2025 INFINITI QX80 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The QX80 offered various trim levels, each with unique features, and its interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting. However, the use of shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants, boasted a luxurious appearance with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly rendered interior with Nappa leather and polished metallic trim. However, some design-related complaints arose, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs, offering a premium feel.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the previous V8's output. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80's air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80's handling remained average for its size, and the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered more power, with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, providing a dynamic driving experience, but the drivetrain's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall refinement.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats for easy reconfiguration. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 offered heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The CX-90's panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and the second-row seats offered elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's cargo space was limited, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, along with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for climate control. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The QX80 supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim level, with a 24-speaker version available on higher trims. The QX80 also offered a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and a digital rearview camera.

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

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 offered Nissan's ProPilot Assist highway-driving assistance system, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, but the speed reduction feature was irritating, and the audible warning systems were excessive.