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Identifying the First-Gen Ford MustangMazda CX-30 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
We compare the Mazda CX-30 to the Toyota Corolla Cross to see which is best for your everyday commuter car. We look at fuel economy, safety tech, and more.
Subcompact SUVs Go Head-to-Head
In a market segment where so much of what’s on offer looks, drives, and presents itself pretty much the same, a handful of subcompact crossovers manage to be more interesting than the rest. The Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross routinely dominate this segment. Though evenly matched, there are a few key differences that might sway the decerning shopper.
Today, we break down the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30 to determine the right one for you.
Specs
The Corolla Cross’ gas-powered drivetrain is on-brand for the company: generally underpowered to gain better fuel economy. It’s a 2.0L four-cylinder unit paired with a CVT. This drivetrain makes 169 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque while delivering up to 30 MPG combined. Meanwhile, the optional hybrid drivetrain adds a 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor to bring power levels to 196 horsepower and fuel economy figures up to 42 MPG combined.
As for Mazda CX-30, efficiency is still the name of the game. But this time, there’s a bit more horsepower to throw around. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It jets 191 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque while netting a combined 29 MPGs. The optional turbocharged variant of that same engine brings 250 horses along with 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is solid at 25 MPGs combined. Towing capacity matches the Corolla Cross in non-turbo form, while the turbo engine adds an extra 500 lbs., bringing the total to 2,000 lbs.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the clear winner in this category when looking at fuel economy, but you might find yourself having more fun with the CX-30, especially if you spend extra on the turbocharged variants.
Comfort and Interior
Both the CX-30 and Corolla Cross have decent comfort levels considering their size. Firstly, these are two acceptably spacious little subcompact SUVs and can fit four adults comfortably. Rear legroom is tolerable across both platforms, but the Mazda CX-30 comes out ahead with 36.3 inches of rear legroom compared to the Corolla Cross 32-inches.
The cargo capacity for both models is similar, with the Mazda CX-30 offering 20.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with a max cargo area of 45.2 cu-ft. While the Toyota Corolla Cross comes with 19.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity and a max cargo area of 46.9 cu-ft. One caveat is that the Corolla Cross Hybrid loses some cargo space with 17 cu-ft of cargo space and 44 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.
As for seat upholstery, the CX-30’s base S trim, starting at $24,035, gives you a cloth seat standard. The Select Sport trim at $26,650 adds soft-touch leatherette material. Further up the range, the Premium Plus brings in a very nice leather interior with the option of a vibrant white color. Compared to the Corolla Cross, the CX-30’s upper trims are nicely appointed, leaning closer to a luxury brand.
Not that the Corolla Cross is poorly equipped. Its cloth seats are known for their surprising durability. They’re what comes standard on the base L trim at $24,035. Ditto for the $26,365 LE trim, but you do get a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XLE trim at $28,260 adds Toyota’s brand of soft-touch vegan leather upholstery. It’s the same outfit you’ll find from this point on across the range.
The CX-30 offers more rear legroom and better interior options than the Corolla Cross. Making it the clear winner for interior. Its just a nicer car to spend time in than the Corolla Cross and that can mean a lot to you and your passengers.
Trims and Features
Lower trims in the CX-30 range make use of an 8.8-inch center infotainment display with iOS and Android connectivity. Mazda includes key safety technologies across all trims, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and radar cruise control with stop-and-go assistance.
The Preferred time level adds some nice extra touches like Amazon Alexa built in, along with heated front seats and leatherette trim. Up the range, the 2.5 Carbon Turbo adds a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, 12-speaker Bose audio system. Creature comforts like leather seats, a moonroof, and a power liftgate in the higher trims are nice features that make your everyday drive a bit nicer.
Meanwhile, every Corolla Cross uses an eight-inch center screen nearly a full inch smaller than the base Mazda. Included across the entire range is the excellent Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 software suite which includes some nice features like lane keep assistance sign assist, lane departure warning and more. Rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring are available at the LE trim level and above.
The high end, the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE offers an available JBL 9-speaker sound system, optional moonroof and power liftgate, but only offers a synthetic leather and cloth interior.
At the end of the day, the Mazda offers better internal materials, the option for a larger screen, and a superior sound system.
The Verdict
For those seeking even more excitement, the available turbocharged engine provides a substantial boost in power, making the CX-30 one of the most dynamic options in its class. These refinements combine to make the CX-30 a standout choice for drivers who value both luxury and performance in a small crossover.
The CX-30 feels more agile and responsive on the road, delivering a driving experience more akin to a sporty hatchback than a typical crossover. Inside, the CX-30 also elevates the experience with a more premium cabin, featuring high-quality materials, a sleek design, and an intuitive infotainment system.
By most metrics, the Mazda CX-30 is a more refined crossover, offering a more luxurious platform and significantly better road performance than the Toyota Corolla Cross. While the Corolla Cross is a sensible choice with strong fuel economy and reliability, it lacks the engaging driving experience and thoughtful interior design that sets the CX-30 apart.
