2022 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure vs Toyota Corolla Cross GX comparison

The Mazda CX-30 (not to be confused with the smaller and older Mazda CX-3) is a high-riding version of the Mazda 3 hatch but with subtly different bodywork, a taller driving position, and 'soft-roader' styling themes.

It's designed to compete with the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru XV, and Volkswagen T-Roc – among others – and is intended to appeal to buyers who want a small car with added practicality.

To that end, the Mazda CX-30 is about the same length bumper-to-bumper as the Mazda 3 on which it's based – so it fits in the same-size parking space – but has a restyled body that delivers a slightly higher driving position and a slightly bigger boot.

Buyers were initially slow to embrace the Mazda CX-30 when it arrived in late 2019, but it quickly became one of the segment's most popular models.

From a standing start, the Mazda CX-30 became the fourth best-seller in a category of more than a dozen contenders in its first full year on sale in 2020, before climbing to third place in class in 2021, and second place so far in 2022 (behind the MG ZS) when this road test was published.

Indeed, the Mazda CX-30 is now the second best-selling model in the entire Mazda range behind the Mazda CX-5 and comfortably ahead of the Mazda 3.

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure was in the Drive garage when we drove the Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid away from the media launch and back to the office, so we got to test these two important small SUV contenders back-to-back to compare one of the best sellers in the class with the newest arrival.

There are four model grades with a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines paired to front-wheel drive; dearer models are available with all-wheel drive.

Prices range from $30,090 to $48,190 plus on-road costs (such as registration, stamp duty and dealer delivery fees).

For this road test, we selected the most affordable model – the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure – with automatic transmission.

Priced from $31,090 plus on-road costs with automatic transmission (a $1000 premium over the manual), the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure is listed on the Mazda website at $36,680 drive-away with Sydney metropolitan, private registration. Three of the metallic paint colours (Polymetal Grey, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey Metallic) cost an extra $595.

We reckon the base model is the pick of the Mazda CX-30 line-up given its long equipment list and comfortable wheel and tyre combination.

In addition to a full suite of advanced safety tech – including speed-sign recognition and a head-up display that reflects important information in the windscreen in the driver's line of sight – an optional Vision Pack ($1500) adds a 360-degree camera, stop-start cruise control in low-speed traffic, fatigue monitoring, and front parking sensors.

While a number of rivals have most bases covered when it comes to advanced safety technology, the Mazda CX-30 has the most comprehensive list of standard features – and a number of options not available on most rivals.

For example, compared to the base-model Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure, the base model of the just-released Toyota Corolla Cross lacks a head-up display, tyre pressure monitors, embedded navigation, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure has rear parking sensors as standard; front sensors come with the $1500 Vision Pack. Front and rear sensors are a dealer-fit accessory on the Toyota Corolla Cross GX and standard on higher grades.

However, in a sign of just how close the competition is in this segment, the Toyota Corolla Cross claws back ground in a number of other key areas.

There are eight models in the Toyota Corolla Cross range: three petrol, five hybrid (with a choice of front-drive or all-wheel drive).

Prices range from $33,000 to $49,050 plus on-road costs (such as registration, stamp duty and dealer delivery fees).

For this road test we selected the most affordable hybrid variant: the Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid from $35,500 plus on-road costs.

As this article was published, the Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid was listed on the Toyota website at $39,380 drive-away with Sydney metropolitan, private registration. Metallic paint cost an extra $593.

All Toyota Corolla Cross variants come equipped with a full suite of advanced safety technology (see safety), LED headlights, sensor key with push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster and heated side mirrors.

The infotainment screen is larger (10.5-inch rather than 8.0-inch) on GXL and Atmos – and the Atmos has a full-width 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (rather than a 7.0-inch display on GX and GXL). 

GXL and Atmos models also gain premium LED headlights and scrolling indicators on the rear.

The base-model GX grade is distinguished by standard LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels – and lacks the front and rear parking sensors (which are a dealer-fit accessory), front fog lights, rear tinted glass, roof rails, and premium LED headlights that are standard on GXL and Atmos variants.

