2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 bursts forth with an engaging drive, centered around its 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard All-Wheel Drive and a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission, making it feel connected to the road despite its compact 173.0-inch length. Contrastingly, the 2026 Ford Maverick grabs attention with sheer utility, even though it shares the same 191 hp output, leveraging superior fuel economy at a stunning 38 combined MPG, a massive 9 MPG advantage over the Mazda. While the CX-30 starts lower at $25,195 versus the Maverick’s $28,145, the Maverick boasts substantial dimensions, measuring 199.8 inches long and 68.8 inches tall, appealing to users needing more presence. The battle is between Mazda’s taut handling persona and the Maverick’s sheer efficiency and size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its exceptional 38 combined MPG, significantly cutting down on fuel costs.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick offers a physically larger structure (199.8 inches long, 68.8 inches high) better suited for family needs than the smaller CX-30.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 provides higher torque (186 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft) and standard AWD, promising a more dynamic driving experience.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 offers a $3,000 lower starting MSRP ($25,195) while still delivering robust power output.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize torque delivery, as the CX-30 delivers 186 lb-ft compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
- You prefer the engagement of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You are seeking the lower entry price point at just $25,195.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Maverick's 38 combined MPG rating.
- You require greater physical size, evidenced by its 199.8-inch length and 68.8-inch height.
- You prefer the maximized city fuel economy of 42 MPG offered by the Maverick's front-wheel-drive configuration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 199.8" |
| Width | 70.7" | 72.6" |
| Height | 61.7" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 155 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 330.2/419.1 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 13.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 55.4 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 | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Ford Maverick.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Ford Maverick achieves an impressive 38 combined MPG, outperforming the 2025 Mazda CX-30's 29 combined MPG by 9 miles per gallon.
Which vehicle offers better performance metrics for spirited driving?
The Mazda CX-30 is mechanically favored for spirited driving, boasting 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, alongside standard All-Wheel Drive.
Does the higher price of the Maverick account for significantly more power?
No, both vehicles produce an identical 191 horsepower, meaning the $28,145 price tag on the Maverick is for utility and efficiency, not superior raw power over the $25,195 CX-30.
Which vehicle has more space for luggage?
While specific cargo figures are only provided for the Mazda at 20.2 cu ft, the Maverick’s larger overall dimensions (199.8 inches long) suggest greater capacity, though its utility is heavily focused on its bed area.
How do the transmissions compare in driving feel?
The CX-30 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, favored by drivers who enjoy distinct gear changes, whereas the Maverick employs an electrically variable-speed automatic, typically prioritizing smoothness and efficiency.
Is the CX-30 significantly smaller than the Maverick?
Yes, the CX-30 is notably more compact, measuring 173.0 inches in length compared to the Maverick's 199.8 inches, making the Mazda easier to maneuver in tight urban settings.
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