Compare the2026 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2025 Mazda 3

The Corolla Cross has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Corolla Cross and the Mazda 3 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, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, 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 is safer than the Mazda 3:

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 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 3.

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’ 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.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Corolla Cross’ 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. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Corolla Cross uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Mazda 3 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 higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda 3 (4 to 6). This means the Corolla Cross produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Mazda 3 every 15,000 miles.

The Corolla Cross 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 Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Corolla Cross’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Mazda 3:

The Corolla Cross stops shorter than the Mazda 3:

For better traction, the Corolla Cross has larger standard tires than the Mazda 3 (215/65R17 vs. 205/60R16). The Corolla Cross XLE’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mazda 3 (225/55R18 vs. 215/45R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Cross L/LE has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Mazda 3 2.5 S Sedan.

For superior ride and handling, the Corolla Cross AWD 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 3 has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Corolla Cross AWD has front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Corolla Cross AWD flat and controlled during cornering. The Mazda 3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Corolla Cross XLE AWD handles at .80 G’s, while the Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Corolla Cross is 7.4 inches shorter than the Mazda 3 Sedan, making the Corolla Cross easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Corolla Cross has 2.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda 3 Sedan (94.9 vs. 92.8). The Corolla Cross has 2.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda 3 Hatchback (94.9 vs. 92.7).

The Corolla Cross has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Mazda 3 has no towing capacity.

The power windows standard on both the Corolla Cross and the Mazda 3 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Corolla Cross is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Mazda 3 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Cross the driver can close them all 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 Mazda 3 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Consumer Reports rated the Corolla Cross’ headlight performance “Fair,” a higher rating than the Mazda 3’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

The Corolla Cross’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Both the Corolla Cross and the Mazda 3 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Corolla Cross has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Toyota Corolla Cross’ 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 Mazda 3 Premium/Turbo Premium Plus.

The Toyota Corolla comes in sedan, four door hatchback and four door bodystyles; the Mazda 3 isn’t available as a wagon.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mazda 3, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Corolla Cross outsold the Mazda 3 by almost three to one during 2024.