2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is fuel economy, with the Corolla Cross achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the CX-5's 25 combined MPG—a 7 MPG advantage. This efficiency difference is coupled with a substantial $3,835 MSRP disparity, as the Corolla Cross starts at $24,935 versus the CX-5's $28,770. Performance favors the Mazda, which delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. While the CX-5 offers superior passenger volume, evidenced by 30.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Corolla Cross’s 24 cu ft, it sacrifices daily running costs. The Corolla Cross features a FWD configuration with a CVT, contrasting with the CX-5's standard AWD and 6-speed automatic transmission, illustrating a fundamental divergence in driving philosophy and componentry.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 32 combined MPG, translating to lower operating expenses.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is superior for families because it offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the 24 cu ft in the Corolla Cross.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by providing 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, unlike the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and FWD configuration.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross presents better immediate value, costing $3,835 less while delivering notably better fuel efficiency metrics.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You prioritize higher engine output, specifically the 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your driving conditions.
- Maximum utility space is necessary, as indicated by its 30.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Minimizing fuel costs is paramount, leveraging the 32 combined MPG rating.
- The initial purchase price is a primary constraint, benefiting from the $24,935 MSRP.
- You prefer the smooth operation characteristics of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
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 | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
What is the exact difference in fuel economy between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross achieves 32 combined MPG (31 city/33 highway), whereas the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is rated for 25 combined MPG (23 city/29 highway). This results in a 7 MPG advantage for the Corolla Cross on the combined cycle.
How much does the MSRP differ between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a base MSRP of $28,770, making it $3,835 more expensive than the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, which starts at $24,935. This price difference heavily influences the overall value assessment.
Which vehicle offers superior performance specifications?
The Mazda CX-5 outputs 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, decisively surpassing the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the CX-5 includes a 6-speed shiftable automatic, contrasting with the Corolla Cross's CVT.
Is there a significant difference in physical size and interior capacity?
Yes, the CX-5 is physically larger overall, measuring 180.1 inches long versus the Corolla Cross's 176.1 inches. This size translates to greater utility, with the CX-5 offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
What does the standard drivetrain configuration reveal about each vehicle?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a traditional automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross features a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) layout utilizing a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
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