Mazda and Toyota have plenty in common, incredibly fuel-efficient small cars. Their link extends to manufacturing, as the two share a plant in Alabama. So, if you’re in the market for a small SUV, these two brands should be at the top of your list.

Here’s a look at the 2024 Mazda CX-30 and 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. Both are small SUVs that are great on gas but also offer plenty of the convenience technology buyers in this segment seem to crave. Let’s compare them.

2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 CX-30 is a standout small SUV with a smart exterior, strong performance and capability, and a tech-laden interior where all of the buttons and knobs are in the right spots.

Our test driver echoes these sentiments about the CX-30. It’s powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder that already provides ample power, while standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures you can get anywhere you want to go and have some fun doing it. There aren’t many complaints about the CX-30. Pricing starts at $26,370, including destination charges.

Mazda CX-30 Highlights

Choices: The CX-30 can be outfitted with a variety of grades, ranging from a starting price of just under $25K to $36,800. You get a more powerful engine and more safety and comfort technologies to let you configure the SUV the way you want.

Power up: The CX-30’s base engine makes 191 hp, but the turbocharged version puts out 250 hp if you need more power. It’s a noticeable difference—one the Corolla Cross cannot match.

Safe space: With a 5 Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarding the CX-30 its highest scores, you’re getting a very safe small vehicle.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota is taking great advantage of the Corolla name, especially with the new-ish Corolla Cross. Now in its second year, it has established a toehold in the segment. It boasts a great-looking exterior with styling cues borrowed from the Corolla and the RAV4.

With its peppy 4-cylinder tied to a CVT, the Corolla Cross enjoys excellent fuel economy, coming in at 32 combined mpg. It does that while keeping prices around $25,000, which is critical to success in this segment. Prices start at $25,210, including destination charge. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights

Cool factor: Here comes the Nightshade trim with 18-inch gloss black sport alloy wheels, black and red fabric trimmed interior with red accent stitching, and black accented head and tail lamps; if you were going to call any Corolla Cross cool, this is the one.

Hybrid model: Toyota offers a hybrid option with a higher price tag. The hybrid model provides plenty of power, so if you like to get to places first, you can do that and save gas. The CX-30 does not offer a hybrid.

Safety first: All 2024 Corolla Cross models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems, which includes an improved lane recognition system that delivers refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.