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure might be the base model, but it is anything but basic.

The dashboard has a Maserati-style navy blue accent – regardless of exterior colour – and there are large digital displays for the infotainment screen and instrument cluster.

A pocket on top of the dash houses a head-up display, which reflects important information such as vehicle speed and navigation instructions into the windscreen in the driver's line of sight.

The Mazda CX-30's cabin is slightly roomier than a Mazda 3 but noticeably smaller than the Toyota Corolla Cross, which is longer, wider and taller, and has a bigger boot.

The sleek window lines and comparatively low roof line make the Mazda CX-30 feel claustrophobic in comparison.

All buttons and dials are well placed and easy to use. Not everyone is a fan of the large dial and adjacent buttons in the centre console to control the infotainment system. However, after a week of practice it becomes second nature, and is easy to use without taking your eyes off the road.

The front door pockets are slim (the rear door has a bottle holder only), and the centre console is small (though it houses two USB charging ports and a 12V socket).

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure lacks air vents and power sockets for back-seat passengers. The Toyota Corolla GX has air vents, and power sockets are standard on dearer versions.

The Toyota has illuminated and covered vanity mirrors in the sun visors, while the Mazda has covered vanity mirrors but no illumination.

Both the Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross have the convenience of one-touch auto-up power windows for all four doors, ISOFIX child restraint points in the two outer rear seat positions, and three top-tether points provide the option to install one old-school child seat in the centre position.

Back-seat space in the Mazda CX-30 is similar to the Mazda 3, but it's a tighter squeeze compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The Toyota Corolla Cross has a demonstrably bigger boot, its taller roof delivers more space, and its larger windows provide better over-shoulder visibility.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is larger in every dimension than the regular Corolla hatch on which it is based – and bigger than the Mazda CX-30.

The Toyota Corolla Cross's window area is also larger for better visibility around the car when parking or negotiating traffic.

As is standard on most new cars, the driver's seat is height-adjustable.

Knee room and boot space in the Toyota Corolla Cross are more generous than in the Mazda CX-30.

The back seat split-folds 60:40 (40 per cent on the passenger side) and there are two ISOFIX child seat mounts in the outboard positions, and three top-tether points so an old-school child seat can be fitted in the middle position.

There are air vents for back-seat passengers on all three model grades of the Toyota Corolla Cross, but the GX lacks a power source in the back row.

All models come with one USB-A, USB-C and a 12V socket in the front cabin (the latter two in the centre console). 

A welcome inclusion, all four power windows have the convenience of one-touch auto-up functionality.

One minor complaint: because there is so much hi-tech hardware around the rear-view mirror, the sun visors are quite short, which means they don't extend far enough to block side glare when swung around to the side windows.

Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM/FM and digital radio are standard and accessed via the 8.8-inch infotainment screen.

Embedded navigation is standard on even this most affordable variant of the Mazda CX-30. The Toyota Corolla Cross only offers embedded navigation on the top two model grades (though with a larger infotainment screen).

Sound quality via the Mazda CX-30's eight-speaker system is good for phone use, radio, or music streaming.

Wireless and wired Apple Car Play – and wired Android Auto – are standard on all models of the Toyota Corolla Cross, as are AM/FM and digital radio.

The base Toyota Corolla GX comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with a volume dial; the GXL and Atmos have 12.3-inch displays with volume buttons instead of a dial.

Both screens have high-resolution displays – and the rear-view camera (with guiding lines that turn with the steering) is especially clear at night, whereas low-quality cameras on certain rivals tend to struggle.

Separate to the infotainment system, the Toyota Corolla Cross debuts the company's latest version of the myToyota Connect app, which enables owners to remotely check the status of the vehicle (fuel, location, 10 most recent trips), start the car remotely for up to 10 minutes to cool or heat the cabin, and sound beeps or activate the horn to pinpoint the vehicle in a car park.

The subscription is free for the first 12 months before option packs that cost either $9.95 or $12.50 per month – or $22.45 per month when both are chosen. At these prices, we reckon few customers will maintain remote smartphone access to their vehicles once they are required to pay for it.

