The first-ever Toyota Cross compact crossover SUV has garnered a great deal of buzz, given the success of the best-selling Corolla compact car. However, the Corolla Cross faces fierce competition from other compact crossover SUVs, including the Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 has some advantages over the Corolla Cross. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5, not a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross.

2022 Mazda CX-5 delivers better performance than the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

The first reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the CX-5 delivers better performance than the Corolla Cross. Both of the engines offered for the CX-5 have a higher output than the sole engine for the Corolla Cross. The CX-5’s base-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churns out 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla Cross produces just 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

The higher engine output for the CX-5 translates to quicker acceleration. It has a 0-60 mph acceleration time as low as 6.1 seconds. In comparison, the 0-60 mph time for the Corolla Cross is 9.2 seconds.

Another performance advantage for the CX-5 is its traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, which is standard for all models. The Corolla Cross has standard front-wheel drive, while an all-wheel drive system is optional, so it costs extra.

2022 CX-5 can tow more than the 2022 Corolla Cross

The second reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the CX-5 can tow more than the Corolla Cross. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Corolla Cross. No one will mistake the CX-5 for a serious tower like a full-size SUV or pickup truck. However, the higher towing capacity enables the CX-5 to more effectively tow things like a small camping trailer, a small boat, or snowmobiles.

Mazda CX-5 has more interior space than the Toyota Corolla Cross

The third reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the CX-5 has more interior space than the Corolla Cross. It has a total passenger volume of 103.6 cu-ft, compared to 95.0 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. The extra passenger space makes the biggest difference for the rear seat passengers. While the Corolla Cross provides only 32.0 inches of rear legroom, the CX-5 has 39.6 inches. 

Also, the CX-5 has more storage space. It provides a rear cargo capacity of 30.0 cu-ft, compared to 26.5 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross.

2022 CX-5 has a more upscale interior than the 2022 Corolla Cross

The fourth reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the CX-5 has a more upscale interior than the Corolla Cross. With its premium look and feel, CX-5’s cabin is something that you might find in a luxury SUV, not a mainstream SUV. Also, unlike the Corolla Cross, the CX-5 offers a heads-up display, a navigation system, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a seat memory function, and a power passenger’s seat.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has advantages for performance, towing, interior space, and a more upscale interior. These are compelling reasons to buy the 2022 CX-5 instead of the 2022 Corolla Cross.

For reasons to buy a Corolla Cross instead of a CX-5, continue reading below.