2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the aggressive styling trends seen in many modern vehicles. It presented a sleek and smooth exterior that appeared aerodynamic even when stationary. While it didn't boast a flashy design, it took Mazda's familiar aesthetic in a more refined direction. The base model featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims added luxury touches such as leatherette seats and a power liftgate. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, offering a sophisticated interior that rivaled more upscale brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. It featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed with family functionality in mind, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The Sienna's cabin avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers. With power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, it offered convenience for busy families, and its ability to carry large cargo items like a 4x8 sheet of plywood made it a practical choice for those needing versatility.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with either FWD or AWD. The GT and Signature trims featured a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged engine with 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD non-turbo model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbocharged AWD version was slightly less efficient, using 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving dynamics, though its stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It featured an electronically controlled CVT and offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The Sienna's hybrid system delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway. The AWD version was slightly less efficient but still impressive for a minivan. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for its class, thanks to its TNGA platform, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable seating position and good headroom, though rear legroom was limited. It featured two full LATCH connections for child seats and straightforward climate controls. However, its cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The CX-5's interior design was functional but lacked the spaciousness of some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading. With 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row, it offered ample room for families. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it a capable family hauler. Its power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience for busy parents.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not as user-friendly as some competitors. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach. The lack of physical knobs for tuning the stereo was a drawback, though steering wheel controls helped mitigate this issue.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, though it lacked wireless smartphone integration, which was a notable omission.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Optional safety features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.