2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the Mazda CX-5, offering a fresh design with broader proportions and a more adventurous aesthetic. It was lower, wider, and longer than its sibling, with a stretched wheelbase that emphasized its robust stance. The CX-50 featured square wheel arches and faux air vents, adding to its rugged appeal. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a range of styling options, with the Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its all-terrain tires, black hood graphic, and earthy color palette. Inside, the CX-50 impressed with its BMW-like infotainment screen placement and high-quality materials, though it still fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained its minivan identity despite efforts to add style with features like a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. The Sienna's design included hidden sliding door tracks and a rear end that mirrored the front's cinched look. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, but the Sienna remained unmistakably a minivan. While it offered practicality with seating for up to eight, the Sienna's design was more about function than form. The interior updates for 2025 included a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Overall, the Sienna prioritized practicality over style.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Off-road. The turbo models increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it provided a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered overall.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered 245 net horsepower, which was adequate for its size and towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The hybrid system provided immediate torque, making the Sienna feel responsive in city driving. However, the CVT's noise during hard acceleration was noticeable. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving, though real-world results varied. Handling was predictable but not engaging, with a smooth ride and excellent impact isolation. The Sienna prioritized comfort over driving excitement.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo space, the CX-50's power liftgate improved access. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, though the Meridian Edition lacked rugged interior materials. The rotary infotainment controller and substantial shifter added to the interior's functionality.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding side doors and hands-free power liftgate enhanced convenience. It provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 101 cubic feet, though the Sienna's second-row seats couldn't be removed. The Sienna prioritized practicality and ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface lacked excitement but was straightforward for those who preferred simplicity. The rotary controller provided tactile feedback, making it easy to use without distraction.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum trim included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered various connected services, with a digital assistant responding to voice commands. The JBL premium audio system provided sound quality, though excessive bass was noted. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime pedestrian detection. 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 rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older version of Toyota's safety suite. It included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety tech worked well, though lane-centering assist could waver. The new rear-seat reminder system was a thoughtful addition. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal crash-test result was four stars, with three stars for driver protection. No minivans earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.