2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 offered a cabin reminiscent of the Mazda3, with quality materials and a sophisticated vibe. The interior featured stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents, contributing to an upscale feel. Standard features included black or white leather with GT trim, where the turbocharged engine became available. The pricing for the 2021 CX-30 ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin with ample storage options. Passengers enjoyed roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The Sienna's practicality extended to its cargo capacity, with the ability to store a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside.

The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families. The minivan's interior was equipped with numerous storage cubbies and cupholders, ensuring a family-friendly environment. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. It also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It offered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a 48-litre fuel tank providing a range of approximately 500 kilometres. Mazda's focus on driving satisfaction was evident, with the i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhancing handling and traction.

The CX-30 Turbo's performance was characterized by smooth acceleration and minimal torque steer, thanks to its advanced AWD system. While it didn't handle as sharply as the Mazda3 due to its added height and weight, the CX-30 Turbo excelled in off-road conditions with its Off-Road mode. The SUV's torsion-beam rear suspension design was generally imperceptible, though it occasionally resulted in a pronounced bounce over uneven surfaces. Overall, the CX-30 Turbo offered a refined driving experience, nearly matching luxury alternatives.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna's AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The minivan's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride.

The Sienna's fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while AWD models achieved 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The hybrid system's battery pack was cleverly positioned under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty. The Sienna's performance was well-suited for family travel, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided 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 design emphasized spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were somewhat cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo offered 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 limited storage options in the centre console.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with cargo measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and the minivan offered ample storage cubbies and cupholders throughout the cabin. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added convenience for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the GT trim. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless smartphone connectivity, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch display, and the digital rearview mirror provided a clear view of the road behind. The Sienna's technology package catered to family needs, with multiple USB ports and optional Qi wireless charging.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive front lighting and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna's safety package included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.