Toyota VS Mazda — Which brand is best?

Toyota vs Mazda: Which is the best car brand between the 2? If you are looking for a Japanese SUV or car, you will certainly want to find a model that offers outstanding reliability and an unbeatable price-quality-equipment ratio.

Longueuil Toyota has compared these two reputable brands; the verdict is in!

Toyota vs Mazda: A brief history

Both Toyota and Mazda have a history that dates back a few hundred years; this means that they have clearly won buyers over by offering high quality models.

Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in the 1930s by Kiichiro Toyoda; the manufacturer’s very first car, the Model AA, was born in 1936. The first vehicles were exported to the United States in 1957, with the small Toyota Crown.

In the 60s and 70s, Toyota flourished with –among other things-, the brand new Corolla in 1966. From the moment it was launched, it met with roaring success, which is still true today.

Finally, Toyota was also a pioneer when it comes to hybrid technology, with the launch of the Toyota Prius in 1997 and, more recently, with plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and electric models.

Let’s also mention that contrary to Mazda, Toyota also has a luxury vehicle division, otherwise known as Lexus.

Mazda

Mazda was founded in January 1920 under the name Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. In 1931, the company produced its very first vehicle, a tricycle with an engine called the “Mazda-Go”. The very first touring car came much later in 1960, the R360. During that decade, Mazda became known for its collaboration with the mechanical engineer Felix Wankel. This technology was used in numerous Mazda models throughout the years.

Mazda exports abroad began in the 1970s, with several remarkable models. Mazda also worked on developing the SkyActiv technology, which strives to improve energy efficiency on all of its vehicles.

Mazda revealed the MX-30, the very first fully electric Mazda vehicle, in 2022. To date, this is the only 100 % electric Mazda model; the other electric model is the CX-90, a plug-in hybrid.

Popularity in Canada

According to the DesRosiers Automotive Consultants firm, 200,204 Toyota vehicles have sold in Canada in 2022, placing the manufacturer in 2nd place behind Ford. When it comes to Mazda, 49,874 vehicles have sold in the country, which is far from being at the top of the list. Nevertheless, Mazda does have some models that are very popular in Quebec, with the Mazda3 and the CX-5, which are often in the top 10 most sold models in the province.

Toyota vs Mazda: Vehicle Models

On this subject, Toyota has a clear advantage, offering several more models than its rival. In each category, you will find the following amount of models:

This means that you will be spoilt for choice with your Toyota dealership; take a look at which Toyota to choose according to your needs and budget!

Toyota vs Mazda: Average price for the different vehicles

Here is the MSRP range for each category, for each manufacturer.

 The price differences in each category is mostly explained by the more generous amount of models offered by Toyota, including in the hybrid category. On this note, you can get a better overall picture of all of the models offered in this category by taking a look at our list of Toyota hybrids for 2022.

Maintenance and Repair Related Costs

Estimates done over a period of 10 years have shown that Toyota is the car brand that has the lowest maintenance costs, with an average of $ 5,500 for 10 years; Mazda is not very far behind, with a $ 7,500 average.

The reliability and manufacturing quality for both of these Japanese car brands no longer have to be proven!

Toyota vs Mazda: Durability

Toyota vehicles are known for their durability and low chance of encountering major problems, and the same can be said of Mazda models. However, Toyota has the advantage over its rival with a 72 % reliability (1^st position) compared to 65 % with Mazda (4^th position), according to a reliability ranking completed by Consumer Reports.

Powertrains and Power

Both Toyota and Mazda offer models with solid performance levels, but a Toyota vs Mazda comparison shows that Toyota has the advantage. As an example, the Mazda CX-5 offers power that ranges between 187 and 256 horsepower, which is not enough to compete with the Toyota RAV4, which will provide you with between 203 and 302 horsepower, depending on selected trim.

Same thing for the Corolla, which offers between 169 and 300 horsepower, while the Mazda3 has less impressive –although quite reasonable- performance, of between 155 and 250 horsepower.

Toyota vs Mazda: Fuel Consumption

Although Mazda models offer good energy efficiency, Toyota still has the advantage when it comes to its vehicles’ fuel consumption, with the numerous hybrid models helping tip the scale in its favor.

Safety and Technologies

On this subject, both Mazda and Toyota offer cutting edge on-board technologies and safety features, although the latter stands out from its rival in many instances.

For example, the entry level of the RAV4 is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard offered equipment, while only the wired version is available on the equivalent CX-5 trim. Road side recognition is also standard offered on the entry-level RAV4, which is not the case for the CX-5.

Takeaway

All in all, both Mazda and Toyota offer models with great performance levels and that are known for their reliability; however, when it comes to the vehicle models offered by Toyota Canada, you will have so many options, which will allow you to find a model that is truly perfect for you!

To find out more about this Toyota vs Mazda comparison, our Toyota special offers in Longueuil, our financing options, or to book your test drive, come and visit us at Longueuil Toyota, on the South Shore of Montreal, close to Boucherville and Brossard!

Toyota vs Mazda: Comparison Table