2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, a category that many automakers had abandoned. Despite the SUV's dominance, Toyota continued to innovate with the Sienna, which debuted in 1998 and evolved through several generations. The latest model, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident in its sliding side doors. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and functional cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that folded into the floor, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 exuded a rugged yet sophisticated charm, with its bold design elements like blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes. The CX-50's styling was a blend of Mazda's signature seductiveness and newfound ruggedness, appealing to those seeking a compact crossover with a touch of adventure. The model year introduced the CX-50 Meridian Edition, featuring exclusive wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the CX-50 boasted a driver-focused design with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior was both stylish and functional, offering comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota's minivan lineup. It combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel consumption figures were impressive, with the FWD model achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while the AWD variant recorded slightly higher numbers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base model featured a 187 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the GT Turbo trim boasted a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The CX-50's six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD system ensured a smooth and responsive driving experience. Fuel economy for the base engine was 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.9 on the highway, while the turbocharged variant recorded slightly higher figures. The CX-50 excelled in delivering a sporty driving experience, with its Mi-Drive system offering various drive modes for different conditions. However, some drivers noted a hint of torque steer during spirited driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements 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. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added convenience, making it easy to access the vehicle even with hands full.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a spacious back seat. The rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy entry and exit. Cargo space was adequate, with 889 litres available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,595 litres with the seats folded. While storage options were somewhat limited, the CX-50 offered practical features like a power rear liftgate and hooks for securing items.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional features like a rear-seat entertainment system and a digital rearview mirror. Higher trims boasted a premium JBL audio system and additional convenience features.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system traditionally lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touch input for these smartphone integrations. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided an immersive audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display, projecting essential information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to certain headlight configurations. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some drivers experienced issues with the adaptive cruise control's responsiveness in heavy traffic.