2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and advanced safety tech. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach with its smooth, sleek exterior. The base Sport trim featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Touring trim added leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The Carbon Edition introduced unique visual touches like red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim. The Grand Touring trim included leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a 7-inch digital gauge display. The top-tier Signature trim, which CarGurus tested, offered premium features like Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and ambient lighting, rivaling luxury brands.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna's FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, providing a smooth ride and decent cornering abilities. However, its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The FWD version with the base engine achieved 25 mpg city, 31 highway, and 28 combined, while the AWD version returned 24/30/26. The turbocharged engine with AWD returned 22/27/24. The CX-5's sporty driving style and engaging handling made it fun to drive, but its stiff suspension could be uncomfortable on rough roads.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than its competitors. 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 like the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those with mobility issues.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, but its cargo space was limited. It offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, below average for the segment. The seating position and comfort level were typical for an SUV of its size, but legroom in the back seat was limited. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, but the larger shifter and infotainment system controls took up passenger space and were not in the most intuitive positions.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added features like navigation, a JBL premium audio system, and Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for the driver to communicate with rear passengers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites made it cumbersome to use. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's shortcomings. The volume could be adjusted via a switch on the steering wheel or a knob in the center console.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on higher trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 included a long list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda backed the CX-5 with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.