2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. Its design was a significant departure from its predecessor, offering a more commanding presence. Inside, the Sequoia shared much with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, but some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or add a TRD Off-Road Package to the SR5 and Limited trims for enhanced capability.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a sense of luxury with high-quality materials and a stylish design. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition to the CX-50 was a strategic move, but the CX-5 continued to offer quality, refinement, and sophistication across its lineup. Buyers could choose between a standard 187-hp engine or a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged option. The CX-5's pricing ranged from $26,700 for the 2.5 S to $39,650 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature, offering a range of options within the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a robust hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly enhancing its towing and payload capacities compared to the previous model. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity rose to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency improved as well, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg for 4WD and 22 mpg for RWD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. However, the ride quality could be busy and jittery in certain modes, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight maneuvers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium. The CX-5's structural and suspension improvements enhanced its ride quality, reducing impact harshness and body roll. The turbocharged engine delivered quick acceleration, and the six-speed automatic transmission offered snappy shifts. The CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving for the turbo model, though real-world testing returned 21.4 mpg. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and connected ride with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's interior featured power-deploying running boards, a panoramic sunroof, and second-row captain's chairs with separate climate controls. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet. The Sequoia's maximum cargo capacity was 86.9 cubic feet, significantly less than its predecessor and competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered improved front seat comfort and support, with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated options, and premium Nappa leather in the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, a cramped rear seat, and a cargo area offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. While the CX-5's materials were top-notch, its technology and storage space left room for improvement.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system's glare and occasional bugs were drawbacks. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic rear braking system were effective in preventing accidents.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it less user-friendly. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5 also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's Tundra platform received high marks from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with i-Activsense technology offering a range of driver-assistance features. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included exclusive features like a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display providing visual alerts. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.