2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had stood the test of time. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. Its dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The interior, however, revealed its age with a dated design, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place compared to the larger screens in modern SUVs. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it suitable for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a more contemporary and artful design, albeit with some excessive body cladding that detracted from its overall appeal. The GT Turbo model featured an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and polished metal accents, giving it an entry-level luxury feel. The interior was well-appointed, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Despite these shortcomings, the CX-30's interior was refined, with thoughtful storage solutions and a premium feel.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kg resulted in less-than-ideal fuel consumption ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 L/100 km on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, with the GT Turbo model featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD system provided a spirited driving experience, although the powertrain could feel flat-footed in traffic. The CX-30's fuel economy was improved, with a combined rating of 8.2 L/100 km. However, its small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and responsive steering, but its suspension struggled with speed bumps and rough surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured a standard power moonroof and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row and up to 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The interior provided ample storage options, making it practical for families.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, while offering a comfortable driver's seat and standard dual-zone climate control, fell short in passenger comfort due to limited front passenger seat adjustability and tight rear legroom. The CX-30's cargo space was modest, with 572 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded down. Storage solutions were adequate, but the lack of underfloor storage and cargo organization options was a drawback.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen that felt antiquated compared to modern digital dashboards. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the overall infotainment experience was clunky. The Sequoia did offer a premium JBL audio system on higher trims, but its lack of advanced powertrain technology left it behind competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had its flaws, notably the absence of a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The controls required frequent glances away from the road, and the lack of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the system featured an 8.8-inch display with pleasing graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with higher trims adding a Bose premium sound system and navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a comprehensive set of airbags, stability control, and traction control, ensuring a safe driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS, thanks to its improved side-impact protection and standard rear side airbags. While the base trim offered limited safety features, higher trims included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and a surround-view camera. The CX-30's safety systems worked effectively, although some responses felt excessive.