Mazda vs Toyota: A Reliability Showdown
February 6, 2024
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
Mazda shocked everyone a few years ago by coming out on top as the most reliable car brand on the market, surpassing long-time winner Toyota. But are Mazdas still considered more reliable than Toyotas?
Well, we spent all day trying to figure that out so you don’t have to.
The short answer is no. Toyota has reclaimed its throne as the most reliable car maker. But Mazda is close behind.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two reliable, big-name car brands.
Key Takeaways
- Mazda and Toyota both make durable, affordable cars that are reliable and have high safety ratings.
- Mazdas get a higher durability rating from us as they generally last for more miles before they start to break down compared to Toyotas, though the lifespan in years for both is the same.
- Toyota is a long-trusted, reliable, affordable brand that’s a bit cheaper than Mazda.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Mazda Vs Toyota Reliability: Detailed Comparison
- Which is Better: Mazda or Toyota?
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Design
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Durability
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Engine
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Gas Mileage
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Safety and Technology
- Mazda Vs. Toyota Brand Perception/Reputation
- Verdict
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mazda Vs Toyota Reliability: Detailed Comparison
Features | Mazda | Toyota |
Design | ||
Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
Durability | ||
Technology | ||
Engine | ||
Gas Mileage | ||
Safety |
Which is Better: Mazda or Toyota?
Mazda is better than Toyota in certain areas, especially when it comes to reliability and build quality. Mazda rose to become the most reliable car brand in 2020, with a reliability score of 83/100, ranking above Toyota and Lexus. This was before Lexus took place, with Mazda coming in second place.
This was only for Mazda to beat the competition by becoming the most reliable car brand, according to Consumer Reports 2022 survey. This is with Toyota earning a Reliability score of 74, ain’t too bad for a score, but it places Mazda above Toyota.
But it’s not 2022 anymore and the tides have changed once again, according to Consumer Reports. Toyota is back on top of Mazda and in spot number 2 behind Lexus with a reliability rating of 76. Mazda is now at number 7 on the list with a reliability rating of 67.
Repairpal ratings tell a different story. According to Repairpal, Mazda has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0, ranked 5th out of 32 car brands. This is higher than Toyota, which also has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0, ranking 8th out of 32 car brands, a few positions lower than Mazda.
The reliability ratings of Toyota and Mazda also vary according to their models. Toyotas are cheaper to maintain, probably due to the easy access to their parts.
However, a Mazda car offers you the opportunity to visit the repair shop less. Mazda is one of the few cars you can drive for over 150,000 miles without drama or problems. A feat that is not guaranteed with Toyota cars.
It is not a secret that Toyota offers moderate power, and you should not expect a burst of speed from Toyota cars. This differs from Mazda, which offers performance options to drive; fun-to-drive cars with impressive speed and torque.
Mazda is your best choice if you need a sporty car with great power that you can rely on. Toyota is an amazing company with superb engineering principles, but Mazda improves its systems more than they do.
Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Design
Mazda and Toyota have great designs. While Mazda emphasizes building a connection between users and their cars, Toyota optimizes functionality. The Mazda design emphasizes elegance, optimizing beauty in a perfect blend of functionality.
Mazda designs its cars as a work of art. Although Toyota cars are not bad, Mazda does better, especially with interior designs. All Mazda cars have a compelling design that poses like they are speaking.
The designs of both Toyota and Mazda cars scream durability. There are zero chances that your Toyota car will leak oil after 100,000 miles, just as on Mazda cars. Both car brands have their design principles embedded in Japanese culture.
The Mazda design features Takumi, Kodo, and Takuminuri. This design philosophy embodies the use of professionals, masterful expertise, and the need to drive home perfection.
From Mazda’s unique paint technology, hand-designed interiors, and use of the best quality materials, Mazda’s designs are structured to breathe life into their cars.
Toyota’s design philosophy follows similar ideologies but in different forms. Toyota employs Jidoka, Kaizen, and Total Quality Management (TQM) systems. This explains the use of human construction blended with automation, high-level supervision, and the integration of a customer-first approach.
Winner: Both
Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
It is cheaper to maintain a Toyota car than a Mazda car. It costs an annual average of $441 to repair and maintain a Toyota car. On the other hand, you will need an annual average of $462 to repair and maintain your Mazda. However, there’s a twist in this analysis.
Although it is cheaper to maintain and repair a Toyota car than a Mazda car, you will experience more problems owning a Toyota than with a Mazda. Toyota has a 12% probability of major repairs and a 0.3 chance of minor repairs. Mazda has a 10% probability of major repairs and a 0.4 chance of minor repairs.
This indicates that the long-term cost of ownership of a Mazda car is cheaper than a Toyota.
