2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, with the Sienna evolving over the years since its debut in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The design featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with integrated styling details. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a standard third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 was a subcompact SUV that shared its platform with the Mazda3, presenting a stylish and sporty design reminiscent of a downsized CX-5. The CX-30 featured a raked windshield, which, while adding to its aesthetic appeal, could cause visual distortion for taller drivers. The interior was praised for its comfort and quietness, with a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was criticized for its complexity. The CX-30 offered various trim levels, each adding more features, with the GT grade providing the most luxurious options, including a turbocharged engine and advanced visibility features.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup was a first for Toyota minivans, aligning with the brand's reputation for hybrid technology. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter featuring an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, and it boasted impressive fuel consumption figures, with the FWD model achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower in the GX trim. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower, while the GT grade could be upgraded to a turbocharged version delivering up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and sport mode provided lively performance, with paddle shifters and a manual tap-shift mode for added driving engagement. The CX-30's handling was sporty and precise, with minimal body roll, though its firm suspension could result in a rough ride on uneven roads.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row allowed for flexible cargo loading, with cargo capacities of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also offered a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, especially when carrying groceries or children.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use, which was average for its class. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, enhancing practicality. The front seats offered ample storage, though the sliding centre console cover had a design flaw that could cause it to get stuck. Rear seat space was adequate for short-to-medium trips, though taller passengers might find it cramped on longer journeys.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna included a range of telematics services and Bluetooth connectivity, with higher trims offering a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System were available on select trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with a non-touchscreen infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial. This setup, inspired by luxury brands, was criticized for its usability, particularly when navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the learning curve, the system offered a premium feel, with a head-up display and advanced visibility features available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to its comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple child-seat connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring safety for all passengers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 also earned high safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. While many driver-assistance features were available, they were not standard across all trims. The CX-30 offered adaptive headlights, a 360-degree parking camera, and a head-up display, contributing to its strong safety credentials.