2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, was a standout in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60. The CX-5 exuded quality, refinement, and sophistication across all its versions, from the base 2.5 S to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature. The latter, with its premium features and Rhodium White metallic paint, was priced at $41,655, including destination charges, making it a worthy contender in its class.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in various trims like LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum, maintained a distinctive look. Although the "swagger wagon" commercials were no longer aired, the Sienna's sleek front and rear fascias and vibrant color options kept the vibe alive. The XSE trim, with its sporty features like a black metallic mesh front grille and 20-inch dark wheels, added to its appeal. The Woodland Edition, with its off-road-ready features, catered to those seeking adventure. The Sienna's interior offered practicality with features like a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, although their slide function was a bit complex. The third row was accessible and offered generous legroom, making the Sienna a family-friendly choice.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with its turbocharged engine, provided 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also featured a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's updates in 2022, including increased structural rigidity and improved suspension, enhanced its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The turbocharged engine delivered a satisfying rush of acceleration, although it required premium fuel for optimal performance. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, offering a firm and connected ride quality.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. AWD models featured an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna's sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode aimed to enhance performance, it felt sluggish off the line, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a less engaging driving experience. The Sienna excelled in urban settings, with smooth acceleration in Normal or Eco mode and an EV mode for low-speed areas. The brakes were occasionally grabby, but the steering was light and accurate. The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized efficiency over performance, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. It offered a height-adjustable driver's seat across all trims, with power adjustments available on higher trims. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior had limitations, including a lack of advanced infotainment features and limited rear-seat and cargo space. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than some rivals but more than certain luxury models.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain's chairs offered up to 40 inches of legroom, although their slide function was complex. The third row was accessible and provided ample legroom, with the second row pushed forward offering 39 inches of legroom. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 101 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with features like tri-zone climate control and a rear liftgate with a kick-activated function.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained Toyota's older infotainment technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system had physical buttons for common menus, the backup camera's grainy view was disappointing. The Sienna offered a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. It also had a rear-camera mirror and in-dash navigation. The Sienna's technology was practical but lacked the modernity of newer systems.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense driver assistance technology. Most features were standard, with exclusive features on the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While most systems worked well, the lane-keeping assist exhibited some side-to-side movement. The Sienna had ample airbags, seat belt reminders, and a reminder to check the rear seats. It received four stars from the NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.