Mazda Vs Toyota – What Are the Differences?

Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Both Mazda and Toyota are renowned brands in the automobile industry. Mazda is known for manufacturing stylish and sporty vehicles while Toyota is known for producing reliable and practical vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • Mazda uses SkyActiv engines and offers fuel efficiency while Toyota uses advanced hybrid technology and mostly focuses on sustainability
  • Mazda vehicles are popular for their handling, performance, and driving dynamics; on the other hand, Toyota vehicles are known for their comfort, reliability, and smooth ride quality
  • Mazda vehicles are cheaper compared to Toyota vehicles, although the price difference can vary depending on the model and trim level
  • Toyota offers more advanced safety technology and premium amenities compared to Mazda

Brand Overview

Mazda 

Mazda is a Japanese automaker that is popular for its rotary engine technology. The brand produces efficient and sporty vehicles that have powerful and fuel-efficient engines. Other than their outstanding engine technology, these vehicles also have advanced safety features, including a 360-degree monitor that helps in parking and backing up.

Another thing that makes Mazda stand out is its innovative designs and technology which make other brands have a hard time competing. Their vehicles have an outstanding balance between looking stylish, driving well, and being affordable. No matter your style or budget, you will find the perfect Mazda style for you. 

Benefits Of Buying A Mazda 

1. They hold their value quite well and have a resale value of 56.45% after five years; this makes them rank among the top 5 cars with the best resale value.

2. Mazda’s affordable and offers immense value for money; even if you buy a used car, you will get good value for your money.

3. They have a functional and sophisticated exterior design

4. Mazdas perform well and are comfortable to drive 

5. Their insurance premiums aren’t as high as similar-performing models from other brands

Risks Of Buying A Mazda

Some models exhibit clutch failure problems that aren’t covered by warranty

Toyota 

Toyota is also a Japanese automaker known worldwide for making high-quality and durable vehicles that retain their value for a long time. This brand makes vehicles that last even up to 20 years while still on the road.  Their vehicles retain their value quite well, and you are guaranteed of getting a high resale value when you buy a Toyota.

Toyota cars have a high mark when it comes to quality and reliability. When you buy a Toyota, you are guaranteed to get good use out of the vehicle without many trips to the mechanic. If you are looking for an off-road vehicle with excellent traction, go for a Toyota with 4WD or AWD.

Benefits Of Buying A Toyota

1. They are reliable and have minimal breakdown issues

2. Toyotas are durable and perform excellently even after long years of use

3. They are designed for safety, and occupants are guaranteed their safety in these vehicles

4. Toyotas have an excellent resale value

5. They are affordable and offer immense value for money

Risks Of Buying A Toyota

  1. Some design aspects take away from the desirability of Toyota models.

Comparing Different Mazda And Toyota models

When looking for an excellent vehicle to purchase, you need to compare models that are almost similar to different brands. This way, you can choose the features that work best for you and are most functional. This section takes you through a side-by-side comparison of different Mazda and Toyota models to make you an easier time choosing.

1. Toyota C-HR VS Mazda CX-5 

If you are in the market for a good crossover, you must have come across these two models that have many features in common.

The Mazda is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine that has a capacity of 2.5 liters and produces 187 horsepower. With this vehicle, you will go longer without needing a refill; it is also equipped with a 6-speed automatic and new off-road mode for all-wheel drive, making it equipped for rough terrain. The high capabilities of the car also come with a high-caliber finish and interior fittings. The CX-5 also comes with a 5year/ unlimited mileage warranty as part of its package.

The Mazda CX-5 is the ideal car to buy if you want a stylish SUV with improved off-road capacity. But the car also has downsides, such as the road noise, and it’s not available in hybrid options.

The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that has impressive styling both in and out. It comes with a 1.2 L turbo engine that makes it drive exceptionally well. If you want value for money in a well-designed and impressive car to drive, you can’t go wrong with this Toyota C-HR.

