2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out in a market filled with deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles. Its design was sleek and slippery, even when stationary, offering a refreshing take on Mazda's familiar aesthetic. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more advanced lighting features. The top-tier Signature model boasted Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a host of premium design elements that rivaled luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. The Sienna featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges to hide the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows provided roomy and comfortable seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The Sienna's design was both practical and stylish, making it a strong contender for families needing versatility and comfort.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both delivering solid performance. The base model featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most efficient FWD model achieving 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbocharged AWD models were slightly less efficient but still competitive.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered both FWD and AWD options. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 35 mpg in all categories. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension and steering systems.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though it had some limitations. The seating position and comfort level were typical for its class, but rear legroom was somewhat cramped. The CX-5 offered two full LATCH connections and a tether connector for child seats, though they were not the easiest to use. The climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly, but the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up valuable space. Cargo capacity was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and the sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo. The Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. It also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench easily stored away, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was not user-friendly. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and the lack of tuning knobs was inconvenient. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's shortcomings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa was standard. The Sienna also offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's technology suite was comprehensive and user-friendly, making it a strong choice for tech-savvy families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a long list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also excelled in safety, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. It also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Sienna's comprehensive safety suite made it a top choice for families.