2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. Mazda CX-30: 5 Major Differences

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. Mazda CX-30: 5 Major Differences originally appeared on Autoblog.

Can Toyota’s newly updated Corolla Cross outclass the more powerful CX-30?

Although the Toyota RAV4 comprehensively outsells the Mazda CX-5 (and pretty much everything else) in the United States, the gap is closer between the Japanese brands’ smallest crossovers, which are the Corolla Cross and CX-30. Mazda North America sold 34,988 units of the CX-30 in the first half of the year, while Toyota registered 51,324 sales of the Corolla Cross in the USA over the same period.

These are the most affordable crossovers from each brand, offering a strong combination of practicality and value, but they go about it in different ways. Here are five differences between these two vehicles, based on the latest available models, which are the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2025 Mazda CX-30.

1. Mazda Focuses More On Performance And Less On Efficiency

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The first thing that may jump out at you when looking at the specification sheets is the Mazda’s power advantage. The base model has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, whereas all non-hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross models have a 2.0-liter four-pot with 169 hp and 150 lb-ft, so the Toyota is noticeably slower and less responsive.

Mazda also offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged version of the CX-30 with up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft when using 93 octane fuel. It’s far quicker than any Corolla Cross, surging to 60 mph in under six seconds. Toyota’s only other Corolla Cross powertrain is a hybrid with a 2.0-liter engine and three electric motors, making 196 hp combined. It can reach 60 mph in eight seconds, roughly on par with the base CX-30.

The advantage for the Toyota is in its efficiency. In hybrid form, it achieves 45/38/42 mpg city/highway/combined, dropping to a best of 31/33/32 mpg in non-hybrid form. The best the CX-30 can do is 26/33/29 mpg in non-hybrid form.

2. Toyota More Comfortable, But Mazda Is More Fun

Mazda has a well-earned reputation for engineering fun-to-drive vehicles, and the CX-30 is no exception. It’s no Miata, but in our review of a 2024 model, we stated that the CX-30 is more engaging to drive than any subcompact rival, with direct steering and good throttle response. Even the transmission complements the engines well.

The Corolla Cross has a softer, more comfortable ride, but it’s nowhere near as fun to drive as the CX-30. We found its steering to be rather devoid of feel, and the noisy four-cylinder engine doesn’t encourage you to rev it, which you need to do to get anywhere (somewhat) quickly.

Related: 2026 Toyota Corolla Vs. Mazda 3: 5 Major Differences

3. Only The Toyota Has A CVT

For better or worse, all Corolla Cross models use a continuously variable transmission. Planting the throttle keeps the revs and the noise levels high, which is unsatisfying to the ear. Tootling around town at lower speeds, the Toyota is better, and the CVT does contribute to the crossover’s admirable efficiency, but it’s not a setup that you’ll derive any excitement from.

In the CX-30, you get a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. While most other modern cars use eight-speed autos, Mazda has intentionally stuck with the six-speeder, simply because it works brilliantly with the four-cylinder engine. There’s no excessive hunting for the right gear, and downshifts are quick when you select Sport mode. It’s far more satisfying than the Corolla Cross’s CVT.

4. CX-30 Is More Premium Inside

For a non-luxury, mass-market brand, Mazda makes some of the nicest interiors around, and its cheaper models live up to that perception, too. The cabin is almost identical to the one in the Mazda 3, so you get similar soft-touch materials on the doors and dashboard. None of the buttons and switches feel cheap to operate, and the dashboard layout is clean and classy. On top models, features like Terracotta leatherette and a heated steering wheel make it feel like you’re sitting in a car from a segment above.

There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the interior of the Toyota. Build quality is solid, it’s logically designed, and you also have access to many features as you work your way up the trim ladder. A new 10.5-inch touchscreen also becomes available for 2026, which is slightly larger than the 10.25-inch unit in the pricier CX-30 trims. Even so, the Toyota just lacks the final layer of polish and attention to detail that sets the Mazda apart.

Related: Why you Might be Better Off with a Mazda CX-30 over a Mazda 3

5. Toyota Is Cheaper, But There’s A Catch

For 2026, the Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $24,635 for the L trim with front-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive, that will add another $1,300 to the price. The Corolla Cross Hybrid, meanwhile, starts at $28,995, and the range tops out with the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE AWD for $33,030.

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,195. Although that’s more expensive than the Corolla Cross, the Mazda does get standard AWD, so it’s actually $740 cheaper than the equivalent Corolla Cross AWD. This situation is expected to change when 2026 pricing for the CX-30 becomes available.

The CX-30 turbo is a lot pricier, starting at $33,140 and going up to $37,150 for the Premium Plus trim.

Final Thoughts

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If money is no object, the Mazda CX-30 is the better car between these two. It’s quicker, far more enjoyable to drive, and has more refined finishes than the Corolla Cross. There isn’t much to separate these two in terms of tech features and spaciousness; neither has a massive trunk or back seat, although kids, teens, and average-sized adults will be reasonably comfortable.

The Toyota’s main advantage is its cheaper overall pricing and stellar efficiency. The hybrid is easily the pick of the range, since its powertrain isn’t as strained. For 2026, Toyota also handed the Corolla Cross a bolder look, so it appeals a little more to the senses than before.

Ultimately, the CX-30 is the winner here if efficiency isn’t your top priority.

Related: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Vs. Mazda CX-90: 5 Major Differences

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. Mazda CX-30: 5 Major Differences first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.