We're looking to travel the prairies this summer and are wondering if a Matrix has enough punch to haul a trailer on relatively flat roads.

You don't have enough information. You didn't specify the weight of the trailer. On the inside of your door frame, you should see the weight rating of your truck. It should list how much weight you can put on the tongue, how much you can pull, how much the overall weight of the truck and trailer can be. If you have your manual, check that as well. Otherwise, I would also go online to Toyota's site and double-check the vehicles weight ratings.

Tent trailers usually don't weigh that much. We pulled a 2000 lb. popup with a 6 cylinder minivan. However, don't just guess that you can pull it. Know for sure.

The Matrix should pull a tent trailer anywhere you want to go. right now I'm pulling mine with Mercury Villager and it doesn't even feel like its behind the car. Before I towed with a Peugeot. 4 cyl. You could even pull up moderate mountains. Watch your water and oil and transmission. Go for it.