2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 was hailed as a vehicle that straddled the line between luxury and mainstream appeal. Despite its compact dimensions, which included a modest cargo space and a snug back seat, it exuded sophistication and a high-quality feel rarely seen in its segment. Its allure was further enhanced by a stylish and well-crafted interior, featuring premium Nappa leather in the top-tier trims. This model, even though reaching the end of its tenure under the CX-5 nameplate, seemed to deny its age, presenting itself as a fine choice for those not needing expansive space.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna worked hard to transform the typical minivan stereotype into something more palatable and stylish. The front-end design of the Sienna, inspired by a bullet train, and the availability of larger 20-inch wheels on certain trims, gave it a more contemporary and aggressive appearance. Toyota aimed to make the Sienna not just practical but also appealing to a broader audience who might have reservations about the minivan aesthetic, emphasizing ease of access and versatile internal storage solutions ideal for families.

The Mazda CX-5 offered a performance dynamic with choices between a standard 187-hp engine and a more robust 256-hp turbocharged engine, which provided substantial power and a top-notch driving experience characteristic of Mazda vehicles. The enhancements made in 2022 to its structure and suspension were evident in its firm, connected ride quality, dialing up its sporty credentials. Despite its power, the CX-5’s fuel efficiency was reasonable but failed to meet the EPA’s expectations during real-world testing.

Conversely, the Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors to deliver a total of 245 hp. This setup was less about outright performance and more about efficiency and smoothness, appropriate for the vehicle’s family-oriented role. The Sienna was praised for its surprisingly nimble handling for its size, though its powertrain sounded strained under heavier loads, reflecting its prioritization of fuel economy over performance.

The interior of the Mazda CX-5 emphasized luxury, with upgrades in seat comfort and high-quality materials across all trims. However, it lagged behind in terms of interior space utilization. The CX-5 provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, figures that were outmatched by larger competitors. Additionally, its technology interface was criticized for its complexity and potential for distraction.

The Sienna excelled in spatial efficiency characteristic of minivans. It offered a plethora of storage nooks and an impressive cargo capacity of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, which expanded up to 101 cubic feet with the seats managed correctly. The vehicle was designed with family functionality in mind, offering easy access and a comfortable ride for all passengers, distinctions that made it more practical for users requiring more space and versatility.

Mazda's CX-5 infotainment system, although visually appealing, was marred by operational complexities that could distract drivers. The system lacked intuitive voice commands and a touchscreen, making it less user-friendly than those found in some competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 excelled in smartphone integration and audio quality in higher trims but remained a mixed bag in terms of technological ease and functionality.

Toyota’s Sienna, while using an older infotainment system, maintained a more straightforward user experience bolstered by physical buttons and essential modern functionalities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even though it didn't feature the latest interface, the system was competent, providing reliable performance and adequate sound quality through the optional JBL audio system.

The Mazda CX-5 carried a robust suite of driver assistance features and secured excellent crash-test ratings, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. Its safety technologies operated smoothly, providing drivers with confidence through advanced systems like Traffic Jam Assist and an intuitive Active Driving Display.

Toyota Sienna’s safety credentials were equally impressive, with a comprehensive array of driver assistance features standard across all trims. It had been tested rigorously and earned top marks from safety rating agencies, affirming its status as a secure, family-friendly vehicle.