The Mazda CX-30 was awarded a five-star safety rating in 2019, ahead of the introduction of tougher testing protocols introduced in 2020.

The Mazda CX-30 has seven airbags (two frontal airbags, two front-seat side airbags, two full-length curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag).

The main difference between the Mazda CX-30's five-star safety rating from 2019 versus the Toyota Corolla Cross's five-star rating from 2022 is the Toyota has a centre airbag between the front seats to prevent head strikes in a severe side impact.

Both vehicles have a comprehensive list of advanced safety features, and Mazda and Toyota should be praised for democratising the highest levels of crash-avoidance and crash-protection technology on even the most affordable variants of these cars (see next item).

The Toyota Corolla Cross was awarded a five-star safety rating in 2022 against tougher criteria than when the Mazda CX-30 was crash-tested in 2019.

Both vehicles are extremely safe in terms of occupant protection; however, the Toyota Corolla Cross has some safety tech (see next section) the Mazda CX-30 lacks.

Standard safety technology across the Mazda CX-30 range includes autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, blind-zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, individual tyre pressure monitors, and a proper head-up display (rather than a small, cheap plastic panel) that reflects key information into the windscreen in the driver's line of sight.

(The Toyota Corolla Cross lacks tyre pressure monitors and a head-up display on any model grade, even as options).

Unlike some of this technology we've sampled recently – such as the hugely inadequate and poorly calibrated radar cruise control and overzealous and misguided lane-keeping assistance in the Chinese Haval H6 – both the Mazda CX-30's and Toyota Corolla Cross's advanced safety systems work relatively seamlessly and accurately.

As always with these safety systems, though, the driver must remain alert and in control. None of this technology should be relied upon, it is intended as a failsafe – even though there are numerous examples of driver aids attempting to steer a car off course rather than keep it within a lane.

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure has rear parking sensors as standard, and front parking sensors are available with a Vision Pack that also includes a 360-degree camera, front cross-traffic alert and fatigue monitoring. If the budget stretches this far, this is a worthwhile addition.

While the absence of a centre airbag in the Mazda may not be deemed a deal-breaker, we make this observation: the Toyota's larger window area and convex driver's side mirror (common on all new cars sold today except Mazdas) enable better visibility than the Mazda during lane changes, merging onto freeways, or when parking.

All Toyota Corolla Cross models come with eight airbags including frontal airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger, curtain airbags that cover front and back rows, a driver's knee airbag, and a centre airbag between the front seats to prevent head strike in a severe side impact.

Autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, speed sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, blind-zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, door exit warning, and a rear-view camera (GX) or 360-degree camera (GXL and Atmos grades) are standard.

Helpfully, in addition to the larger windows in the Toyota Corolla Cross, the over-shoulder view is much better when attempting lane-changes because the Toyota comes standard with a convex 'wide-view' mirror on both sides of the vehicle.

The driver's side mirror on the Mazda CX-30 is like peering through Ned Kelly's helmet in comparison. To the best of our knowledge, Mazda is the only mainstream car company to persevere with the outdated 1:1 lens for the driver's side mirror across its passenger and SUV range. (The only other example we could think of was the decades-old Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series).

Conspicuous by their absence on the Toyota Corolla Cross: tyre pressure monitors are not yet available, even though they are standard on key rivals such as the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru XV and increasingly standard across the automotive industry.

Another glaring omission: the base-model Toyota Corolla Cross GX lacks front and rear parking sensors, which are increasingly standard on new cars – including on a number of direct rivals such as the Volkswagen T-Roc.

This is one of the frustrating aspects of Mazda ownership. Service intervals are 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first, which impacts service pricing predictability.

Most other cars in this class have 15,000km/12-month service intervals, in line with the national average distance travelled for privately owned motor vehicles.

On paper, the Mazda CX-30's service costs over three years ($1030) and five years ($1732) initially seem average.

However, Mazda refers to these prices as estimates rather than a cap (meaning it could cost more than this), and the price menu separates items that should be included in the 40,000km quote for better transparency.

