2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, continued to embody a mature design that had stood the test of time. Its exterior maintained a balance between elegance and robustness, with a modestly sized grille and straight, proud lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing tall at 1,956 millimetres, with a width of 2,030 mm and a length of 5,210 mm, all riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The SUV's ground clearance of 32 centimetres made its optional running boards a practical addition. Inside, the Sequoia's interior showed its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed outdated compared to the larger screens found in newer models. However, the interior was typical of Toyota's high standards, with tight seams and high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 presented itself as a stylish and refined compact crossover SUV, exuding a sense of luxury despite its mass-market positioning. The CX-5's design updates included improved structural rigidity and suspension dampening, which enhanced its driving dynamics. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, making the CX-5 feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. However, the CX-5's interior space was somewhat limited, with a smaller back seat and cargo area compared to some competitors. Despite these limitations, the CX-5's high-quality materials and sophisticated design made it an appealing choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less-than-ideal fuel consumption ratings, with 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel. The CX-5's fuel economy was competitive, with a combined rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the standard engine and 9.8 litres for the turbocharged version. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by its improved suspension and structural rigidity, offering a firm and connected ride quality that emphasized a sporty driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres available behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior storage options were plentiful, with a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and refined, had some limitations in terms of interior space. The front seats were improved for comfort and support, with power adjustments available on higher trims. However, the rear seat was relatively cramped, and the cargo area offered 871 litres of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down. Despite these limitations, the CX-5's interior featured high-quality materials, including Nappa leather upholstery on the Signature trim, and a range of comfort features such as heated and ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology offerings were somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen that felt clunky compared to competitors. However, it did include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system and navigation. The Sequoia's exterior lighting was fully LED, and it featured standard safety technologies such as a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics, but its functionality was a source of frustration. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and its physical controls were awkward to use. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a free trial of Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, which included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and the STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. However, the Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering a range of driver assistance technologies. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-5 also featured an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The SUV received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS, highlighting its exceptional crash-test performance.