Toyota Corolla Cross vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Toyota Corolla Cross

$37,440 - $52,340

2026 price

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Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

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BYD Atto 2

BYD Atto 3

BYD Sealion 5

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.4L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Easy to drive
Can be extremely efficient
Affordable servicing

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

Steep asking price
Few scratchy cabin finishes
No spare wheel in AWD trim

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Summary

The Toyota Corolla Cross launched back in 2022 as a lifted crossover SUV version of one of the most iconic cars ever. It helped bridge the gap between the Corolla and the RAV4.

Three years on and it’s now mid-life facelift time. There are new looks inside and out, as well as some new tech and bling to catch your attention.

Competition is continually heating up in the small SUV segment, especially for those with hybrid engines, but is the updated Corolla Cross the pick of the bunch?

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2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross 2026 Mazda CX-5

Verdict

The Corolla Cross is still an incredibly sensible car if you’re needing to buy a car, but you’re not a car person. Everything is intuitive and easy, allowing you to focus on driving.

This update has helped make this car stand out a bit more, but it’s still a bit vanilla. The Hyundai Kona, for example, offers more character. Also the asking price, especially at the top end, is creeping eerily close to RAV4 territory.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?