Mazda CX-90 vs. Infiniti QX60: An SUV Comparison

Drivers who are in the market for a stylish and beautiful mid-size crossover SUV want vehicles that combine elegance with functionality, advanced technology, and powerful performance on the road. The Mazda CX-90 and Infiniti QX60 are two standout options in this competitive market, each offering unique and appealing features. Both these modern three-row SUV models promise a luxurious ride tailored to modern drivers, but the best option is subject to debate. Let’s take a look.

Comparing the Mazda CX-90 to the Infiniti QX60

In the world of three-row midsize crossover SUVs, a little bit of luxury goes a long way. From Mazda’s bold styling, interior luxury, and powerful powertrain options to Infiniti’s handsome design, practical storage, and minimalist interior, several points are worth comparing between both these family-oriented crossover SUVs.

Design and Interior Features

For all intents and purposes, the Infiniti QX60 is just a dressed-up Nissan Pathfinder — remember that Infiniti serves as Nissan’s luxury brand — but its exterior design is quite distinct. The Infiniti is curvier, and more aesthetically pleasing than the boxy Nissan, offering drivers an upscale appearance that can be further highlighted by adding a bold lighting package. In the interior, the Infiniti is similarly luxurious, offering all the standards of its class: heated and ventilated leather seats, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and seating for up to seven people.

When it comes to style, the Mazda, immediately shines. Enhanced by the KODO design philosophy, which emphasizes natural curves, smooth lines, and plays of light shadow, the exterior of the CX-90, Mazda’s largest vehicle, is a visual piece of art that flows when driving and when parked. Inside, Mazda emphasizes beauty and elegance, focusing on a driver-centric interior that offers high-end enhancements such as heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a three-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter, and seating for up to eight people.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

When it comes to driving experience, the Mazda CX-90 and the Infiniti QX60 cater to different preferences. Where the Mazda offers a smoother, dynamic, and sportier ride, the Infiniti focuses more on comfort and luxury.

This starts with the engines of both vehicles. To boost its performance and responsiveness, the Mazda CX-90 offers a standard inline six-cylinder 3.3L turbo engine that offers up to 280 horsepower (hp) with 332 pound-feet( lb-ft) of torque. While all Mazda SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the CX-90 has a rear-wheel drive architecture (called rear-biased AWD) that creates a more balanced feel on the road and more responsive handling. Mazda pairs this with a refined steering and suspension system built with the driver in mind and enhanced by an electronic power assist steering (EPAS) and the e-SKYACTIV® transmission.

The Infiniti QX60, on the other hand, emphasizes comfort and luxury over athleticism. While AWD is available on this model, its base is built on a front-wheel-drive platform, making AWD an upgrade. This is paired with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that gets a max of 268 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque. The result is the more relaxed handling that, while adequate, lacks the sporty feel and agility of the CX-90.

Technology and Safety Features

The Mazda CX-90 and Infiniti QX60 both offer robust technology and safety suites, but they differ in their approach and execution. Infiniti puts a lot of emphasis on driver convenience and pairs an easy-to-use 12.3-inch touchscreen display, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror with its InTouch infotainment system and a suite of driver assistance features.

Among those safety enhancements are common items such as braking assist, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring alongside some upgraded features embedding into Infiniti’s ProPILOT Assist, which includes lane centering and advanced adaptive cruise control for a semi-autonomous driving experience.

For its part, the CX-90 also offers a 12.3-inch display that drivers operate using a rotary dial that becomes a touchscreen when wirelessly paired with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Drivers can also take advantage of Mazda’s Connected Services app which allows them to locate the vehicle, start the engine, and lock and unlock the doors remotely.

Safety is another strong point. The CX-90 comes with Mazda’s i-Activsense® safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, Mazda has enhanced the CX-90 with features like a driver attention alert system and available 360-degree camera, leading to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 earning both of the industry’s highest safety accolades: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Comfort and Convenience

The Mazda CX-90 and Infiniti QX60 both offer high levels of comfort, but they cater to slightly different priorities in convenience and cabin experience. The CX-90’s interior is designed for seven or eight passengers, with a minimalist and premium feel, featuring upscale materials like Nappa leather and available wood trim. Mazda’s focus on driver-centric controls contributes to a clean and distraction-free layout, although it offers upgrades such as a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and illuminated LED lighting in the front footwells, front and rear center console area, and front and rear door pockets.

The Infiniti QX60 leans more toward traditional luxury and family-focused convenience. The interior seats up to eight people and is built for luxury and comfort at every angle. Designers made several passenger-focused decisions, such as offering several charging ports and large storage areas. It also offers super-enhanced upgrades such as heated and ventilated seats throughout the cabin and massaging front seats and lumbar support.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to price, the luxury badge of the Infiniti pulls through, with a price tag well above that of the more cost-efficient CX-90. In fact, the lowest level trim of the Infiniti QX60, its Pure model, starts at around $52,000. By contrast, only the highest trim level of the CX-90, the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, comes in higher at a $56,450 starting price. All five other CX-90 trim options start at $52,000 or less, whereas the highest-level QX60, pricing starts at $66,150.

Why Choose the Mazda CX-90?

Clearly, both the Infiniti QX60 and the Mazda CX-90 have a lot to offer drivers looking for the best mid-size crossover SUVs. However, at the end of the day, the Mazda CX-90 is the clear choice, not only because of its much lower price tag, but also because of the design and performance that go along with that lower price.

Superior Design and Craftsmanship

First, the Mazda CX-90 stands out from the QX60 in both design and craftsmanship, thanks to its bold, yet refined aesthetic and Mazda’s meticulous attention to detail. The exterior of the CX-90 is notable for its seamless use of the KODO design philosophy, emphasizing sleek, flowing lines and a sculpted, natural flow.

While the interior of the QX60 is nice, it is standard in the luxury SUV market. The CX-90, by contrast, is not even classed as a “luxury” SUV, yet it offers an interior that uses premium materials like Nappa leather, genuine wood, and brushed metal trim. The result is a sophisticated, cohesive interior environment that feels both upscale and inviting.

Dynamic Performance and Driving Experience

The second reason to choose the Mazda CX-90 over the QX60 is its performance. The CX-90 delivers an engaging and dynamic driving experience that starts with its new inline-six turbocharged engine, which it pairs with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, providing a more balanced and responsive feel on the road. In addition, the CX-90’s powertrain delivers higher horsepower and torque, allowing for smooth, powerful acceleration and more agility around corners. While the QX60 offers a comfortable ride and decent power, it lacks the sporty, driver-focused dynamics of the CX-90, making the Mazda more appealing to those who prioritize an exhilarating driving experience.

Experience the Mazda CX-90 at DePaula Mazda

From its style to its driving dynamics to its incredible value, the Mazda CX-90 has a lot to offer drivers looking for a capable and modern three-row SUV. However, the only real way to know if the CX-90 is right for you is to drive it yourself. Stop on by DePaula Mazda in Albany, NY, to schedule your test drive with the Mazda CX-90 today.