Mazda and Toyota have plenty in common, including incredibly fuel-efficient smaller cars. Their bond extends to manufacturing, as the two share a plant in Alabama. So, if you’re in the market for a small SUV, these two brands should be at the top of your list.
Here’s a look at the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. Both are small SUVs offering plenty of the conveniences and technology that buyers in this segment seem to crave. Let’s see how they stack up.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The 2025 CX-30 is a standout small SUV with a smart exterior, strong performance and capability, and a tech-laden interior where all of the buttons and knobs are in the right spots.
Our test driver echoes these sentiments about the CX-30. It’s powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder that already provides ample power, while standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures you can go just about anywhere you want and have some fun doing it. We particularly like the upscale interior and bold exterior styling.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Choices: The CX-30 can be outfitted with a variety of grades, ranging from a starting price of just under $27,000 to just over $38,000. Mazda offers a more powerful engine and more safety and comfort technologies to let you configure the SUV the way you want.
Power up: The CX-30’s base engine makes 191 hp, but the turbocharged version puts out 250 hp if you need more power. It’s a noticeable difference — one the Corolla Cross cannot match.
Safe space: With a 5-Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarding the CX-30 its highest Top Safety Pick+ rating, you’re getting a very safe small vehicle.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota is taking great advantage of the Corolla name, especially with the Corolla Cross. Now in its fourth year, it has established a beachhead in the segment. It boasts a great-looking exterior with styling cues borrowed from its Corolla and RAV4 stablemates.
With its peppy 4-cylinder tied to a CVT, the Corolla Cross enjoys excellent fuel economy, coming in at a combined 32 mpg. It manages to deliver that figure while keeping prices well grounded at under $35,000, which is a big plus in this segment.
Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights
Hybrid model: Although it’s not part of this comparison, Toyota offers a hybrid option with a higher price tag. The hybrid delivers plenty of power and saves gas. The CX-30 does not offer a hybrid.
Safety first: All Corolla Cross models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems, which includes an improved lane recognition system that delivers refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.
Proactive Driving Assist: A standard part of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system, this feature subtly yet adeptly aids everyday driving. For example, when switched on, it can provide gentle braking as you go into a curve or approach another vehicle or pedestrian.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corolla Cross models near you.
Similarities
Attractive exteriors and nifty technology garner the CX-30 and Corolla Cross plenty of attention.
Price
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Corolla Cross is a variant of the Corolla sedan, which has a legacy of excellent fuel economy and reliability shared by the subcompact SUV. In fact, the Corolla Cross gets better mileage than the CX-30 while boasting a lower starting price. On the other hand, the CX-30 gives you more options, more spirited performance, and standard all-wheel drive. Picking one over the other boils down to a couple of considerations. If you are more constrained by your budget and don’t need all-wheel drive, the Toyota Corolla Cross is the one. If you have more budget bandwidth, and all-wheel drive and more aggressive performance are among your must-haves, the Mazda CX-30 is the pick.