2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV category, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity with a design that maximized interior space. Despite efforts to add style with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille, the Sienna retained its boxy shape. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a Magnetic Grey paint option. Inside, the Sienna's updated interior featured a woodgrain finish, though not all passengers appreciated the aesthetic. The Sienna's design prioritized practicality, offering seating for up to eight and a hands-free power liftgate, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, although it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, provided quick throttle response and smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 to 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning offered engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet comfortable ride.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, offered a single hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It produced 245 horsepower, which was adequate for city driving and highway cruising. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Sienna's handling was predictable and secure, it lacked the agility and driving enjoyment of the CX-50. The Sienna's ride was smooth and absorbent, providing excellent impact isolation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable front seating area, but its rear seats and cargo space fell short compared to competitors. With 826 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, it lagged behind rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. However, the CX-50's space was still practical for daily needs, with a power liftgate and convenient storage features.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, with ventilated leather upholstery in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna offered generous storage space, with 949 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row and a maximum of 2,860 litres. However, its cargo capacity was less than rivals due to the inability to remove the second-row seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a centre console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It came standard with wireless smartphone integration and a wireless charging pad in hybrid models. The base audio system had eight speakers, while the GT trim offered a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. Higher trims included a four-zone climate control system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant responded accurately to voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system was complemented by a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, although the sound quality could be improved.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While the Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, its adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna also introduced a new rear-seat reminder system, enhancing safety for families. However, its crash-test results were mixed, with a three-star rating for driver protection in frontal impacts.