2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its aesthetic appeal since the second-generation model's debut in 2017, maintaining its modern and attractive design. The Carbon Turbo trim, new for 2024, boasted Zircon Sand paint, with plush Terracotta leather seats featuring black artificial suede inserts and a black headliner. Gloss-black exterior detailing complemented this trim, which was also available in a premium Rhodium White paint. The CX-5 lineup saw a few updates: improved fuel economy on models with the base engine, the removal of the machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and new additions like wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Toyota Sienna made a statement with its distinctive look, available in trims like LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. The Sienna stayed true to the "swagger wagon" vibe, featuring sleek front and rear fascias and fun color options like deep blue, red, or green. All trims came equipped with LED lighting, with higher trims benefiting from Bi-LED projector headlamps. Our XSE tester flaunted a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels, enhancing its sporty allure. The Woodland Edition, designed for slight off-road ventures, included roof rails with crossbars, a tow hitch, and additional ground clearance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. On regular gas, it provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. The powertrain was best enjoyed with gradual acceleration, rewarding drivers with substantial torque. However, it fell short on fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving and an observed 22.9 mpg. Mazda's suspension retuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology resulted in a smoother ride and responsive handling. The CX-5’s AWD was equipped to handle well-traveled trails due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, and it could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

Every 2024 Toyota Sienna was a hybrid, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for front-wheel drive, producing a total of 245 horsepower. AWD models featured an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode, the Sienna's performance was sluggish, feeling underpowered in scenarios like highway merging. The CVT contributed to smooth yet slow acceleration and could become noisy. Around town, the Sienna offered a pleasant, albeit mundane, driving experience with light and accurate steering. The Eco and Normal modes were preferable for daily driving, while EV mode was useful for slow-speed areas.

The CX-5's interior, featuring standard heated front seats redesigned for comfort and support, displayed high-quality materials, leather seating in most trims, and Nappa leather in the top-shelf 2.5 Turbo Signature. Rear seats provided good support and comfort, with features like rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders enhancing passenger satisfaction. The CX-5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than most compact crossovers.

The Sienna excelled with its lower storage pass-through in the front, accommodating bulkier items such as a purse or small backpack. The front had ample cupholders, alongside useful storage shelves. The second-row captain’s chairs slid 25 inches, offering up to 40 inches of legroom, though their complicated operation and inability to be removed limited cargo space. The third row, providing up to 39 inches of legroom when the second row was pushed forward, accommodated adults comfortably. Standard tri-zone climate control ensured a pleasant in-cabin environment. The rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 75 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 101 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Mazda focused on reducing driver distractions by eschewing full-touchscreen controls for traditional switchgear on the CX-5. However, a 10.25-inch display offered touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system, navigated using a console-mounted knob, included features like remote engine start and a Wi-Fi hotspot through Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims benefitted from a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, adding to the CX-5’s interior luxury.

The Sienna, using an older infotainment system, featured a 9-inch touchscreen with physical buttons for common menus and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also had a digital display in the gauge cluster, but the backup camera’s grainy resolution was a downside. Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, and an optional JBL stereo system. Extra amenities like an inverting outlet and rear-camera mirror enhanced usability, though some features, such as the rear-seat entertainment system and head-up display, weren't part of the tester's equipment.

Mazda equipped the CX-5 with comprehensive ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The SUV received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA for most categories and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, though the 2024 model didn’t have the latest accolade.

The Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. Despite a somewhat inconsistent lane-keeping assist, most aids functioned well. The Sienna also had side curtain airbags for three rows and reminders for rear passengers. It received four out of five stars from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories but "Average" in front crash prevention.