2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered a standout in the compact SUV category, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This design gave the CX-50 a sporty and athletic stance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard and high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna retained its minivan identity but attempted to add style with features like a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. Despite these efforts, it still looked like a minivan, albeit a practical one with seating for up to eight. The Platinum trim level introduced new flower-petal wheel designs and a Magnetic Gray paint color. Inside, the Sienna's updated interior included a woodgrain finish, though not all passengers appreciated it. The Sienna's design was practical, with easy access to seating and cargo, but it didn't stray far from the traditional minivan look.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, though it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The hybrid powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing a familiar and reliable setup. Acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning offered engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride quality.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, offered a hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It produced 245 horsepower, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. While the Sienna's handling was predictable and secure, it lacked the agility and excitement of the CX-50. The ride was smooth and absorbent, akin to a marshmallow on wheels, and the cabin remained impressively quiet on the highway.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to its competitors. While the front seats provided ample room, the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo space was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which was below the class average. However, the CX-50 featured a standard power liftgate and convenient storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 101 cubic feet. However, the Sienna's cargo capacity was less than its minivan rivals due to its non-removable second-row seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a dial on the center console, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While some users appreciated the dial controller, others found it less intuitive. The CX-50 came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a basic eight-speaker setup to a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered a more advanced technology suite, with higher-spec models featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum trim included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system provided access to various connected services plans, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system was paired with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though the sound quality was criticized for excessive bass.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high marks in safety, receiving five stars in all NHTSA crash tests except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid 2024 model was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the IIHS. The CX-50 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, however, featured an older version of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), which some drivers preferred for its less intrusive technology. The Sienna's safety features included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also introduced a new rear-seat reminder system, which detected movement within the cabin and issued alerts. However, the Sienna's crash-test safety ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for driver protection in a frontal impact.