2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated a bold, black aesthetic. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a distinctive look. Mazda claimed this design lent the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, as if it were floating over the wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 appear higher off the ground than its Mazda3 hatchback counterpart, both perceptually and in reality. Inside, the CX-30 shared its cabin design with the Mazda3, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated vibe, enhanced by stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic and mature design, having been in its second generation since 2008. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Despite its age, the Sequoia's design was timeless, and its robust build was evident in its 32 cm ground clearance and large alloy wheels. Inside, the Sequoia's interior felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. However, it was built to last, with high-quality materials and a spacious, family-friendly layout.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD, with front-wheel drive available on lower trims. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's driving dynamics were refined, with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and a robust rear differential mount enhancing its performance. However, its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, though its 5 cm of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode compensated for this in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kg, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent highway performance and off-road capabilities. Its fuel consumption was rated at 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 L/100 km on the highway, reflecting its substantial size and power.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. The cabin's minimalist design and high-quality materials created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,280 litres with the seats folded. However, the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the centre console limited storage options.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. A power moonroof and heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Sequoia's cargo area offered 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The SUV's ample storage compartments and auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system's non-touchscreen interface could be cumbersome. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, along with an Active Driving Display for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. However, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard. Higher trims offered navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. Despite its dated infotainment, the Sequoia featured modern LED lighting and essential safety technologies.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. The GT trim added adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system and a comprehensive airbag setup further enhanced its safety credentials.