2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 arrives with a distinctively athletic stance, boasting 187 hp to challenge the practicality-focused 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross, which starts at a compelling $24,135. The Mazda’s premium feel is reflected in its $28,770 MSRP and superior power output, but this comes at the cost of efficiency; the CX-5 achieves 25 MPG combined against the Corolla Cross’s stellar 32 MPG combined rating. While the Corolla Cross wins on running costs with its 31/33 MPG city/highway splits, the CX-5 offers a more substantial platform at 180.1 inches long, compared to the Toyota's 176.1 inches, and delivers a respectable 30.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Toyota's 24 cu ft. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the driver prioritizes the Mazda's engaging 186 lb-ft of torque or the Corolla Cross’s significant 7 MPG advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its exceptional 32 MPG combined fuel economy, saving frequent drivers money.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 provides more usable space, offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Cross’s 24 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
With 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque paired with an AWD system, the Mazda offers a far more spirited drive than the 169 hp Corolla Cross.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is the superior value proposition, undercutting the CX-5’s MSRP by $4,635 while offering vastly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You demand superior power, evidenced by the CX-5's 187 hp engine.
- You need maximum utility, leveraging the 30.8 cu ft of available cargo space.
- You prefer the confident grip of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) over FWD.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Your primary concern is running costs, capitalizing on the 7 MPG efficiency advantage over the CX-5.
- You want to save $4,635 immediately, given the Corolla Cross's $24,135 base price.
- You prioritize easy city maneuvering over horsepower, accepting the CVT transmission for maximum mileage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 176.1" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 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 | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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-5 and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How does the difference in horsepower impact real-world driving between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, offering quicker acceleration and passing power compared to the Corolla Cross's 169 hp. Enthusiasts will notice the Mazda feels significantly more responsive during spirited driving maneuvers.
Is the Mazda CX-5’s higher fuel consumption worth the AWD system?
The CX-5 comes standard with AWD and achieves 25 MPG combined, while the FWD Corolla Cross achieves 32 MPG combined. Commuters prioritizing low running costs should choose the Toyota, but those facing harsh weather conditions may prefer the stability of the CX-5’s standard AWD.
What is the practical difference in size and cargo capacity?
The CX-5 is four inches longer (180.1 inches vs. 176.1 inches) and offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo space. Families needing to haul more gear will appreciate this extra 6.8 cu ft buffer over the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft capacity.
How does the transmission choice affect the driving experience?
The Mazda utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic, which often provides a more traditional and engaging gear feel. In contrast, the Corolla Cross uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), optimized strictly for maximizing the 32 MPG efficiency rating.
Considering the MSRP difference, how long until the fuel savings balance the price gap?
The Corolla Cross saves $4,635 upfront and saves approximately 7 MPG on every gallon used. While the exact payback period depends on annual mileage, the Corolla Cross generates significant long-term savings.
Which vehicle has a higher base maintenance cost?
Generally, the Mazda CX-5, with its higher-output engine and more complex standard AWD system, may incur slightly higher maintenance expenses over time than the famously reliable and simpler front-wheel-drive setup of the Corolla Cross.
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