2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to sleek and smooth design, standing out in a market where aggressive styling was the norm. Its exterior was characterized by a seamless and fluid appearance, giving it a dynamic look even when stationary. The base model, CX-5 Sport, came equipped with practical features like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring Reserve added luxury touches such as leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, offering a sophisticated and well-executed interior that rivaled more expensive brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its updates, retained a design that felt dated. Introduced in 2007, the Sequoia received a facelift in 2018, but its large silhouette and multi-tiered dash design were reminiscent of mid-2000s styling. The interior, while spacious, felt bulky, with a center dash that seemed out of place in a modern vehicle. However, the Sequoia offered a range of trims, from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum. Each trim added unique features, such as the Nightshade Edition's black leather upholstery and the TRD Pro's off-road enhancements, but the overall design remained a nod to its earlier iterations.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, providing a balanced performance for everyday driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, offering a more spirited driving experience. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied depending on the drivetrain, with the most efficient model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. While the turbo engine added excitement, the CX-5's sporty drive style resulted in a stiffer suspension, which could be less comfortable on rough roads.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, generating 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, even for a vehicle weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's six-speed automatic transmission, while somewhat outdated, contributed to its truck-like driving dynamics, which some drivers appreciated. However, its fuel economy lagged behind competitors, and its towing capacity of 7,400 pounds fell short of class leaders like the Ford Expedition. Despite these drawbacks, the Sequoia's powerful engine and confident handling made it a reliable choice for those who valued performance over efficiency.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed with comfort and functionality in mind, offering a seating position and center stack layout typical of its class. While headroom was adequate, rear legroom was limited, especially for taller passengers. The CX-5 featured two full LATCH connections for child seats, though they were not the easiest to use. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite these limitations, the CX-5's straightforward climate controls and available power liftgate added convenience to its compact design.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This made it one of the roomiest options in its class, though newer SUVs offered more efficient use of space. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, providing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which, while large, was hampered by an outdated operating system. The interface was uncluttered but lacked modern design elements, and the central console knob made navigation cumbersome. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allowed drivers to bypass some of these issues, offering a more user-friendly experience through smartphone connectivity.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an available 9-inch screen on higher trims. Despite its smaller size, the system was straightforward and easy to use, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The Sequoia's older technology was offset by its simplicity, with large hard buttons for easy navigation and a digital trip computer that, while small, was functional and intuitive.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced its safety profile. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia also offered a robust set of standard safety features through the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some advanced technologies like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia provided essential safety features expected in 2021. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rating in the NHTSA's rollover test, and it had not been rated in other crash tests.