2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the Mazda CX-5, boasting a design that was both broader and longer. It was 3.5 centimetres lower, 7.6 cm wider, and nearly 15 cm longer than the CX-5, with an 11.7 cm wheelbase stretch. The CX-50's design was fresh, with square wheel arches and faux air vents, giving it a robust appearance. The Meridian Edition, in particular, enhanced this rugged image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior was well-crafted, featuring a BMW-like infotainment screen and minimal piano black plastic, which promised better longevity. However, despite Mazda's aspirations to move upscale, the CX-50 still had some reminders of its mainstream roots, such as the base model's manually adjustable passenger seat.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while attempting to break away from the traditional minivan mold, still retained its boxy shape to maximize interior space. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive look, but it remained unmistakably a minivan. The Sienna's interior was updated for 2025, with the Platinum package offering a new woodgrain finish, although not everyone appreciated this change. The Sienna Limited with the Platinum package featured Magnetic Grey paint and was part of a lineup that included LE, XLE, and XSE trims. Despite its attempts at style, the Sienna prioritized practicality, offering seating for up to eight and a smooth ride, though it lacked the driving excitement of an SUV.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged variant delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gasoline. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also featured a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for everyday driving.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. It offered 245 net horsepower, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing 1,587 kilograms. However, the electric motor's torque provided adequate acceleration, making the Sienna feel more responsive than expected. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the FWD model. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and excellent impact isolation. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic drive, but overall, the Sienna was more about comfort than performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo capacity, the CX-50 had a power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited with Platinum package. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna provided 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. However, the Sienna's design made loading and unloading easy, even in tight spaces.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual USB ports, and optional wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the interface required adjustment, it was straightforward once acclimated. The system's graphics were plain, but it was functional for those who preferred simplicity.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant responded well to commands. The Sienna also featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though the sound quality was bass-heavy. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera added convenience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime pedestrian detection and "Average" for standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 had a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older but preferred version of Toyota's safety suite. It included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety tech generally worked well, though the lane-centring assist could waver. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it scored lower in frontal impact protection.