2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The test vehicle, in the new Suna trim, featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of exclusivity. Mazda made subtle enhancements, such as improved fuel economy for the base engine, the addition of wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 offered a choice between a 187-horsepower base engine and a 256-horsepower turbocharged engine, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In Canada, the CX-5 was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $35,476 to $48,276, including fees. The Suna trim, priced at $47,026, came with the Turbo engine as standard, offering an upscale feel at a mainstream price.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while attempting to break away from the traditional minivan design, still resembled a minivan with its box-on-wheels shape. The trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines added some style, but the Sienna remained practical for maximizing interior space. The test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Limited with the Platinum package, featured new flower-petal wheel designs and Magnetic Grey paint. The Canadian lineup included trims like LE, XLE, and XSE, with prices ranging from $51,219 to $73,753, including fees. Toyota updated the Sienna's interior for 2025, with the Platinum package offering a new woodgrain finish. While some found the interior improvements appealing, others, like a 17-year-old passenger, were less impressed. Overall, the Sienna's interior looked better than before, but it still retained its minivan essence.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower on premium gas and 227 horsepower on regular gas, with torque figures of 320 lb-ft and 310 lb-ft, respectively. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine to shine. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and observed figures of 10.3 L/100 km. The base engine offered better efficiency at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5's driving experience was characterized by excellent visibility, a smooth ride, and responsive handling, thanks to Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. It was quiet on highways and lively in city driving, with the ability to tackle off-road trails. The CX-5 could tow up to 900 kilograms, making it versatile for various driving needs.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered 245 net horsepower, which was adequate for a minivan seating up to eight and towing up to 1,587 kilograms. The electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. In city driving, the powertrain was unobtrusive, and on highways, it was quiet, except during hard acceleration. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the FWD model. However, the test model averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and excellent impact isolation. The XSE trim offered a sportier look and suspension, but expectations for driving enjoyment should be tempered.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with comfortable and supportive seating. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather in the Signature trim. The rear seats provided good support and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest enhancing passenger satisfaction. While the CX-5 was among the smaller models in its segment, it offered a comfortable, if snug, interior for four adults. Cargo space measured 871 litres behind the rear seats and expanded to 1,680 litres with the seats folded, though it was less than some competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, with power-adjustable and heated front seats in the Limited with Platinum package. However, the cushions felt hard after extended driving. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the refrigerated compartment added convenience. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and the sliding side doors made loading and unloading easy. Storage space was generous, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. Behind the third-row seat, the Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third-row seats stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. Toyota's research suggested most owners didn't maximize space by removing seats, but it limited load capacity for those needing it.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favour of traditional controls for various functions, aligning with Mazda's philosophy of reducing driver distraction. However, it offered touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons, reminiscent of systems from luxury brands. While the native voice interface wasn't as intuitive as Siri or Google Assistant, pairing a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. The Suna trim featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system in higher-spec models. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered access to connected services plans, with varying subscription periods. The digital assistant in the Drive Connect plan responded well to commands, though features required active subscriptions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available as alternatives. The Limited trim included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though sound quality was affected by excessive bass. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience, while the HUD provided useful information.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights, a traffic sign recognition system, and a driver monitoring system. The standard ADAS performed well, with non-intrusive lane departure and lane-keeping systems. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2024.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, an older technology set compared to TSS 3.0 found in other models. TSS 2.0 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-centring assist performed well, the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna introduced a new rear-seat reminder system, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it received lower scores for frontal crash protection, making it the worst among minivans in that regard.