Mazda CX-30 vs Volkswagen T-Cross
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Oct 2026, price 30 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$34,760RRP
- cannot be matched: Keyless Entry, Wireless Phone Charging and Wireless CarPlay/AA not offered
$34,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the manufacturer's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Mazda CX-30 test page Volkswagen T-Cross test page
Track the Mazda CX-30 & Volkswagen T-Cross
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-30 starts from $34,760 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Mazda CX-30 the more affordable entry point by $230.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $38,236 and $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Mazda CX-30. We hold no ANCAP data for the Volkswagen T-Cross. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Mazda CX-30
- REC-001591 · published 21 Mar 2021The boot's power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly from the fully opened position when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope in high ambient temperature.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
Volkswagen T-Cross
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005623 · published 21 Feb 2023Due to a software fault, the visual and acoustic seat belt warning system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-004991 · published 4 Nov 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-30 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-30 stands out with Apple CarPlay and head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-30 uses a Petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-30 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-30 measures 4,395mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 287mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-30 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 317L in the Mazda CX-30 and 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 68L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-30 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-30 and $1,596/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-30) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-30 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen T-Cross: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 66, but the Mazda CX-30 is $230 cheaper
The Volkswagen T-Cross comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 66), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Volkswagen T-Cross ahead by 37), performance (Mazda CX-30 ahead by 8), reliability (Mazda CX-30 ahead by 8). The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Cross has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Mazda CX-30 is the cheapest at $34,760 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $230.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
We hold no ANCAP data for Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen T-Cross, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 385L with the seats up (1,281L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-30 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-30 makes the most power at 114kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
