Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 82/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Toyota Corolla Cross has more recalls (12) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 8 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Mazda CX-5

Excellent

Toyota Corolla Cross

Excellent

Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota Corolla Cross? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-5 currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 82/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla Cross Generations Compare?

The Mazda CX-5 is currently in its second generation (KF), which began in 2017 and received a facelift in 2022. This model is late in its generation cycle, suggesting that it benefits from years of refinements and improvements, which typically enhances reliability. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross is in its first generation (XG10), which started in 2022, with a facelift expected for the 2026 model year. Being early in its generation, the Corolla Cross may experience common first-year issues that newer platforms often face. Buyers evaluating reliability might find the more mature CX-5 platform to be a safer bet.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross, scoring 83/100 vs 82/100.

The Toyota Corolla Cross edges out the Mazda CX-5 in terms of reliability with a slightly higher score of 95/100 compared to the CX-5's 93/100. However, the Mazda CX-5 boasts a lower owner complaint rate of 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus the Corolla Cross's 8 per 10,000, potentially indicating greater owner satisfaction. While both vehicles have similar recall histories, the CX-5's lower estimated annual repair cost of $447 presents a cost advantage for budget-conscious buyers. Despite the Corolla Cross's marginally superior reliability score, the CX-5 offers a compelling balance of reliability and lower ongoing maintenance expenses.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-5 has 2.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Mazda CX-5 scores 1 points higher in reliability
3Mazda CX-5 has 1 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

3Mazda CX-5

—

0Toyota Corolla Cross

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda CX-5	Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score	83/100	82/100
Years Tracked	9	5
Total Recalls	11	12
Complaints per 10k Sold	5.6	8
Year Wins	3 (1 tied)	1 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Mazda CX-5 exhibits a significant number of complaints related to the engine, with 263 issues reported, including one linked to a crash, indicating potential reliability concerns in this area. Additionally, the CX-5's electrical system and air bags have notable crash-linked complaints, with 7 and 11 respectively, suggesting safety implications. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross has fewer overall complaints and presents a more balanced distribution of issues, with the electrical system and steering being the most reported concerns. While the Corolla Cross also has crash-linked complaints, particularly in the air bags category, the numbers are lower compared to the CX-5, which may reflect relatively fewer severe issues.

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda CX-5	Toyota Corolla Cross
ENGINE	1.5Low	0.8Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.7Very Low	1.6Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	1.5Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.6Very Low	0.9Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.6Very Low	0.5Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.3Very Low	0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.2Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.1Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Corolla Cross?

Independent repair cost data reveals that the Mazda CX-5 incurs an annual repair cost of $447, with owners visiting the repair shop approximately once every 3.3 years. The major repair risk for the CX-5 stands at 8%. While specific data for the Toyota Corolla Cross isn't available, the Mazda's metrics provide a baseline for comparison. For cost-conscious buyers focused on minimizing repair visits and major repair risks, the Mazda CX-5's known statistics offer a clearer picture of potential expenses. Over five years, its repair costs could total around $2,235, assuming no significant changes. Without comparable data, assessing the Corolla Cross's value remains challenging, highlighting the CX-5's advantage in transparency.

How Does Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda CX-5	Toyota Corolla Cross	Edge
2026	94/1000R / 0C	94/1000R / 0C	Tie
2025	82/1003R / 25C	86/1000R / 15C	Toyota Corolla Cross
2024	84/1001R / 53C	82/1002R / 37C	Mazda CX-5
2023	81/1002R / 96C	69/1008R / 168C	Mazda CX-5
2022	87/1000R / 50C	80/1002R / 37C	Mazda CX-5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 scored 94/100 and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross scored 94/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 vs the Toyota Corolla Cross?

If you prioritize having the most reliable option and can accommodate some unknowns in repair costs and frequency, the Toyota Corolla Cross might be your ideal choice. With a slightly higher reliability score of 95/100, it offers a marginal edge in dependability. However, it's worth noting that the Corolla Cross has faced 12 recalls and has a higher rate of owner complaints at 8 per 10,000 sold. This suggests a need for vigilance regarding electrical systems and steering issues. On the other hand, if you value transparency in maintenance costs and want a vehicle with lower annual repair expenses, consider the Mazda CX-5. With an estimated annual repair cost of $447 and a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, you can plan your budget more effectively. Despite having 11 recalls, it boasts fewer owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold, indicating a generally positive ownership experience. The CX-5's slightly lower reliability score of 93/100 is balanced by its lower major repair risk of 8%.

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 82/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: The Toyota Corolla Cross has more recalls (12) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 8 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Mazda CX-5 comparisons

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More Toyota Corolla Cross comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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