2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel with the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance with sculpted sliding doors and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. The rear design included a large window, maintaining a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring a gear selector, cup holders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows offered comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo, with its black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, presented a bold look. The thick matte black body cladding gave it a floating appearance, making it distinct from the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30 sat higher off the ground, enhancing its SUV stance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, creating an upscale vibe. Changes included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. The CX-30 offered a choice of black and Griege leatherette upholstery, with black or white leather available in higher trims. Prices ranged from about $31,000 to $35,745, depending on the trim and options.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved with new front suspension and steering, and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, ensuring strong acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. The six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ AWD, and revised G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its performance. The AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and handling. The CX-30 Turbo offered effortless acceleration and a sophisticated driving experience, though it didn't handle as well as the Mazda3 due to its added height and weight. The Off-Road mode provided additional capability for light off-road driving.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, essential for a minivan. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Both front seats were heated, with a heated steering wheel available in higher trims. However, ventilated seats and wider adjustment for the front passenger seat were lacking. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient. The CX-30 Turbo offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims added Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The driver benefited from a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display in Platinum trim. Limited and Platinum models offered a digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility when the rear view was obstructed.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda Connected Services offered three free years of remote engine starting and vehicle finder functions, with a six-month trial for the 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, including blind-spot information, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were not yet available, but the 2020 Sienna received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system added an extra layer of safety.