2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Toyota Sienna made strides to shed the stereotypical minivan aesthetic and embrace a sleeker, more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and horizontally integrated LED headlamps contributed to a refined look, complete with a proud Toyota logo. The sliding side doors, re-engineered to tuck neatly into the bodywork, added an assertive stance, while alloy wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches further enhanced its robust design. The rear of the Sienna maintained a wide and low profile, unusual for a minivan, complemented by Toyota's renowned fit and finish.

Inside, the Sienna's emphasis on horizontal lines added a sense of width. The seating position was pleasantly higher than a sedan’s, but not quite up to the level of a full-sized SUV. The dashboard was uncluttered, with most controls conveniently arranged on the center stack beneath a large infotainment screen. A bridge-shaped center console added both storage space and functionality, including cupholders and a compartment large enough for a handbag. The materials used throughout, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, added to the feel of quality. The second and third rows offered comfort and configurability, with options for captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered subtle exterior updates for the new model year, including redesigned bumpers, headlights, taillights, and a revised grille. The Signature trim's body-color lower exterior trim aimed to solidify Mazda's bid for premium status. Despite the thoughtful touches, the CX-5's overall look retained its familiar charm—sophisticated, but not radically different from previous models.

Inside, the CX-5’s cabin remained a highlight, especially in the Signature trim which featured Nappa leather, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seating offered improved comfort and support, making long drives more enjoyable. The driving position became sportier, enhancing the overall driving experience. Despite the premium touches, the infotainment system’s reliance on non-touch controls could be frustrating for some users. Storage was adequate, though not exceptional, with wireless smartphone charging and small bins for personal items.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid introduced Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology into the minivan segment. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with two electric motors, produced a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trim levels. The AWD system featured a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the powertrain.

The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it sometimes dulled throttle response. Drivers could select from four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling improved significantly due to new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, reducing body roll and enhancing comfort.

Fuel economy stood out, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg across city, highway, and combined driving. AWD models achieved nearly identical figures, with only a slight drop to 35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission. All CX-5 models now featured standard all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability. The base powertrain delivered 26 mpg in combined driving.

The 2.5 Turbo variant stood out with its turbocharged engine, producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). This engine also featured the updated six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined. In real-world testing, this figure dropped to 21.1 mpg.

Mazda’s Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road drive modes, enhancing the vehicle's adaptability. The revised suspension improved both ride quality and handling, reducing noise and body roll while maintaining a sporty drive feel. This overhaul made the CX-5 feel more like a premium brand vehicle and a genuine alternative to luxury SUVs.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna are all about convenience, offering features aimed at multi-passenger functionality. The Sienna's third-row bench seat, which folded into the floor, provided flexible cargo and passenger configurations. The second-row seats slid up to 25 inches, facilitating easier access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage options, including 16 cupholders strategically placed throughout the vehicle.

In terms of cargo space, the Sienna excelled, capable of carrying a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were substantial: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet with only the front seats in use. The hybrid battery pack was cleverly integrated under the front seats, ensuring no compromise in cargo capacity. Additionally, the Sienna had a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, despite its improved seating and trim, still had a snug back seat compared to the more spacious interiors of its rivals. The front seats saw significant enhancements, providing better support and comfort. The inclusion of height-adjustable front passenger seats from the 2.5 S Premium trim upward was a welcome feature. Heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel further enhanced comfort in the upper trims.

However, the CX-5 fell short in terms of storage and cargo space. The center armrest bin was small, but compensations were made with wireless smartphone charging and door armrest trays. Cargo capacity was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While these figures were competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs, they were less impressive when compared to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came loaded with technology features across all trim levels. A nine-inch touchscreen provided access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM radio. Connectivity features included a year-long trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a short-term AT&T WiFi Connect trial. Bluetooth was standard, and higher trims offered Qi-compatible wireless charging and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet.

Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system in the lower trims to a 12-speaker JBL surround sound system in the higher trims. Limited and Platinum models included advanced navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Drivers benefited from a color multi-information display, with a head-up display available in the Platinum trim. The digital rearview mirror, standard in higher trims, was especially beneficial when carrying a full load of passengers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch non-touch display, controlled via the center console. While Mazda valued non-touch interfaces to reduce distraction, many users found this system less intuitive. The absence of natural voice recognition further complicated use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, as were text-messaging support and E911 emergency notification. Mazda Connected Services came with a three-year trial, except for WiFi connectivity.

From the 2.5 S Premium trim upward, a 10-speaker Bose sound system was standard. Despite mixed reviews of Bose systems, the audio quality in the CX-5 was generally well-received. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

Safety was a priority for the 2021 Toyota Sienna, which included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (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) as standard across all trims. 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 was fitted with 10 airbags and multiple LATCH locations for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring were standard. However, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for 2021 were not yet available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a robust suite of i-Activsense driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5 S Premium added adaptive headlights, while the 2.5 Turbo Signature introduced a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS, underscoring its strong safety credentials.