2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$28,145 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 lies in fuel economy, where the Maverick achieves a 38 combined MPG compared to the CX-30's 27 combined MPG, an 11 MPG advantage. Priced at $28,145, the Maverick carries a higher MSRP than the CX-30's $25,975. However, the Maverick offers significantly more exterior bulk at 199.8 inches long and 72.6 inches wide, contrasting with the CX-30's compact 173.0 inches length. Performance metrics show the Maverick producing 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque from its FWD configuration, while the AWD CX-30 trades overall efficiency for superior torque delivery at 186 lb-ft, despite producing slightly less horsepower at 186 hp. The drivetrain differences—Maverick's CVT versus CX-30's 6-speed automatic—also dictate their driving feel and intended utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 38 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers standard All-Wheel Drive and a more manageable exterior footprint for urban parking compared to the larger Maverick.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30's higher torque output of 186 lb-ft paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission favors spirited driving dynamics over the Maverick's efficiency-focused setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

Despite the Maverick's efficiency, the Mazda CX-30 presents better immediate value with a $2,170 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Fuel efficiency is the absolute priority, as indicated by the 38 combined MPG rating.
A significantly longer vehicle (199.8 inches) is required for specific hauling or space needs.
The driver prefers a front-wheel-drive platform utilizing an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for varied driving conditions.
A lower initial investment, starting at $25,975, is preferred over the Maverick's $28,145 MSRP.
The driver prioritizes higher low-end pulling power with 186 lb-ft of torque and a conventional 6-speed automatic.

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
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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	P225/65R17	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 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the 2026 Maverick and the CX-30?

The provided specifications only list cargo capacity for the 2026 Mazda CX-30 at 20.2 cubic feet. The specific cargo volume for the 2026 Ford Maverick crossover body type was not provided for a direct comparison.

Which vehicle provides better highway mileage for long commutes?

The 2026 Ford Maverick leads in highway efficiency, achieving 35 MPG on the highway versus the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 31 MPG highway rating.

Is the higher horsepower in the Maverick enough to overcome the CX-30's torque advantage?

The Maverick has 191 hp compared to the CX-30's 186 hp, but the CX-30 produces 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, suggesting better acceleration potential off the line for the Mazda.

What are the fundamental drivetrain differences influencing traction?

The Maverick is configured with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), while the Mazda CX-30 features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which typically offers superior traction in low-grip scenarios.

How does the physical size difference impact maneuverability?

The CX-30 is notably shorter at 173.0 inches and narrower at 70.7 inches than the Maverick (199.8 inches long and 72.6 inches wide), generally resulting in easier maneuvering and tighter turning radii for the smaller Mazda.