2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted focus to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the subsequent generations of the Sienna. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, featuring a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that could easily be stowed away.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of sleek design and rugged appeal. Its styling included a blunt nose, long hood, and a cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, exuding a sense of seductiveness typical of Mazda's recent models. The CX-50 also featured rugged elements like blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes, giving it a robust appearance. The interior was driver-focused, with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. Despite some design quirks, such as a conspicuous off-center air vent, the CX-50 maintained a good-looking and functional aesthetic.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the AWD system adding an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel economy was a standout feature, with the FWD model achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and the AWD model slightly lower at 35 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. This model was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant featured a turbocharged engine with up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the fuel used. The turbo model also had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 provided smooth acceleration and a firm ride quality, with various drive modes to suit different driving conditions. However, it did exhibit some torque steer during tight turns and averaged 23.4 mpg in real-world testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family workhorse. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible sliding second row. Cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The top trim included power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was spacious, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors for easy access. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional bins were missed. The cargo area provided 31.4 cubic feet of space, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-50 also featured a power rear liftgate and useful side bins for securing smaller items.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen was standard, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered various telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A head-up display and digital rearview mirror were available on top trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims included a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, but the CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a premium audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display (HUD) with useful information, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and tire-pressure monitoring.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, similar to other Mazda models. It came with a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system on the top trim. However, the adaptive cruise control system had some issues recognizing vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, requiring manual intervention.