There may be a knee-jerk reaction when I suggest matching the 2027 Infiniti QX65 against the 2026 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. On the surface, these two vehicles seem like they’re coming from completely different worlds. The Infiniti is a luxury crossover wearing a premium badge, while the Mazda is, well, a Mazda. But when you dig a little deeper, the comparison actually makes a lot more sense than you might think.
Infiniti
Mazda
Yes, they use very different powertrains and they’re going after slightly different buyers. But both of these SUVs punch above their weight when it comes to luxury, performance and, more importantly to me, how they feel from behind the wheel.
The QX65 uses Nissan’s transverse, front-drive-based architecture, closely related to the QX60, while the CX-70 rides on Mazda’s Large Product Group architecture, shared with the CX-90 and the CX-60 overseas. The difference becomes particularly interesting when you look at how each manufacturer uses those platforms. The Infiniti is front-biased with Intelligent AWD, while the Mazda uses a longitudinal, rear-biased setup. Both work perfectly well, but the Mazda’s layout gives it a more balanced, planted personality when the road starts getting interesting.
And I like roads that get interesting.
Engine and Performance
The biggest difference between these two vehicles is sitting under the hood.
The QX65 uses a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes exclusively with Intelligent AWD. There are paddle shifters and different drive modes, including Sport, Tow, Snow and Off-Road, so Infiniti clearly doesn’t want you to think of the QX65 as nothing more than a fancy commuter. It can also tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is impressive for something with a swoopy roofline.
The Mazda takes a considerably more interesting approach. Its 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in Turbo S trim, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system helping out. The engine is longitudinally mounted and paired with an eight-speed automatic and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. The CX-70 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
And yes, you can feel the difference. Both of these vehicles are big girls, longer and wider than some consumers may be used to. That’s especially true if they came from a compact or subcompact crossover. That’s often the case.
The QX65 is quick and responsive enough that most owners will never complain about its performance. The VC-Turbo is a noisy but clever engine, and the nine-speed transmission keeps everything moving without making a big fuss. There is some torque steer when you get on it, and the engine can make a ton of racket when you’re pushing.
But the Mazda has 72 more horsepower and 83 more lb-ft of torque. More importantly, it feels eager. Put your foot down, and the CX-70 responds with the kind of shove that makes you remember you’re driving a Mazda, not a luxury appliance.
The rear-biased architecture also gives the CX-70 a more natural feel through corners. The QX65 is certainly no wallowing luxury barge, but the Mazda feels more planted and connected when I start pushing it.
That matters to me.
Cole Attisha
Cole Attisha
Joe Santos
Joe Santos
Interior and Exterior
The QX65 is the prettier luxury statement of the two. Infiniti has done a very good job making the QX65 look expensive without simply throwing chrome everywhere. The long, low roofline gives it a sportier profile than the QX60, and the design has enough presence that people notice it. Unlike the CX-70, which looks nearly identitcal to the CX-90, the QX65 looks rather different than the QX60.
Inside, the Infiniti feels exactly like what you’d expect from a luxury brand. The materials, seats, displays, and overall presentation are upscale, and Infiniti has put considerable effort into making the cabin feel like a place you actually want to spend time in.
It’s also a genuine two-row vehicle, giving you five seats and 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Fold those seats and Infiniti says there’s as much as 67.7 cubic feet available.
Mazda
Mazda
Infiniti
Infiniti
The Mazda doesn’t have the Infiniti badge, but this is where things get interesting. Mazda has become exceptionally good at making its interiors feel more expensive than they actually are. The CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus comes with Nappa leather, a panoramic roof, premium materials, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a very driver-focused cockpit.
It doesn’t scream “luxury SUV” quite as loudly as the Infiniti. Instead, it quietly makes you wonder why you need to spend more money. Most Mazdas have outstanding interior design, but the Infiniti has a better infotainment setup. The Mazda has a single 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while the Infiniti has a dual 12.3-inch screen layout.
The Mazda is also slightly larger overall and has more useful cargo capacity, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Exterior design is subjective, of course, but I think the Infiniti wins the beauty contest while the Mazda wins the “I’d actually like to drive this thing” contest.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
Joe Santos
Price and Trims
Here’s where this comparison gets really interesting.
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 starts at $53,990 for the LUXE AWD. The SPORT starts at $55,690, while the range-topping AUTOGRAPH comes in at $63,285 before destination, taxes and options.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 starts much lower at $42,750 for the 3.3 Turbo Preferred. The Turbo Premium starts at $46,780, Turbo Premium Plus at $49,570, Turbo S Premium at $53,440 and Turbo S Premium Plus at $56,870.
That means the CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus I’m comparing here costs only $2,880 more than the base QX65 LUXE.
Think about that for a second.
For less than three grand, the Mazda gives you an inline-six, 340 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque and a much more driver-oriented chassis. The Infiniti counters with a more obvious luxury presentation, a slightly more prestigious badge and an additional 1,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
That’s a remarkably close fight.
Infiniti
Mazda
Final Thoughts
This comparison really comes down to what you want your $55,000-plus SUV to do.
If luxury is your primary concern, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 makes a very strong argument. It looks expensive, feels expensive, and has the kind of smooth (sometimes) quiet personality that makes long-distance driving easy. The QX65 is also surprisingly capable when it comes to towing, and the 6,000-pound rating gives it an advantage over the Mazda.
But I’m not most people.
I want my vehicle to make me smile when the road starts twisting. I want an engine that responds when I push the throttle. I want steering that communicates something and a chassis that doesn’t immediately tell me to calm down because I bought an SUV.
That’s where the Mazda CX-70 wins me over.
The 340-hp inline-six is fantastic, the rear-biased architecture gives it a more balanced feel, and the interior is luxurious enough that I don’t feel like I’m giving up much by skipping the Infiniti badge. It also gives me more cargo space and starts substantially lower in the lineup.
The QX65 is the one I’d recommend to someone who wants luxury first.
The CX-70 is the one I’d recommend to someone who wants luxury without forgetting that driving is supposed to be fun.
And if you know me at all, you already know which one I’m taking.
Give me the Mazda.
About the author
Nathan Adlen
Contributing Writer, Autoblog