Are you on the hunt for a compact crossover SUV? The first-ever Toyota Corolla Cross burst onto the scene, while the Mazda CX-5 has been a popular choice over the last several years. See how the two crossovers stack up in this 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 competition.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5

For our 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 comparison, we evaluate several factors. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In comparison, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp) and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 hp).

For efficiency, the Corolla Cross has the advantage. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, compared to a gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg for the CX-5.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Off-road capabilities and towing

While both crossover SUVs offer an all-wheel drive system, the Corolla Cross is a better choice for off-road use. It has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, compared to 7.5 inches for the CX-5. 

If you want a crossover SUV that can tow, then the CX-5 is the better choice. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Corolla Cross. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Safety

The CX-5 has the advantage for safety. Unlike the Corolla Cross, the CX-5 offers cross-traffic alert and auto-leveling headlights driving assistance features.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Passenger and cargo space

While both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, the CX-5 provides more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 103.6 cu-ft, compared to 95.0 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. The CX-5 also offers more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.6 cu-ft, compared to 26.5 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Interior features and technologies

The CX-5 has a more upscale interior than the Corolla Cross, with a premium look and feel that one might not expect to see for a mainstream crossover SUV. Also, unlike the Corolla Cross, the CX-5 offers cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power passenger seat, a seat memory function, a navigation system, and a heads-up display. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Warranty Coverage

Both the Corolla Cross and CX-5 have the backing of 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 has a no-cost maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance plan, with two years and 25,000 miles of coverage. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-5: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Corolla Cross or 2022 CX-5? The starting prices of the 2022 Corolla Cross range from $22,195 MSRP for the base L trim up to $26,325 MSRP for the XLE trim. While Mazda has not yet released the price information for the 2022 CX-5, it’s not expected to differ much from the 2021 CX-5. The starting prices of the 2021 CX-5 range from $25,370 MSRP for the Sport trim up to $37,505 MSRP for the Signature trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5: Which crossover SUV is better?

In our 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 comparison, each crossover SUV has different advantages. For the 2022 Corolla Cross, advantages include efficiency, off-road capabilities, a no-cost maintenance and roadside assistance plan, and price. Advantages for the CX-5 include performance, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, and interior features and technologies.