2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to all components. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. However, the infotainment system, while attractive, had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia was impossible to ignore with its bold styling, merging the look of the Toyota Tundra with a newly creased SUV body. The Sequoia's interior shared much with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A massive 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the Capstone's interior was available in a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone color scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices ranging from $59,895 to $79,895, including destination charges.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity rose to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency improved, with the new Sequoia achieving 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive.

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 seats in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate, enhancing convenience. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. Rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the space of larger models like the CX-5.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with a comfortable cabin featuring soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, though taller individuals might find them cumbersome. The second-row captain's chairs lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The Sequoia's cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, offering only 11.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat in its rearmost position. Maximum cargo capacity was 86.9 cubic feet, significantly less than the previous model and its competitors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. Controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons, the system lacked touch functionality, making it challenging to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The setup was inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive but suffered from usability issues.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in all trims except the base SR5. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant for directions. However, the system had some bugs, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Sequoia included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included every driver-assistance feature as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package offered forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, among others. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash tests were not yet available, the Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested a strong safety performance for the Sequoia.