2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota's effort to modernize the Sienna was evident in its front-end styling and the availability of larger 20-inch wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition. Inside, the Sienna impressed with 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 providing ample space for car seats in the middle row.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its appealing design from its 2017 debut, with minor updates like the new Carbon Turbo trim featuring Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats. The CX-5's design remained modern and attractive, with gloss-black exterior detailing enhancing its look. Mazda improved the fuel economy for base engine models and added wireless charging and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-5 lineup included various trims, with the Turbo models offering a more powerful engine. The interior boasted upgraded materials and technology, providing an upscale feel at a competitive price.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering offered a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna's light steering made city driving easy, and its drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, allowed for some customization, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, produced 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Regular gas still provided 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain rewarded a steady driving style, allowing the torque to build gradually. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 24 mpg. The CX-5's suspension and handling improvements made it a sophisticated and enjoyable drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin. It offered different driving modes, including Off-Road, and could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and bins, including a large open cubby below the center console and a long shelf on the dash. It provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. While the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, the Sienna's captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, offering ample legroom for third-row passengers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable and supportive heated front seats, with leather standard on most trims. The interior, though smaller than some competitors, was well-designed and felt luxurious. Rear passengers enjoyed good support and amenities like air conditioning vents and a center armrest. The CX-5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less than many compact crossovers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The system included physical buttons, which some drivers preferred, but the interface felt outdated and clunky. A 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system were available, providing decent sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 avoided touchscreens for most functions, using traditional controls for various settings. However, it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which now offered wireless connectivity. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a central knob and buttons, a system reminiscent of luxury brands. Mazda Connected Services provided remote features and safety functions, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system enhanced the audio experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 also featured a robust set of safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it didn't achieve a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS in 2024.