Quick decision
We hesitate between buying a Mazda CX30 GX four-wheel drive and a Toyota Corolla Cross L AWD. Our criteria: reliability, durability (driving 10 years), driving pleasure, comfort, consumption, resale value and maintenance costs. We are two, so trunk space is less important. Which of the two vehicles do you recommend and why?
J. Farand
Overall, the Toyota Corolla Cross represents your best choice here, taking into account all of your criteria. On the other hand, it does not provide as much driving pleasure as the Mazda CX-30 and its presentation is not as rewarding either. On the other hand, even if these criteria are not on your list, the Corolla Cross is more versatile (cargo space) and offers better visibility. At the risk of making you hesitate even more, you should also consider the Buick Encore GX (slightly more expensive) or the Kia Seltos in your choices before making your decision.
Preferably hybrid
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In the (non-rechargeable) hybrid segment, the Toyota Prius is worth considering.
I own a 2009 Honda Fit which I have always maintained well. But all good things come to an end and before I give it up, I’m looking for a small hatchback, so a five-door, that will have the same lifespan as my Fit. No SUV, a small format, hybrid, but not electric (condo life obliges), or otherwise gas-powered. I don’t see any on the market, can you suggest some?
Suzanne M.
Should we assume that you have access to a household outlet near your vehicle? If so, acquiring a plug-in hybrid vehicle makes sense, even if the charging time will be longer than usual. In this category of vehicles, the choice is rather limited and sometimes more cumbersome. The same is true in the (non-plug-in) hybrid segment where you might consider a Prius from Toyota. If you agree to remove the hatchback from your criteria, you could then add the Corolla hybrid or even the future Civic hybrid to your list. Otherwise, you might be interested in the Corolla Cross or the Crosstrek hybrid (rechargeable) from Subaru. As for a proper gasoline-powered vehicle, there are very few small vehicles today (apart from SUVs of course) that meet your criteria, but we still invite you to take a look at the Rio 5 from Kia (from $19,900).
Last vehicle before the electric shift
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAZDA CANADA
The Mazda CX-30 Turbo is fun to drive and has proven to be reliable so far.
My Mazda CX-5 is at the end of its life and in today’s market, I prefer to be ready before it fails me. It will certainly be my last car before going electric, because I don’t have time to order a hybrid car which will arrive in a year. We keep our cars for a long time, but should we lease for a few years and then make the switch, assuming the market is less crazy? I could buy a Crosstrek, but I’m told it’s an overpriced vehicle that’s going to cost me dearly. A friend offers me to take over his rental for a Mazda CX-30 Turbo that he has had since May 2022. He finds it too small, but its size suits me. What do you think ? I buy? I rent ? What vehicle do you recommend? I want a car with four-wheel drive, but still economical at the pump. It must be comfortable, because my spouse has major back problems, so there’s no question of sitting on the ground like in a Honda Accord. I don’t need gadgets, as long as I have heated seats.
Mary G.
Given the interest rates and limited supply of vehicles, why not accept your friend’s offer and continue with the rental? The CX-30 is fun to drive and has proven to be reliable so far. Given the model year (2022) of the CX-30, you will probably have enough time to order the electric or hybrid vehicle of your dreams.
Diesel to hybrid
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN
A well-maintained 2010 Volkswagen Golf can last a few more years.
My car, a 2010 Volkswagen Golf wagon diesel with 193,000 km, is well maintained. I’m thinking of changing it for a Toyota Corolla Cross, a hybrid model of which will be released in 2023. I travel fewer kilometers than in the past. What do you think ?
Joanne P.
Despite its bad environmental reputation, a diesel engine has the merit of being tough. In other words, it still has several thousand kilometers to offer, as long as the vehicle in which it is mounted is in good condition. So why not keep your car for a few more years? Otherwise, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an interesting choice for your situation.