lbs. can be pulled by a Toyota matrix.
The Toyota Matrix has an average weight of 2866 lbs. The models we have are:
- Toyota Matrix 2009
- Toyota Matrix 2010
- Toyota Matrix 2011
- Toyota Matrix 2012
- Toyota Matrix 2013
What is the Towing Capacity of a 2010 Toyota Matrix?
A 2010 Toyota matrix has a towing capacity of 1500 lbs. On the other hand, it has a height of 61.4 inches and a length of 173 inches.
Therefore, its maximum cargo capacity is 48.9 cubic feet. To be able to tow using a Toyota Matrix, you need the following components.
- Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Ball Mount
- Pin and Clip
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Wiring Harness
#1. Trailer Hitch Receiver.
These adapters which have receiver openings remain fixed under the vehicle.
The trailer hitch attachment points line up with holes already in the car frame at any time possible.
#2. Ball Mount
You can also refer to this component as a “drawbar.” The drawbar is slid into the trailer hitch opening and offers a platform for placing the ball.
Ball mounts come in various sizes, heights, and styles. You have to get a ball mount compatible with your hitch opening.
#3. Pin and Clip
A pin and clip component clasps the ball mount within the opening in your trailer hitch receiver.
#4. Trailer Hitch Ball
There are several sizes of hitch balls around. The size of the ball’s diameter should match the coupler of the trailer you want to tow.
The ball rests on the ball mount, creating the point where the trailer will be attached.
#5. Wiring Harness
This hardware channels power and indications to the trailer’s lights. For your Toyota Matrix, there won’t be a need to splice the wiring.
You can achieve this by using quick-splice connectors for the wires to connect.
Read More: Can Honda Element Tow Trailer?
Why did Toyota Discontinue Matrix?
In 2003 Toyota Matrix was introduced. The official name was the Toyota Corolla Matrix.
This was a non-subtle hint that the Matrix wasn’t much different from the Corolla.
The most noticeable change was that the Matrix was a Hatchback. This earned it a similar cargo capacity to that of an SUV.
There was a considerably more space increase for the Matrix than the Corolla.
However, this change didn’t extend to the engine. The Matrix engine’s features were similar to the Corolla.
This absence of new features caused the downfall of the Matrix.
The Toyota Matrix had a run of 10 years.
However, it failed to carve a home for itself compared to the other vehicles Toyota manufactured.
The Toyota Matrix didn’t offer anything special despite its affordability.
Corolla was already doing the Matrix’s job, which didn’t help its demand.
Also, the engine was not more powerful than other hatchbacks.
It struggled to have its own unique identity, something to make it stand out.
There were little to no risks on the part of Toyota when they designed the Matrix.
Toyota was aware of its shortcomings. They knew the car wasn’t selling anymore, and it would be foolish to continue manufacturing.
Ultimately in 2014, Toyota stopped the manufacture of the Matrix.
Read More: Can Honda Accord Pull A Trailer?
Conclusion
The maximum capacity all Toyota Matrix models can tow is 1500 lbs.
A trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating should be less than 1500 lbs. for a Matrix to pull it successfully.
Therefore, the Toyota Matrix failed because it had too many similarities to the Corolla.
It also lacked novel features and innovativeness that would entice customers.
Toyota, therefore, stopped manufacturing of the Matrix due to low sales.
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