Compare the2022 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2021 Mazda 3

Both the Corolla Cross and the Mazda 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Cross for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication 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’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota 19th in initial quality. With 7 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 22nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 14th.

The Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (169 vs. 155) than the Mazda 3’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Cross gets better fuel mileage than the Mazda 3:

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:

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 has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Mazda 3 2.0/2.5 S.

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 is 7.9 inches shorter than the Mazda 3 Sedan, making the Corolla Cross easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Corolla Cross offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a power trunk.

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

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 Turbo.

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.

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