2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

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 The instrument panel also appeared outdated, resembling something from Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this 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 deemed essential for families.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in executing a premium feel, with captivating style and continual product improvements. The 2020 model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, both exterior and interior, remained appealing and upscale. The Signature trim, in particular, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious look and feel. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often signifies a premium vehicle.

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 dash-mounted shifter had a Sport mode that enhanced throttle and shift response. In normal Drive mode, the Sienna provided strong acceleration, and the Sport mode was useful for highway overtaking. The Sienna also had a manual mode, which was rarely used but could assist with its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna offered both FWD and AWD options, with AWD available only in the 7-passenger configuration. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to surprisingly decent handling dynamics, although its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims came with a turbocharged version of the engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine, paired with AWD, provided strong acceleration despite the CX-5's 3,825-pound curb weight. The turbo engine was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for the naturally-aspirated engine with AWD. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving enjoyment, but excessive body motions during aggressive driving detracted from the overall experience. The steering and brakes were responsive, making the CX-5 engaging to drive in typical situations.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than 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 seat. 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 the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and upscale, had a more cramped interior compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's interior featured classy gauges and elegant metallic accents. The Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, while the Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat. The Grand Touring Reserve trim added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 30.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. A power liftgate with a programmable height limit was standard on Grand Touring trim and higher.

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 added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with rear passengers.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which aimed to convey an upscale impression but could be frustrating to use. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen that responded to touch only when the vehicle was stationary. The Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Touring trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Signature trim added a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription. Interacting with Mazda Connect could be challenging, requiring a period of acclimation. The voice-recognition technology was particularly unreliable, making it best to rely on the steering controls and center console controls.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, which included 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 received top scores from the IIHS in several areas, including side crash and rollover crash. Its standard driver-assistance features earned a Superior rating from the IIHS.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense suite of standard ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 also had standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, with adaptive headlights available on Grand Touring trim. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in nearly all individual testing parameters.