2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan style with front-end styling resembling a Japanese bullet train. While most trims featured 18-inch wheels, the FWD XSE and Platinum trims boasted 20-inch wheels. The Sienna offered various trims, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, and top-shelf Platinum, with a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim. The XLE trim was expected to be popular among value-conscious shoppers, adding features like LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate. Inside, the Sienna's Platinum trim impressed with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three-across car seats in the middle row.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model had an upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 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 via a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport button enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty, refined ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick, precise turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. This setup produced 245 net system horsepower, which was less impressive compared to competitors. The Sienna's CVT struggled with acceleration, but its chassis and steering were commendable. It was easy to drive around town and cruised comfortably on the highway. The Sienna's light steering feel was ideal for city driving, and its tidy turning radius was a rarity for minivans. The Sienna offered drive modes like EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but Normal mode was recommended for the best experience.

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

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with plenty of space for a large bag or purse in the open cubby below the center console. A long shelf extended from the middle of the dash to the passenger's seat, perfect for a phone, and higher trims included a wireless charging pad. The Sienna had a big bin in the center console and numerous cupholders. At over 200 inches long, the Sienna made excellent use of space, offering 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with it folded. Total cargo space was 101 cubic feet, though the middle row couldn't be fully removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional, with extending ottomans and a long sliding track for added legroom.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the center console, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive. However, this setup was criticized for poor usability, making tasks like exiting Apple CarPlay cumbersome. The system was challenging to navigate, even after setting up presets, and could be distracting for new users.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used Toyota's older infotainment interface, which included core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional navigation system. The interface had physical buttons, which were functional but looked and felt outdated. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, and accessing Android Auto was cumbersome. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen that didn't appear undersized and a 12-speaker JBL audio system that sounded good.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came 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 features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and a "Superior" score for driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received five stars from the NHTSA, and while the 2023 model hadn't been rated by the IIHS, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Toyota focused on essential safety features, though competitors offered additional features like Honda's CabinTalk and Chrysler's FamCam.