2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The centre console featured a gear selector, cupholders, and a large storage compartment, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel and quality materials enhanced the interior feel. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, reminiscent of a downsized CX-5, featured an upright grille and smooth fenders, riding on the Mazda3 platform. Its raked windshield acted like a greenhouse, with a slight curve that could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was among the best in affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its functionality was compromised by a steep learning curve. In Canada, the CX-30 offered GX, GS, and GT trims, with features like alloy wheels, heated seats, and a standard AWD drivetrain. The GT trim, tested with a turbocharged engine, included advanced features like a power liftgate, leather upholstery, and a head-up display, enhancing its premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available across all trims, using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled CVT, which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, slightly dulled throttle response. It featured four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling improved with new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.0-litre engine with 155 horsepower, while the GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower. The tested model had a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower on 87 octane fuel and 250 on 93 octane. Power was distributed through a six-speed automatic transmission, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's conventional shifter design, paddle shifters, and manual tap-shift mode added to its performance credibility. It provided a sporty, refined ride with quick, precise steering and minimal body roll, though it could be rough over potholes.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, offering flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering cargo flexibility with nominal measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second, and 2,860 litres behind the first. Its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendliness.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded, and 572 litres with seats in use. The GT trim featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when rear seats were folded. The console offered ample space for personal items, with deep front door pockets for large bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom, suitable for adults on short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be tight.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It included a year’s trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with Bluetooth and Qi-compatible charging available. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, with an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's dash design was elegant, with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, lacking touch functionality. Inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, it suffered from usability issues. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, though entering it was straightforward. The system remained challenging even after setup, potentially distracting for new users.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision system. It had 10 airbags, blind spot monitoring, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, with standard rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring. Higher grades included traffic-sign recognition and parking sensors. The test model had adaptive headlights and a 360-degree camera. It earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.