2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle yet refined exterior update, featuring new LED headlights and taillights that offered more distinctive illumination. The redesigned bumpers, grille, and rear liftgate, along with fresh alloy wheel designs, contributed to its modern look. The top-tier Signature trim further emphasized Mazda's premium aspirations with body-colour lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious appeal, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided enhanced comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating experience. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, from the budget-friendly GX to the performance-oriented Sport Design and Signature, with prices reflecting the level of luxury and performance.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct SUV identity, moving away from the pickup's "manta ray on wheels" look. Inside, the Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, while the cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury. Despite its luxurious appearance, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, from the off-road-ready TRD Pro to the luxurious Capstone, with prices reflecting the level of capability and luxury.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between two engines. The base engine was a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All CX-5 models came standard with all-wheel drive, and the base engine achieved a fuel consumption rating of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride while maintaining sporty handling.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, surpassing the previous model's 3,356 kilograms. Fuel efficiency improved significantly, with a combined rating of 11.7 L/100 km in 4WD mode. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the suspension could be busy and jittery in Normal mode, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight manoeuvres. The regenerative braking system, while effective, felt unresponsive and heavy underfoot.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating comfort with new furnishings. The updated seats provided better support and a sportier driving position, while the height-adjustable front passenger seat added convenience. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The front seats were comfortable, and the wide, flat door panel shelf provided a convenient resting place for long trips. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, while the panoramic glass moonroof added a touch of luxury. However, the second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting flexibility for third-row passengers. The third-row seat, mounted above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres behind the third row and 2,460 litres with all seats folded, significantly less than the previous model and its rivals.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less intuitive. Instead, users relied on centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. The optional Bose premium sound system provided decent audio quality, and SiriusXM satellite radio was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base TRD Off-road trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and a guest mode for privacy. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety. However, glare on the display and occasional system bugs were noted during testing.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 prioritized safety with its i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.