So, in fact, based on the national average of 15,000km a year of driving – and when separate line items on the Mazda service price menu are included – the cost of routine maintenance on a Mazda CX-30 is $1581 over the first three years/40,000km and climbs to $1981 at five years/50,000km.

Furthermore, service price certainty on the Mazda CX-30 expires at five years/50,000km (versus five years/75,000km for the Toyota Corolla Cross), meaning the cost of routine maintenance will largely depend on your negotiating skills and an understanding of what may or may not be required.

A leading insurer quoted an annual premium of $1024 to cover the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure based on a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

The initial insurance quote we received for the Toyota Corolla Cross soon after it went on sale in October 2022 was more than $1600 with the same data. We have no idea why there is such an anomaly, but we would shop around for a better deal.

The Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid is one of the cheapest new cars on sale in Australia for routine maintenance.

Capped-price servicing as listed comes to a total of $690 for the first three years/45,000km or $1150 for the first five years/75,000km ($230 per visit, rather than changing from service-to-service on the Mazda CX-30, whose service costs are close to or more than double the Toyota Corolla Cross's servicing costs).

On our 150km test loop with a mix of suburban, inter-urban and freeway driving, the Mazda CX-30 returned a consumption readout of 7.9L/100km, which is average for this class. This compares to an optimistic figure of 6.5L/100km on the fuel-rating label.

By comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid driven over the same route in similar conditions returned an average real-world fuel consumption of 4.1L/100km (0.2L less than the 4.3L/100km claim) and roughly half the fuel use of the Mazda CX-30.

Helpfully, both the Mazda CX-30 and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid can run on regular 91-octane unleaded petrol.

Some customers may prefer the Mazda CX-30's sleek design, and a cabin that feels like you're inside a cockpit.

Others may prefer the larger cabin and window area of rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru XV, and Volkswagen T-Roc.

It's clear Mazda has aimed for a point of difference in terms of design – and the way it drives.

While the class rivals mentioned above are well rounded and nice to drive, the Mazda CX-30 has a slightly sportier edge to its steering and suspension.

The steering feels better weighted and more responsive that its peers, and the suspension has a blend of comfort and handling that I prefer. The suspension is taut rather than firm – and not sloppy – so you feel better connected to the road and the car's reflexes, whether in a roundabout or a country road.

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure also negotiates parking spots and U-turns with a little more ease than key rivals, with a turning circle of 10.6m versus 11.2m for the Toyota Corolla Cross, 11.1m for the Volkswagen T-Roc, and 10.8m for the Subaru XV.

Driven in isolation, the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure is perky enough for the daily grind and on par with most class rivals – even though it has the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, not the 2.5 available in dearer variants.

However, contrary to perception, it is slower than the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Using our VBox precision timing equipment, the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure did the 0 to 100km/h dash in 10 seconds neat (average for the class); the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid completed the same task in 7.8 seconds, brisk for a city SUV.

The Mazda CX-30 will get the job done, but the accelerator needs to be prodded a little sooner and a little further, even when trying to change lanes or keep pace with traffic on a slight incline.

Emergency braking performance for both cars was identical (40.6 metres), which should come as no surprise given they wore the same Bridgestone tyres.

However, as noted in our Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid review, a good result for an everyday car is in the 38m to 40m range, while 40m to 42m-plus is approaching double-cab ute braking performance. 

The emergency braking performance of the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure and Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid is similar to – or slightly longer than – class rivals. This is the trade-off for using low-friction fuel-economy tyres. They roll with less resistance, but give away braking performance in the process. 

As noted earlier in this review, the Mazda CX-30's fuel economy is no match for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Mazda's consumption is average for a petrol-only car, but twice as thirsty as the Toyota hybrid.

Mazdas are well known for tyre roar on coarse surfaces, but the CX-30 is no better or worse than others in this class. That said, the Toyota is quieter in urban driving when it is running on electric power.

Although the acceleration numbers based on precision timing equipment tell one part of the story, the Toyota Corolla Cross – despite its hum-drum styling compared to the sporty-looking Mazda CX-30 – also feels perkier from behind the wheel.