Winner: Both
Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Durability
Toyota and Mazda cars are extremely durable cars. However, Mazda is more durable than Toyota. Mazda achieves a better finish and build quality than Toyota cars.
Mazda cars last up to 250,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 13-17 years, while Toyota cars last up to 200,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 13-17 years. The differences between the reliability of Mazda and Toyota cars go beyond how long they can last, it includes how many “bad days” you will have with a Mazda car compared to a Toyota.
For someone with experience driving a Mazda MX-5, the car went up to 8 years without any problem. I don’t think any Toyota car can go that far without experiencing problems. You must understand that the durability of Mazda and Toyota varies on different models.
There are more durable Toyota trucks, just as there are more durable two-seater cars.
Winner: Mazda
Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Engine
We can’t deny that Mazda and Toyota have an amazing lineup of engines, but Mazda tends to be more focused on improvements and advancements. They tried out the consistent use of 4-cylinder engines, and it worked; the SkyActiv platform, Wankel engine, and refined approach to turbocharging.
One of the best things about Mazda and its engines is their concern for overall efficiency. This ushered in the need to build a simple solution that increases the efficiency of their powertrains, as well as fuel economy. Mazda achieved this with the launch of Skyactiv technology.
Compared to Toyota engines, you will get better handling from Mazda, a better burst of power, and speed. However, Mazda faced many setbacks with its Rotary engines.
Toyota engines are not bad in any way. As a matter of fact, Toyota engines are one of the best car engines ever produced. But there are setbacks. Toyota is inconsistent with improvements, and their engines are over-engineered, yet not tuned to deliver wild speed.
The Toyota brand is not the type of company that rolls out innovations as frequently as possible. This is a good sign because they take their time to thoroughly test those systems before launch, but it also reduces the speed of improving their systems.
Winner: Mazda
Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Gas Mileage
Gas mileage is one of the crucial areas that every driver considers before buying a car. You wouldn’t want to buy a car that will drill a hole in your pocket when you are out to buy gas.
Mazda utilizes the Skyactiv technology to improve fuel economy without compromising the car’s efficiency. The Skyactiv Mazda technology is designed to get the most out of every drop of fuel. Unfortunately, even with the improved fuel systems on Mazda cars, Toyota returns a better gas mileage.
For instance, you will get a better fuel economy from the 2022 Toyota Corolla than from the Mazda3. Toyota harnesses the advantages of engine size and technology to achieve a better gas mileage. The smaller the engine, the less gas needed to power it up.
Winner: Toyota
Mazda Vs. Toyota Reliability: Safety and Technology
Mazda and Toyota take passenger protection seriously, as seen in their technology implementations and safety measures. Mazda incorporates the use of ultra-high tensile strength steel. This reduces the level of impact and damage done during a collision.
The construction design of Mazda cars makes them tougher yet lighter. This improves driving dynamics and increases survival chances. Unlike other car brands, Mazda splits its safety technology into three categories; preventive safety technology, collision, and basic safety technology.
Toyota rolls out its safety technology as upgrades. There’s the Toyota SafetySense 2.0, 2.5, and we expect the 3.0. In all these, it is important to cite that Toyota has more cars with high safety ratings on the IIHS Top safety pick (+) rating.
Winner: Toyota
Mazda Vs. Toyota Brand Perception/Reputation
Another important factor in determining which car brand is better for you is public perception and customer satisfaction.
Mazda is generally viewed by the public as a fun, funky car brand that makes stylish, reliable vehicles. The brand is focused on driving pleasure and enjoyability, offering both budget-friendly options (Mazda 3, CX-30) and sporty, luxury vehicles (CX-90, MX-5 Miata).
Toyota, on the other hand, is viewed as a staple. Their highly-accessible pricepoint combined with their history of reliability makes them a great brand for any and every driver. The Corolla and Camry are consistently ranked among the top most reliable and affordable cars on the market, while the Prius was many drivers’ introduction to hybrid vehicles.
Overall, due to customer loyalty and being an established trusted brand, Toyota takes the lead here.
Winner: Toyota
Verdict
Your choice between Mazda and Toyota lies in what your needs are. Why do you want to buy a car? For performance? Fuel economy? Or maybe safety?
Toyota cars are cheaper than Mazda, so you might consider your budget when choosing between these two brands. Depreciation is lower on Toyota cars, with better gas mileage and cheaper maintenance cost.
Best Car Deals by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Mazda cars not as popular as Toyota?
Mazda is an underrated car brand. They are a small car brand compared to Toyota. It is important to cite that Mazda doesn’t have as many models in its lineup as Toyota. They present themselves as a niche car brand, building more performance cars.
Do Mazdas hold their value?
Yes. Mazdas hold their value. Although not as much as Toyota does, but you will get great resale value from Mazda cars. You should expect a 76.98% resale value from Mazda cars.
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