Toyota Sienna vs Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 presented a sophisticated exterior with its short front overhang, long hood, and a cabin set back on the platform, giving it a classic rear-wheel-drive vehicle's sporting proportions. The concave door skins added surface interest, although they couldn't completely avoid a slab-sided appearance. Inside, the quality of materials was impressive, except for the olive-colored wood trim, which detracted from the otherwise luxurious feel. The digital instrumentation mimicked classic analog gauges, providing clarity, while the 12.3-inch infotainment display was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. However, the wide center console was cluttered, with limited storage space and a cumbersome electronic shifter that required a second step to shift into Park. The climate control toggles were counterintuitive, adding to the frustration.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition, painted in a green Cypress color, didn't quite achieve the rugged look it aimed for, despite its subtle suspension lift and tow hitch. The interior was dark with its Black color scheme, and the use of cheap plastic was evident. The shifter and glove compartment door felt flimsy, and the unlined storage areas contributed to unwanted noise. However, the Sienna didn't feel like a typical minivan from behind the wheel, with a wide, low dashboard and a wide center console reminiscent of a crossover SUV. The Woodland Edition's ride was smooth, and while handling limits were low, the Sienna's behavior on mountain roads was predictable, thanks to its sound vehicle architecture and low center of gravity.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrains, each with its own characteristics. The 3.3 Turbo produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on regular gas, while the 3.3 Turbo S delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an increase to 340 hp on premium fuel. The CX-90 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, with an electric-only range of 26 miles. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with Sport and Off-Road driving modes available. However, the powertrains lacked smoothness, and the i-Stop feature could be unpredictable, causing delays when accelerating from a stop. The CX-90's handling was a highlight, with quick steering and a firm suspension, but the brakes faded during enthusiastic driving.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and an electric motor, producing 245 horsepower. The Woodland Edition and Platinum trims featured an e-AWD system, while other trims had standard front-wheel drive with optional AWD. The Sienna's powertrain provided instant torque for urban driving but lacked power for highway passing or mountain climbing. The EPA rated the AWD Sienna at 35 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 31.1 mpg on a fuel-efficiency loop and 26.8 mpg on a mountainous route. The Woodland Edition's off-road capabilities were limited, with only a slight increase in ground clearance and all-season tires. The Sienna's ride was smooth, but the brake pedal feel was difficult to modulate, requiring more effort to stop the vehicle.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered firm yet comfortable seats, with heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. However, storage space was limited, with only a shallow bin beneath the center armrest. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a larger center console, but some rivals offered more legroom. The third row was cramped, with the second-row center console forcing awkward leg placement. Cargo space behind the third row was 14.9 cubic feet, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row down, and 74.2 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, with a four-zone climate control system and power sliding doors for easy access. The optional “super-long-slide” second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but limited third-row space when fully extended. The third-row seat offered decent leg support, but the small rear windows and dark interior made it feel claustrophobic. The Sienna's cargo space was 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet with the second-row seats slid forward and stacked against the front seats.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display on the base trim, with a larger 12.3-inch screen on higher trims. The system included Amazon Alexa compatibility, text-messaging support, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless versions on higher trims. The infotainment system was sometimes intuitive but could be confusing, lacking a digital voice assistant. The native voice recognition system was basic, and we relied on Apple CarPlay for better functionality.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna came with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and touchscreen, standard on most trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected service plans. Options included wireless smartphone charging and a JBL premium sound system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was hard to view in daytime mode, but switching to night mode improved visibility. The optional voice recognition system worked well but struggled with specific requests.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like active blind-spot monitors and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Woodland Edition and higher trims included parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The Sienna's safety ratings were mixed, with a three-star driver protection rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal result in the IIHS moderate overlap front-impact test. It did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick award.