2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design and modern features. Toyota worked hard to shed the typical minivan image, giving the Sienna a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a unique touch. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option available in the LE or XLE trims, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more artful and upscale design, albeit with some quirks. The CX-30's long hood and dramatic flanks gave it a nose-heavy appearance, accentuated by excessive gray body cladding. Despite this, the interior was elegant, featuring quality materials like off-white leather and a chocolate brown center console in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim. The CX-30's cabin exuded a sense of luxury, with gloss black trim and polished metal accents. However, the lack of a touchscreen display and the reliance on console controls for the infotainment system were notable drawbacks, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road more than desired.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 245 net system horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, it offered a nimble and surprisingly fun driving experience for a minivan. The Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and lackluster acceleration left something to be desired. The Sienna featured multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The CX-30's turbocharged engine delivered robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads. However, the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range, requiring frequent refueling stops. The CX-30's suspension provided a comfortable ride, but it struggled with speed bumps and humps, causing noticeable impacts in the cabin. Despite these issues, the CX-30 excelled in daily driving situations, offering a quiet and refined highway experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins throughout the cabin. Its minivan platform allowed for impressive cargo space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the middle row of seats could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to some competitors. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering extending ottomans and ample legroom for third-row passengers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driving experience, with standard dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat offered limited adjustment options, and rear legroom was tight. The CX-30's cargo space was modest, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage solutions were reasonable, but the lack of nooks, nets, or underfloor storage in the cargo area was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the CX-30's interior was well-appointed, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment interface, lacking some of the advanced technology found in other Toyota models. It included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, though not particularly impressive. Despite its dated design, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the physical buttons were a practical touch in an era of touchscreen dominance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several notable flaws, including the absence of a touchscreen display. The reliance on console controls and the lack of conversational voice-recognition technology made it less user-friendly. The system's shortcomings were somewhat mitigated by the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the lack of a tuning knob was a frustration. Despite these issues, the CX-30's infotainment system featured pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure, with additional features like a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system in the Turbo trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, similar to the 2022 model. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety technologies for family use.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also prioritized safety, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It featured a range of standard safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-30's higher trims added advanced features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. While the safety systems generally performed well, there were instances of excessive responses, such as a forward-collision warning that seemed overly sensitive. Despite this, the CX-30's safety features contributed to its appeal as a secure and reliable vehicle.