2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and frustrating infotainment system were potential drawbacks. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60, aiming to ease consumers into the change while maintaining the model's loyal customer base.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring similar design elements like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver appearing somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims featured SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's seating was customizable, with power-adjustable front seats and optional captain's chairs in higher trims. The model also included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a more powerful 256-horsepower turbocharged variant. The turbo engine, especially when using premium fuel, delivered 320 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling choice for those seeking performance. The CX-5's AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission contributed to its engaging driving experience. Despite its age, the CX-5's structural and suspension updates improved its ride quality, reducing body roll and enhancing its sporty character. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was slightly below expectations during testing, returning 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, utilizing the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor. This setup produced 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy also improved, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The model featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, with off-road capabilities enhanced by the TRD Off-Road trim. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades for added convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's interior updates included improved front seat comfort and support, with power adjustments and heated features available in higher trims. The Signature trim offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage, and rear-seat space were less impressive. The infotainment system lacked a voice recognition feature, and the cargo space was limited compared to rivals, offering 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia provided ample cargo space, with a maximum of 2,460 litres when both the second and third rows were folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery placement. The Sequoia's interior dimensions were competitive, though it lagged behind some rivals in legroom. The Platinum and Capstone trims offered second-row captain's chairs, enhancing comfort but lacking bolstering for support.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display but was criticized for its awkward controls and lack of voice recognition. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite this, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in higher trims. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and surround-view system for easier parking.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was more user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The SR5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims boasted a 14-inch display. The Sequoia's driver information display was consistently a 12.3-inch full-colour screen, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a JBL Premium Audio system, enhancing the overall technology package.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering comprehensive driver assistance features. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included exclusive features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, a warning system for nighttime driving without headlights was needed.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the TSS 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were also standard. The only optional feature was a trailer backup guide. While the Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.