Compare the2026 Toyota Corolla Cross HybridVS 2026 Mazda CX-30

Both the Corolla Cross Hybrid and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Cross Hybrid for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-30.

There are over 2 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 25 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Toyota higher than Mazda.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 10 more horsepower (196 vs. 186) than the CX-30’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is faster than the Mazda CX-30 4 cyl.:

On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets better mileage than the CX-30:

Regenerative brakes improve the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-30 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-30 (4 to 6). This means the Corolla Cross Hybrid produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-30 every 15,000 miles.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

The Corolla Cross Hybrid stops shorter than the CX-30:

For better traction, the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-30 (225/55R18 vs. 215/65R16).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Cross Hybrid has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the CX-30 2.5 S.

For superior ride and handling, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-30 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Corolla Cross Hybrid flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE handles at .81 G’s, while the CX-30 2.5 S Premium pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has .5 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom and .7 inches more rear headroom than the CX-30.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (55 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-30 has no towing capacity.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Cross Hybrid the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the CX-30 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-30 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has an 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Mazda CX-30, based on reliability, safety and performance.