Are you considering getting behind the wheel of either the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross or the 2023 Mazda CX-5? Find out how the two small crossover SUVs compare in this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 analysis.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offers more powerful engines than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Engine options for the CX-5 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 horsepower) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (256 horsepower). In comparison, the Corolla Cross offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower) and a hybrid (194 horsepower). 

While the CX-5 has more powerful engines, the Corolla Cross is more maneuverable. This is due to its smaller size, lower weight, and tighter turning circle.

Also, the Corolla Cross is more efficient than the CX-5. The fully gas-powered Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg. In comparison, the CX-5 gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 26 combined mpg.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Towing

The 2023 CX-5 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-5: Off-road capabilities

Both the Corolla Cross and the CX-5 offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, with higher ground clearance (up to 8.1 vs. 7.5 inches), the Corolla Cross is more suitable for off-road use.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Safety

The Corolla Cross and the CX-5 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-5: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 CX-5 is slightly bigger than the 2023 Corolla Cross, resulting in more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 104 cu-ft, compared to 95 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross offers more storage space, though, with a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft, compared to 58.1 cu-ft for the CX-5.

However, the cabin of the CX-5 is more upscale than the Corolla Cross. It has a more high-quality design with a liberal use of premium materials. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Warranty coverage

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

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Corolla Cross or the 2023 CX-5? The starting price of the 2023 CX-5 ranges from $26,700 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $39,650 MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim.

For the 2023 Corolla Cross, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 Corolla Cross will likely 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-5: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Corolla Cross, advantages include maneuverability, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 CX-5 include horsepower output, towing, passenger space, and a more upscale cabin.