2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury touches. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate, which was crucial for family use.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design meeting that led to an excessive amount of gray plastic cladding on its lower perimeter, making even its 18-inch wheels look small. Despite this, the CX-30's design was otherwise terrific, especially the interior, which felt luxurious above the midpoint of the cabin. The base price started at $21,900, with the Select trim adding dark tinted rear privacy glass and 18-inch wheels for an additional $2,000. The Premium trim, which included AWD and other features, brought the price up to $32,120. The interior was comfortable but snug, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests, and large, simple analog gauges for quick reference.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, which was seldom used but could help with its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Despite its relatively heavy weight of 3,408 pounds, the 6-speed sport automatic transmission made the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance and an optional AWD system with off-road traction assist. Compared to the sporty Mazda3, the CX-30 felt slower and sloppier, but it ranked closer to the top of its class for driving dynamics among small SUVs. The CX-30's steering, braking, and driver communication remained sharp, though its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 23.9 mpg in testing.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than its competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than with a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those with mobility issues to use the Sienna.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. The interior felt upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, with large, simple analog gauges. The rear seat was cramped, with little legroom, making it suitable for younger children and shorter adults. Cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, less than many of its competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without straining their voice.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to improve driver focus. However, the controls were not always intuitive. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Pandora, and Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available starting with the Select trim. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered a generous list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included adaptive front lights. The CX-30 earned a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS with Premium trim.