2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Maverick charges in with undeniable utility, boasting an astonishing 38 combined MPG, making its 191 hp feel wonderfully efficient for daily grinding. Contrasting this efficiency powerhouse, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers spirited driving dynamics baked into its smaller, tauter package, despite its lower 186 hp output. While the Maverick offers superior fuel economy, leading to a 42 MPG city rating, the CX-30 counters with standard All-Wheel Drive and an engaging 6-speed transmission. The Maverick is substantially larger at nearly 200 inches long, promising more cabin space, while the CX-30, priced sharply at $25,975, prioritizes agility over brute capacity. This showdown pits efficiency and footprint against handling and base pricing.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick's 38 combined MPG dwarfs the CX-30's efficiency, saving significant money on fuel.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick’s larger exterior dimensions, being 199.8 inches long, suggest greater inherent passenger and cargo flexibility than the smaller CX-30.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30’s torque output of 186 lb-ft paired with standard AWD offers a more dynamic and connected driving feel than the Maverick's FWD setup.
2025 Ford Maverick
Although more expensive initially ($28,145 vs $25,975), the Maverick's exceptional 38 MPG rating offers better long-term operational value.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Your priority is maximizing fuel savings, leveraging the Maverick's 38 combined MPG.
- You need a larger footprint, indicated by its 199.8-inch length and higher stance.
- You prefer the smoothness of an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission for city driving.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You demand standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied road conditions.
- You seek a lower entry price point, with the CX-30 starting at $25,975.
- Agility is key, supported by its smaller 173.0-inch length and tighter maneuvering.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 173.0" |
| Width | 72.6" | 70.7" |
| Height | 68.8" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 104.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 12.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the Maverick and the CX-30?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Ford Maverick achieves 38 combined MPG, which is 11 MPG better than the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 27 combined MPG rating. This translates directly into fewer stops at the pump for Maverick owners.
Which crossover is better suited for spirited driving enthusiasts?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the better choice, featuring a more engaging 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and standard All-Wheel Drive. While the Maverick has slightly more horsepower (191 hp vs 186 hp), the CX-30’s torque distribution and AWD suggest superior dynamics.
How do the physical sizes of the two vehicles compare?
The Ford Maverick is the larger vehicle, measuring 199.8 inches in length compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches. This size difference likely results in greater interior space and potentially more substantial cargo capacity in the Maverick, though only the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft is specified.
What is the pricing advantage, and where does the value shift?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 undercuts the Maverick on MSRP, starting at $25,975 versus the Maverick’s $28,145. However, the Maverick's massive fuel savings often flip the long-term value proposition in its favor.
Does the drivetrain configuration affect performance or capability?
Yes, the Maverick uses Front Wheel Drive exclusively with an electrically variable transmission, optimizing highway MPG. Conversely, the CX-30 offers standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic, prioritizing traction and a more familiar shifting feel.
Which vehicle has better city driving characteristics based on specs?
The Maverick excels in city driving due to its phenomenal 42 MPG city rating and simpler FWD setup for stop-and-go traffic. Its higher overall height (68.8 inches) also offers a commanding view of congested streets.
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