Are you looking for a fun-to-drive and practical crossover SUV but are unsure about which model to buy? Take a look at this 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30 head-to-head comparison. See the Corolla Cross challenge the CX-30 to help you decide which crossover is best for you.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30

For our 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30 comparison, we evaluated several areas between the two crossover SUVs. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, and price.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Performance, efficiency, and towing

On the performance front, the Mazda CX-30 dominates the Corolla Cross. It offers two engine options, and they are both more powerful than the sole engine offering for the Corolla Cross. Its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla Cross generates only 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

For efficiency, the Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 city/33 highway mpg, compared to a gas mileage of up to 25 city/33 highway mpg for the CX-30. However, unlike the Corolla Cross, the CX-30 will offer all-electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. As of this writing, the efficiency ratings are not yet available for the CX-30 EV and CX-30 PHEV.

Small crossovers are not typically chosen for their towing capabilities. Nonetheless, the Corolla Cross is the better option here. It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the CX-30 is not rated for towing.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Safety

Both the Corolla Cross and CX-30 are strong for safety, especially with their numerous safety and driving assistance features. This includes electronic stability control, traction control, a rearview camera, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-path warning.

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Passenger and cargo space

While both crossovers can seat five passengers, the CX-30 offers more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 94.1 cu-ft, compared to 88.4 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross.

For storage space, the CX-30 has a cargo capacity of 20.2 cu-ft with the rear seats in the upright position and 45.2 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down flat. While the Corolla Cross has a higher rear cargo capacity (24.3 cu-ft) than the CX-30, it is not rated for cargo storage beyond that. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Interior features and technologies

Both the Corolla Cross and CX-30 have a similar roster of interior features and technologies. This includes a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and an MP3 player. However, unlike the CX-30, the Corolla Cross offers a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

The CX-30 has a higher quality sound system, though. Also, overall, the interior of the CX-30 has a more luxurious look and feel, with a liberal use of premium materials. 

Corolla Cross vs. CX-30: Price

The Corolla Cross and CX-30 cost about the same for the base models, but the higher trim models of the CX-30 are more expensive. The starting price/cost of the 2022 Corolla Cross ranges from $22,195 for the L trim up to $26,325 for the XLE trim. While Mazda has not yet released the pricing information for the 2022 CX-30, it’s not expected to differ much from the 2021 CX-30. The starting price/cost of the 2021 CX-30 ranges from $22,050 for the 2.5 S trim up to $34,050 for the Turbo Premium Plus Package trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30: Which crossover SUV is better?

Each crossover has distinctive advantages for our 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30 comparison. Advantages for the Corolla Cross include towing, rear cargo space, and price. For the CX-30, advantages include performance, passenger space, maximum cargo space, and interior quality.