2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna strove to shed its outdated minivan image, presenting itself with a dynamic front end inspired by Japan's bullet trains and offering larger 20-inch wheels on select trims. The Sienna, available in several trims from the base LE to the lavish Platinum, catered well to families with its numerous configurations and accommodating features, such as power sliding doors and a power liftgate on higher trims. The spacious and tasteful interior boasted quality leather and wood-grain accents making it a place of comfort and practical luxury.

On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 distinguished itself with a bold, striking design that expanded on the aesthetics of its smaller predecessors, the CX-30 and CX-5. The CX-90's imposing stance was complemented by a large grille and tastefully applied chrome trim, conveying a sense of understated elegance. Inside, the high-end trims of the CX-90 featured luxurious materials like brown suede and wood inlays, offering a premium environment that challenged even established luxury brands. With myriad trims across different powertrains, the CX-90 catered to a variety of preferences, blending style with substance.

In the arena of performance, the 2023 Sienna, exclusively equipped with a hybrid powertrain, delivered a modest 245 horsepower. This setup, while sufficient for daily commuting, struggled under heavy loads due to its CVT which often searched for optimal revs. While its agility in city driving impressed, the minivan lacked the exhilarating response some might desire from its powertrain.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced robust powertrain options including a potent Turbo S variant with a 340-horsepower inline-six engine, which emitted an exhilarating exhaust note. Mazda's AWD system and dynamic driving modes including Sport allowed the CX-90 to deliver spirited drives that belied its size. Moreover, the PHEV model's combination of power and efficiency provided a compelling option for eco-conscious drivers, rounding out CX-90's performance profile as both versatile and vigorous.

Regarding practicality, the 2023 Sienna excelled with generous interior storage solutions - from an expansive dashboard shelf to a sizable center console. It boasted 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with seats folded, though it was somewhat limited by non-removable second-row seats. It provided ample room for passengers, including adult-friendly space in the third row when the second-row seats were shifted.

The CX-90, while aesthetically refined, offered varying cargo capacities based on seating configurations, maxing out at 75.2 cubic feet. Though improved over its predecessor, the CX-90 still lagged behind competitors in outright space, a fact accentuated in models seating eight. However, Mazda didn't skimp on in-cabin storage, delivering a thoughtfully arranged interior with ample nooks for personal items and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the airy feel.

Technology in the 2023 Sienna felt dated; it utilized an older infotainment system which, despite being fully featured with connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, showed its age especially in usability. The inclusion of physical buttons, however, was a plus for those preferring tactile controls over touch.

Mazda's CX-90, aiming to minimize driver distraction, employed a rotary controller for its Mazda Connect system rather than a touchscreen. This choice had its detractors, as some found it less intuitive compared to direct touch interfaces. Nevertheless, higher trims featured advanced personalization options and wireless smartphone integration, making it more appealing to tech-savvy users.

Both vehicles came equipped with robust safety features. The Sienna's suite of driver aids and its accolades from safety ratings reflected Toyota's commitment to safety. Though lacking the latest model's IIHS rating, its previous iteration's scores promised high standards.

The CX-90 also boasted an impressive array of safety features, including advanced driver assistance technologies that Mazda included as standard across the range. Without current crash-test results, the CX-90's safety capabilities remained somewhat speculative but were expected to follow in the strong footsteps of its forerunner.