You can feel the gentle power surge with a lighter press of the throttle in the Toyota than you do in the Mazda.

If you've not driven a hybrid before, be prepared for the silent treatment.

The electric motor moves the Toyota Corolla Cross from rest silently up to about 35 or 40km/h before the petrol engine kicks in.

Moving a car from rest in stop-start traffic is the thirstiest part of commuter driving, and this is where the hybrid system is able to make such massive savings when it comes to fuel consumption.

The hybrid battery pack – under the rear seat – automatically charges when the car is coasting or braking. The approximately 1kWh battery pack delivers up to 1km of petrol-free driving in ideal conditions.

However, in practice, it stores its energy reserves and meters it out modestly to enable as many electric-car take-offs as possible.

At some point, if the battery hasn't had a chance to recoup energy, the petrol engine will run for longer. But once the battery starts to recover energy, it will give it straight back to you.

We suspect one of the reasons the Toyota Corolla Cross is able to get away with having a bigger body than its peers is because the larger mass is not penalised as heavily as it would be in a conventional car. 

Hybrid technology helps Toyota deliver a slightly bigger vehicle, rather than a sleeker and more aerodynamic shape which other car makers use to trim fuel consumption at highway speeds.

The eerily quiet driving experience requires some caution around pedestrians in car parks because the vehicle is much quieter than an approaching petrol vehicle.

You tend to find yourself driving slowly so you don't startle pedestrians – plus the system encourages you to eke out as much battery power as possible in such scenarios, so you quickly learn to be gentle with the throttle.

But having driven the hybrid and the petrol variants of the Toyota Corolla Cross back-to-back, it's apparent the hybrid is the pick of the two.

Performance – as well as its fuel-miser credentials – are the likely reasons Toyota estimates more than 70 per cent of demand for the Toyota Corolla Cross will be for hybrid variants.

The steering is light and precise, whether on the move or getting into or out of tight spots. And the brake pedal has a reassuring feel. 

Visibility all around is excellent thanks to the large windows in an era of sleek designs.

Downsides? The lack of a full-size spare tyre is disappointing given the Toyota Corolla Cross has one of the largest cargo holds among its rivals. The lack of front or rear parking sensors on the GX model is a significant oversight (though they are available as dealer-fit accessories). Its sun visor is too short to block side glare, and tyre pressure monitors are not available on any model grade even though (as with front and rear parking sensors) they are fast becoming the norm on new cars.

The anti-lock brake system made a groaning noise after being tripped up when the brakes were applied over an expansion join or ripple in the road. The brakes worked fine, but the noise and the feeling under the brake pedal will likely have Toyota Corolla Cross customers going back to their dealer to check the car over. Here's hoping Toyota can come up with a calibration update. 

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure – with optional Vision Pack – would make my shortlist if I were in the market for a quality small hatchback SUV.

I would also take a close look at the Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru XV (though a new model with a new name – Subaru Crosstrek – is due early 2023), and Volkswagen T-Roc (though watch out for deleted safety features during the semi-conductor shortage).

Choosing between the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure and Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid – the two cars we tested back-to-back – is a tough decision and will inevitably come down to personal choice and vehicle availability.

The Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure is slower, thirstier, and more cramped than the Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid, but has a sportier edge to its driving dynamics and a longer list of advanced safety technology, some of which is not available on the Toyota (such as tyre pressure monitors, head-up display, and factory-fitted parking sensors).

Weighing against the Mazda CX-30 is the limited visibility due to its sleeker window lines and the absence of a convex mirror on the driver's side, more frequent service intervals, and significantly higher costs for routine maintenance.

In our view, the Mazda CX-30's higher fuel use and more expensive routine maintenance evaporated its $3300 purchase price advantage.

The styling of the Toyota Corolla Cross might be understated for some tastes, but its bigger body is more practical and more comfortable, its hybrid tech is significantly more economical, and Toyota's longer service intervals and lower prices for routine maintenance deliver among the cheapest running costs in the class.