2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which stood out in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and lack of sharp angles gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of an entry-level luxury SUV. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs provided a more intuitive and less distracting experience. The interior was comparable to those of last-generation Acura or Lexus models, offering a special feel at a competitive price point.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained the classic minivan silhouette, prioritizing practicality over style. Despite Toyota's efforts to add flair with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille, the Sienna still looked like a traditional minivan. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a Magnetic Grey paint option, but the overall aesthetic remained utilitarian. Inside, the Sienna's interior received updates, including a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its appeal varied. The Sienna's design focused on functionality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing 256 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, accelerating to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model was quicker, reaching the same speed two seconds faster. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics and firm suspension made it enjoyable to drive, though it resulted in a slightly firmer ride. The cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. It produced a net horsepower of 245, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight people. However, the electric motor's torque provided sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Sienna's handling was predictable, it lacked the engaging driving experience of the CX-5. The ride was smooth and absorbent, offering excellent impact isolation, but the steering and handling were less precise.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to rivals. While rear legroom was competitive, cargo capacity was limited, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded. The CX-5 offered convenient features like a power liftgate and wireless charging, but its analog gauges felt outdated. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a control dial and logical menus, though the screen size was smaller than competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering versatile seating and cargo solutions. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, while the second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers. The Sienna's third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably, and the sliding side doors made loading and unloading easy. Cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the seats stowed. However, the maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres was less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a dial, offering a user-friendly experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard on premium trims. The audio system ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a 10-speaker Bose system on top trims. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available, enhancing connectivity.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered advanced technology, with higher trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen display. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system provided access to connected services, including a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The Sienna's infotainment system was complemented by a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality varied. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience, while the head-up display provided essential information.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, earning five stars in most NHTSA evaluations and performing well in IIHS crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and driver attention monitor, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a range of advanced safety systems. While it lacked the latest TSS 3.0, the Sienna's safety features were effective, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's new rear-seat reminder technology added an extra layer of safety for families. However, its NHTSA frontal crash-test result was lower than expected, highlighting a potential area for improvement.