2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle evolution in its design, with new LED headlights and taillights that offered more distinctive illumination. This change aimed to address the common issue of owners driving without their regular lights on. The CX-5 also featured updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's push towards a premium brand image. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the model offered a range of trims with varying price points, from the more economical GX to the performance-oriented Sport Design and Signature trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its traditional minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the luxurious Limited, with the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim adding to the lineup. The Sienna's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, making it ideal for families. The Platinum trim, although not available in Canada, showcased high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna could accommodate seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness, and all models featured standard all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, or 9.0 L/100 km with cylinder deactivation. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine option 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 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. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, contributing to the vehicle's sporty handling and premium feel.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was powered by a hybrid system combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While this powertrain was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering offered a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna featured a CVT, which, although not the best-sounding, provided smooth city driving and highway cruising. The Sienna offered several drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver in urban settings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, supportive furnishings. The driving position was sportier, and most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout, while initially frustrating, became manageable with time. 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 Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. The open cubby below the centre console and a long dash shelf provided ample space for personal items. The Sienna featured a large centre console bin and multiple cupholders, with three-zone climate control standard and four-zone available on higher trims. Measuring 5,175 millimetres in length, the Sienna offered significant cargo space, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the third row folded. Total cargo space was 2,860 litres, although the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on certain trims. The Sienna's third-row seats provided ample legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which became manageable over time. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a complimentary two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was optional on GT and standard from Sport Design, providing satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment interface with core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which were functional but felt outdated. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, and accessing Android Auto was cumbersome. Despite its quirks, the technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive 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 features like 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 Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features were part of the Toyota Safety Sense package, making the Sienna a safe choice for families. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety.