2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design. Toyota worked hard to shed the typical minivan image, giving the Sienna a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Limited, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a touch of exclusivity. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted an artful design with a long hood and dramatic flanks, though its excessive grey body cladding detracted from its appeal. The GT Turbo trim featured black wheels that blended into the dark lower body, creating a nearly invisible presence. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and a chocolate brown centre console. The interior exuded a luxury feel, justifying its premium pricing. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight, making it less accommodating for passengers compared to the Sienna.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering provided a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The light steering made city driving easy, and the Sienna cruised comfortably on highways. However, the CVT transmission and lacklustre acceleration were drawbacks. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, but Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre engine producing 155 horsepower in the base GX trim. The GS and GT models featured a 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD provided a sporty driving experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Despite these issues, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, offering a fun and engaging drive.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. It featured numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins, including a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf on the dashboard. The Sienna's three-zone climate control was standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. Measuring 5,175 millimetres in length, the Sienna offered ample cargo space, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added flexibility.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driver's seat with dual-zone climate control and a power moonroof. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with bins and compartments for organization. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. While the cargo capacity was modest, the CX-30's interior featured quality materials and a refined design, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but dated. It featured an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality. However, the interface lacked modern features and could be clunky to use, with no dedicated buttons for Android Auto.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws. It lacked a touchscreen, relying on centre console controls that required quick glances away from the road. The voice-recognition system was not conversational, and the absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, and the system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families. While it lacked some gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety technologies.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also prioritized safety, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It featured rear side airbags, outboard rear seatbelt tensioners, and a range of driver assistance systems. Higher trims offered advanced features like a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems were effective, though occasionally overly sensitive.