Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross

Verdict: Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross

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.

Reliability problem analysis

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.

Which one to buy

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%.

Cost of ownership

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.