Toyota Sienna vs Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle in the U.S., equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the Canadian MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic design contributed to a sophisticated look. Inside, the CX-90 offered an upscale cabin with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, though some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while still resembling a minivan, attempted to add style with upswept body lines, hidden sliding door tracks, and swollen rear fenders. The trapezoidal grille, however, reinforced the hand-vacuum metaphor. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna maintained its minivan identity, prioritizing practicality over style. The test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Limited with the Platinum package, featured the new Magnetic Grey paint colour. Canadian trims included LE, XLE, and XSE, with prices ranging from $51,219 to $73,753. The interior updates for 2025 included a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Overall, the Sienna's interior was considered an improvement over previous models.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's standard 3.3 Turbo drivetrain lacked refinement, which was disappointing given the typically smooth operation of inline-six engines. The turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version, standard on GT-P and Signature trims, delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating. Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Noise and impact harshness were also issues, detracting from the upscale impression.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The standard front-wheel drive could be upgraded to all-wheel drive, which added a rear-mounted electric motor. The net horsepower rating was 245, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing 1,587 kilograms. However, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, with a rating of 6.6 L/100 km for the front-wheel-drive model. On the evaluation loop, the Sienna averaged 8.9 L/100 km. Handling was predictable and secure, though not particularly engaging. The Sienna offered a smooth, absorbent ride with excellent impact isolation, making it a comfortable choice for highway driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and side window shades. The third row was best suited for children, especially on longer trips. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and stingy door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited with Platinum package. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding side doors and second-row seats facilitated easy loading and unloading. Storage space was generous, with a wide tray under the centre console. The Sienna held 949 litres of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, though the Sienna's design did not allow for the removal of second-row seats, limiting its versatility compared to rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, including a digital assistant that responded to conversational commands. The Sienna's infotainment system paired with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though sound quality was affected by excessive bass. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera were appreciated features.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver aids generally met expectations, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control required human intervention during sudden traffic braking events. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025, which issued warnings if movement was detected in the cabin after the driver exited. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it scored three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.