Compare the2023 Mazda CX-9VS 2023 Toyota Sienna

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-9. But it costs extra on the Sienna.

Both the CX-9 and the Sienna have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-9 is safer than the Toyota Sienna:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-9 is safer than the Toyota Sienna:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The CX-9’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 5 more horsepower (250 vs. 245) than the Sienna’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Mazda CX-9 is faster than the Toyota Sienna:

The CX-9 has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sienna (19.5 vs. 18 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CX-9 stops much shorter than the Sienna:

For better traction, the CX-9 has larger tires than the Sienna (255/60R18 vs. 235/50R20).

The CX-9 Touring’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sienna LE/XLE’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-9 Touring has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Sienna LE/XLE.

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a 2.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sienna (8.8 vs. 6.3 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-9’s minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the Sienna 25th Anniversary Edition (8.8 vs. 6.9 inches).

The Mazda CX-9 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 300 pounds less than the Toyota Sienna.

The CX-9 is 4.3 inches shorter than the Sienna, making the CX-9 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The CX-9 is 4.7 inches shorter than the Sienna XSE/25th Anniversary Edition.

The Sienna’s spare tire is stored in the cargo area, where it diminishes the useable cargo capacity and interferes with loading and unloading. The CX-9’s spare is out of the way under the trunk floor.

The CX-9 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Sienna doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The CX-9’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Sienna’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-9 Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Sienna doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-9 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Sienna.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Sienna, based on reliability, safety and performance.