Matrix has higher ceiling above driver seat, more comfortable for taller driver, as well as the seats.
If you have no big car(s) in your family, it could be helpful if you want time to time transport something big.
Feel slightly more massive and stable while driving.
It is supposed to be as reliable as Corolla. And it was the case to the one I had (drove from ~ 90k to ~ 260k). Only extra money spent to it was the replacement of the windshield.
One experience I had with the Matrix I had (04 XR) was that sometime the car was vibrating for a short period time /for a short distance after turning on the street. Although it had no impact to driving and it didn’t always happen and I never thought to try fixing it, it’s something I haven’t seen on any other cars I have driven. I hope it is not a common problem of Matrix.