Toyota C-HRMazda CX-5
Engine type                   1.2L TurboEngine type             2.5L Turbo
Fuel type                   premium unleaded petrolFuel Type                 regular unleaded petrol
Fuel efficiency          6.4L /100KMFuel efficiency      8.2L/100km
Seating                        5 seats Seating                  5 seats 
Pros Pros 
Beautiful and sleek design gorgeous interior finishing and fittings
Drives excellently Additional off-road ability  
Cons Cons 
Slow CVTNo hybrid options

2. Mazda 3 VS Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are the most popular small hatchbacks on the market. Both cars have more cargo capacity compared to all other sedans, and they drive exceptionally well. Both models are available in hatchback and sedan body styles and the different choices of engines. Between these two models, the mazda3 is for anyone looking for premium interiors and a car that is engaging to drive without worrying about the cost implications. On the other hand, Toyota Corolla is for anyone looking at better fuel economy, reliability, and a more affordable option.

The Mazda3 is a sporty car that offers superior handling and is quite fun to drive. It comes with some high-end features that also contribute to its high price tag. It has more cargo capacity, but that extra storage contributes to large rear blind spots. The Mazda3 has an all-wheel-drive option which is rear for its segment. It also has three engines: the base 2.0 liter with 155 horsepower, a 2.5-liter engine with a 6-speed automatic that gives off 186 horsepower, and the 2.5-liter Turbo that can achieve up to 250 horsepower 320lb-ft torque.

Toyota Corolla is a reliable, affordable, and economical option. It comes in different variants that all look stylish and appealing. It comes with a 1.8Liter engine that gives off 139 horsepower and is economical since it can achieve up to 39 mpg on the highway. The ride quality of the Toyota Corolla is good, and its price is fair.

Mazda 3Toyota Corolla 
Engine                            2.0-liter l4Engine 1.8-liter l4
Horsepower   155hp@6,000 rpmHorsepower 139hp@6,100 rpm 
Torque 150 lb-ft @4,000 rpmTorque 126 lb.-ft @3900 rpm 
Fuel economy 31 mpg (28/36 city/highway)Fuel economy      33mpg (30/39 city/highway) 
Transmission 6-speed automaticTransmission                             CVT
Seating capacity                              5Seating capacity                      5
Cargo volumeCargo volume
Pros Pros 
Available in AWD
More powerful engine
Offers sharp handling
More affordable 
Better fuel economy
Reliable and has a substantial resale value

3. Toyota Tundra VS Mazda B-series 

Toyota Tundra and Mazda B series compete closely in the pickup truck category. The main difference between these trucks is in their sizes. The Mazda is ideal for lighter towing and has a smaller body compared to the Tundra. On the other hand, Toyota Tundra is larger and more powerful since it comes with a 5.7 l engine that gives off up to 401 lb.-ft of torque. This truck has a towing capacity of 10800 lb., while the Mazda Series can manage up to 1600 lbs.

Mazda b seriesToyota Tundra 
Engine gas l4 $ gas v6Engine                 gas v8
Horsepower                143hp@5250 rpmHorsepower         381hp@5600 rpm
Torque                     154ft-lb @3750 rpmTorque                 401ft-lb@3600 rpm
Fuel consumption        7.3-15.1L/100kmFuel consumption 9.9-16.8l/100km
Pros Pros 
Fuel efficient and affordable High  engine power 
Ideal for towing light loadsIdeal for heavier loads

Final Word: Which Is Better Mazda Or Toyota?

If you still haven’t made up your mind on which of the brands you should go for, we recommend checking your budget for some insight. If you don’t mind spending top dollar for a stylish and reliable car, then Mazda is the ideal vehicle for you. If reliability and affordability are what you are looking for, then Toyota will work best for you. Ensure you compare similar models from both brands before you settle on one and consider other costs such as insurance, repair and maintenance, and fuel.