Do you want to get behind the wheel of either the Toyota Corolla Cross or the Mazda CX-5 — but can’t figure out which small crossover SUV is the best choice for you? Check out this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30 comparison.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30 crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 has a higher base engine horsepower output and maximum horsepower output than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Engines offered for the CX-30 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 horsepower) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (250 horsepower). In comparison, the Corolla Cross offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower) and a hybrid (194 horsepower). 

For efficiency, though, the Corolla Cross has the advantage. The fully gas-powered Corolla Cross gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 32 combined mpg, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 37 combined mpg. In comparison, the CX-30 has an estimated gas mileage of up to 29 combined mpg.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Towing

The 2023 CX-30 can tow more than the 2023 Corolla Cross. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Corolla Cross.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Off-road capabilities

The Corolla Cross and CX-30 are evenly matched for off-road capabilities. Both crossovers offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system and have similar ground clearance, with up to 8.1 inches for the Corolla Cross and up to 8.0 inches for the CX-30.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Safety

The Corolla Cross and CX-30 are safe vehicles. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Corolla Cross is slightly bigger than the 2023 CX-30, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 95 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the CX-30 has a total passenger volume of 94.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 45.2 cu-ft.

However, the cabin for the CX-30 is more upscale than the Corolla Cross, with a premium quality that one might not expect for a mainstream crossover SUV — especially for the upper trims. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla Cross and CX-30 are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the CX-30, the Corolla Cross has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

Also, the Corolla Cross is more reliable than the CX-30. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 82/100 compared to 61/100 for the CX-30.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Corolla Cross or the 2023 CX-30? The starting price of the 2023 CX-30 ranges from $22,950 MSRP for the Base trim up to $35,400 MSRP for the Turbo Premium Plus trim.

For the 2023 Corolla Cross, the official price information is not yet available. However, we expect it to cost slightly more than the 2022 version. The starting price of the 2022 Corolla Cross ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30 comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Corolla Cross, advantages include gas mileage, passenger and cargo space, a free maintenance plan, and reliability. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 CX-30 include performance, towing, and a more upscale cabin.