2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 bursts onto the scene prioritizing engagement, boasting 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from its standard Skyactiv-G engine, providing a spirited drive that the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, with its 169 hp, cannot match in raw output. While the Corolla Cross prioritizes efficiency, achieving a stellar 32 MPG combined versus the CX-30's 29 MPG combined, the Mazda counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Toyota's FWD setup. Design-wise, the CX-30 feels tauter at 173.0 inches long, contrasting with the taller, slightly bulkier 2026 Corolla Cross at 176.1 inches in length and 64.9 inches in height. Though the Toyota offers more utility with 24 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda's 20.2 cu ft, the CX-30’s immediate allure lies in its superior 6-speed automatic transmission responsiveness versus the Corolla Cross's CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its slightly superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG in the city versus the CX-30's 26 MPG city rating.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Families will benefit from the 2026 Corolla Cross's larger capacity, offering 24 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 delivers a superior performance feel with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque driving through a standard AWD system paired with a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross edges out the competition on starting price, listing at $24,935 against the CX-30's $25,195 MSRP.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize immediate powertrain responsiveness from the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied road conditions.
- You prefer the higher power output, offering 191 horsepower compared to the competitor's 169 hp.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as it achieves 32 MPG combined versus the CX-30's 29 MPG combined.
- You need the maximum usable storage, benefiting from 24 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a slightly larger footprint for ease of ingress/egress, as the Corolla Cross is taller by 3.2 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 176.1" |
| Width | 70.7" | 71.9" |
| Height | 61.7" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 330.2/419.1 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 52.6 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 | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which crossover offers better overall performance figures?
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the clear choice for performance seekers, providing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outpaces the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, which delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque from its base engine setup.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two models?
The 2026 Corolla Cross is measurably more frugal, achieving 32 MPG combined with its FWD setup. The CX-30, despite standard AWD, records a lower 29 MPG combined, showing Toyota's efficiency edge in this matchup.
Is one vehicle inherently better for hauling cargo?
Yes, the 2026 Corolla Cross offers better utility for families or those needing extra space, providing 24 cubic feet of cargo volume. The 2025 CX-30 is notably tighter in the rear with only 20.2 cubic feet available.
What is the impact of the different transmissions on driving feel?
The Mazda CX-30 utilizes a traditional 6-speed automatic, which often translates to a more engaging and predictable shift feel for enthusiasts. Conversely, the Corolla Cross relies on a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which generally favors smooth, non-shifting acceleration beneficial for commuting efficiency.
Does the CX-30 offer better traction standard?
Absolutely, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across its trim line. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross specifies Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard equipment for its base model, which impacts slippery condition handling.
How close are their starting prices for budget-conscious buyers?
The vehicles are incredibly close in initial investment, with the 2026 Corolla Cross starting at $24,935 and the 2025 CX-30 priced slightly higher at $25,195. This $260 difference is negligible compared to the performance and efficiency trade-offs.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool