2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30: Which Subcompact SUV Is Right for You?

The Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30 are two top contenders for car shoppers seeking a well-equipped compact SUV. While the CX-30 has an upscale cabin and a sporty vibe, the Corolla Cross offers more interior space and better fuel efficiency. Here’s a closer look at how these two models compare. 

The Growing Popularity of Subcompact SUVs

Compact SUVs continue to grow in popularity because of their versatility, efficiency, and maneuverability. This blend of practicality and reasonable pricing makes them attractive to a wide range of drivers. 

Why Compare the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30?

It makes sense to compare the 2025 Toyota Corolla and Mazda CX-30 because they’re in the same price range and both fit into the compact SUV market. 

What’s New in the 2025 Models?

The Toyota Corolla Cross carries over to the 2025 model year with only one update. A new Polymetal Gray paint color is now available. The Mazda CX-30 also had a carry-over year, with just an updated navigation system and expanded Alexa capabilities. 

Pricing and Trims Overview

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30 come in several trim levels. 

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Trims

The trim level lineup for the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross includes:

• L: Starting at $24,135
• LE: Starting at $26,465
• XLE: Starting at $29,660 
• Hybrid S: Starting at $28,495
• Hybrid SE: Starting at $29,815
• Hybrid Nightshade: Starting at $30,740
• Hybrid XSE: Starting at $31,680 

2025 Mazda CX-30 Trims

The trim level lineup for the 2025 Mazda CX-30 includes:

• 2.5 S: Starts at $25,195
• 2.5 S Select Sport: Starts at $26,850
• 2.5 S Preferred: Starts at $29,140
• 2.5 S Carbon Edition: Starts at $30,140
• 2.5 S Premium: Starts at $32,340
• 2.5 Carbon Turbo: Starts at $33,140
• 2.5 Turbo Premium: Starts at $35,340
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Starts at $37,150

Engine Performance and Drivability

The Corolla Cross makes driver and passenger comfort a priority, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. The CX-30 offers a sportier feel behind the wheel. 

Engine Specifications: Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30

Under the hood of the gas-powered Toyota Corolla Cross, you’ll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower. It works with a continuously variable automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive. 

The hybrid models use the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors. These combine to provide 196 horsepower, and all-wheel drive comes standard. 

The Mazda CX-30 comes equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and includes all-wheel drive. If you’re seeking more power, an available turbo four-cylinder engine generates up to 250 horsepower. 

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

If fuel efficiency is a priority for your driving needs, the Corolla Cross is the more efficient of these two SUVs. 

EPA Ratings and Real-World MPG for the Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross has an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Choosing the hybrid can increase these numbers to 45 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. 

Evaluating the CX-30’s Fuel Efficiency

The most efficient version of the CX-30 is the non-turbo engine. It can get up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. 

Interior, Comfort, and Space

These small SUVs offer comfortable, well-equipped cabins with seating for up to five people. The Corolla Cross has a slightly larger cargo area. 

Passenger Comfort: Seating and Space Comparison

The Corolla Cross has 38.3 inches of front seat headroom and 37.1 inches of rear seat headroom. The rear seat passengers enjoy 34.8 inches of legroom. Behind the rear seats, you’ll have 21.5 cubic feet of cargo space. 

The CX-30 offers 38.1 inches of front headroom and 38.3 inches of rear headroom. The rear seat passengers have 36.3 inches of legroom. Behind the rear seats, the cargo area offers 20.2 inches of storage space. 

Technology and Infotainment Features

Technology is becoming increasingly important for drivers. Both the Corolla Cross and CX-30 come well equipped with infotainment tech. 

Infotainment Systems: User Experience and Connectivity

An 8-inch touch screen comes standard in the entry-level Corolla Cross. It works with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster is added in the XLE trim and above, and a 9-inch touchscreen is available. 

The Mazda CX-30 has an 8.8-inch infotainment display that’s operated using a central command dial instead of a touch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. To access wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium trim, which also includes a wireless charging pad. 

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Whether you choose the Toyota or the Mazda, you’ll have access to a full suite of advanced driver aids. 

Standard Safety Features

Every Corolla Cross comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. It includes:

• Lane tracing assist
• Proactive driving assist
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Road sign assist
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Lane departure alert

The XLE adds to this list with front and rear parking sensors and rear automatic braking, and you’ll get a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert with the LE and above. 

The Mazda CX-30 also has a comprehensive list of standard driver aids, including:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Ready to Find Your Next Compact SUV?

Now that you have a better idea about how the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross compares to the 2025 Mazda CX-30, visit Keith Pierson Toyota to take a closer look at the Corolla Cross. Schedule a test-drive to experience how it feels behind the wheel and explore its spacious, comfortable cabin. 

Our knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions about the Corolla Cross and to walk you through all its great features and equipment. Stop by our dealership in Jacksonville, Florida, or give us a call today.

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