2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had stood the test of time. Its exterior maintained a balance between elegance and robustness, with a modestly sized grille and straight lines that emphasized its substantial size. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. However, the design felt dated, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. The Nightshade Special Edition attempted to modernize the Sequoia with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, despite being a mass-market compact crossover SUV. Its stylish design and high-quality materials gave it a premium feel, akin to a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The interior was refined, with the Signature trim featuring Nappa leather upholstery and a host of comfort features. However, the CX-5's infotainment system was a source of frustration, lacking a user-friendly interface and voice recognition system. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 remained a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and well-crafted vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight contributed to lower fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models and 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/14 mpg combined for 4WD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities and a respectable turning circle for suburban driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium fuel. The CX-5's structural and suspension updates improved its driving dynamics, offering a firm and connected ride. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 21.4 mpg in combined driving during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior provided ample storage options, including a large center console and door pockets.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and well-appointed, fell short in terms of interior space. The front seats were improved for comfort, with power adjustments and heating available on higher trims. However, the rear seat was cramped, and the cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The CX-5's interior materials were top-notch, but the lack of a touchscreen infotainment system and limited storage space were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio package included 14 JBL speakers. Despite its technological shortcomings, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was hindered by its lack of a touchscreen and voice recognition system. The physical controls were awkward to use, requiring memorization and focus. Despite these issues, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia offered a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, and other safety features.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. Its i-Activsense suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the CX-5 lacked a warning system for driving without headlights at night, a notable safety concern.