2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, and the second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It rode on the same platform as the Mazda3, essentially a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30 featured a raked windshield that could act like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially distorting the view for taller drivers. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its usability was hindered by a steep learning curve.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. Handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which altered throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30 featured a conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a manual tap-shift mode. Its sporty, refined ride offered quick and precise turn-in, though it could be rough over potholes.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside, with cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet 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, adding to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. The front seats featured a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console offered plenty of space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the headroom of larger models like the CX-5.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, including a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered 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 featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets and exiting CarPlay was particularly frustrating. Despite its elegant design, the infotainment system's usability was a significant drawback.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with standard driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. It also had adaptive front headlights, a 360-degree parking camera, and a head-up display. The CX-30 earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS.