2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, as part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The hollow "thud" of the front doors when closed was a subtle indicator of its aging design, a detail many automakers strive to refine. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts, was simple yet user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo presented a bold aesthetic with its shiny black 18-inch wheels and matte black body cladding. Mazda's design aimed to give the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials and an upscale vibe. Changes were minimal, with a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. The CX-30 Turbo's pricing ranged from $31,000 to $35,000, with our test vehicle priced at $35,745, including destination charges.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version provided the best fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, available on all trims except the base L, returned slightly lower figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, though its steering response could feel twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 pound-feet, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 24.1 mpg. Mazda's i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling, though the CX-30's added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its ground clearance and Off-Road mode.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided a comfortable driver experience with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's design created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console limited storage options.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system's complexity could be frustrating. The CX-30 Turbo included three years of Mazda Connected Services, with features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder. Premium trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, with additional features like adaptive front lighting and Traffic Jam Assist on higher trims. The CX-30 Turbo also included a mobile 9-1-1 emergency notification system.