2020 Infiniti QX50 Sensory vs 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature | The Fight to be Premium

[@PRNTestDrive]

So which would you take, and why? The Infiniti QX50 Sensory or the Mazda CX-5 Signature?

[@somabalogh5135]

Mazda

[@Ramoono]

Mazda, already did in fact :)

[@alexanderdeclercq982]

Mazda all the way, next vehicle for me will be cx5 or cx30.

[@dropthegun21]

Mazda

[@seiranablyamitov3174]

Infinity, traded in mazda cx5 2019 and bought qx50

[@paulm6481]

CX-5 is really good. I can’t accept a CVT even in non-luxury, so I pass on Infiniti. Add to that Infiniti is made in Mexico compared to Mazda quality built in Japan. And Infiniti is 15,000 more, it’s easy to decide a winner, Mazda all the way. Design for both look nice exterior but interior infotainments need updating bad.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Mazda really needs to get their updated infotainment incorporated into their vehicles. The 2021 has been announced already and there's no change from 2020, the first time they haven't refined or added actual features on this generation. Kia/Hyundai have managed to roll out their 10.25" infotainment on older vehicles like the Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq without doing a full platform update, Mazda should have been able to do that too with their crossovers.

[@nebojsa1976]

@@PRNTestDrive Well well well, you will be getting soon CX-5 2022 with inline 6 engine and it will blow away all the competition. That will be update of all updates.

[@ohcanadaeh]

I will go with Mazda CX5 Signature. Beside the pricing difference and what the CX5 offers, Mazda is much more reliabile than Infinity.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't argue with you there!

[@hondacr-vtouringguy8327]

Infiniti* Yes you’re right

[@rdm925]

I'm a 2019 CX-5 Signature owner and I think you are wrong. The Mazda is still the better value and choice. I'm not a fan of the big sunroof and don't need one. Plus I believe the Mazda is more reliable.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Don't get me wrong, the Mazda makes a whole lot of sense no matter how you slice it, it's one of the reasons we bought one back in 2017. Unlike when we compared the CX-5 to the BMW X3 or X1 though, this Infiniti actually feels like it's worth the upgrade, whereas the BMWs didn't.

[@robertdevoy3119]

Not a fan of sunroofs myself. I wish I could have deleted it on my Signature. I don't care for the sun beating down on my head and don't look up at the stars while I'm driving at night. I've had Infiniti and Nissan in the past and both had transmission problems.

[@rdm925]

@@robertdevoy3119 , Thanks I understand about the sunroof. But with the shade panel of the Mazda you don't have the sun beating on you and I prefer the regular one instead of the panaramic one. I like the tilt feature and extra light when you want it.

[@riceboi2004]

I did consider both in 2018. But at that time, CX5 didn’t have a turbo and I found the base engine too weak. I also wanted a pano roof and Mazda didn’t meet my prerequisite. At that the time QX50 wasn’t released yet, and I am glad I didn’t wait for it - that infotainment system would be a hard no for me. Ended up going w a Q5 and I’m very happy still.

[@Carfan678]

I have an A4 and love it, I love my audis 🥰

[@PRNTestDrive]

The Japanese do exterior & interior design really well, but seem to fall flat on infotainment systems. It's something all the Japanese brands are going to have to address, as none of them we've tested are as good as what the Germans and Koreans are doing.

[@robertmorris7256]

It's your money. Let's see a car built in mexico vs one built in japan, somebodys not paying attention

[@azaz911c]

For $15,000 less, the Mazda CX-5 is the choice if price is critical. That's a substantial price difference. The Infiniti is noticeably nicer though. I wouldn't fault choosing the Infiniti for those who appreciate the luxury.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's why I felt this was a good pair for a Showdown, they both bring something unique to the table and offer slightly different ownership experiences while still being really good against one another.

[@davidmoreno3370]

Just wait until you have a mechanical issue with the Infiniti. I have a 2020 CX-5 and my mom has a 2020 QX-50. I’ve never had any issues with my car vs my moms power liftgate caused it to be in the shop twice and her transmission has caused it to be in the shop 4 times spanning over 3 weeks of her not having her car. The car would shift out of gear on her especially while driving on the freeway and this was at 35k, 42k and at 52k miles on her car. I think the Infiniti is beautiful but I would rather have the premium with reliability

[@bill7481]

Interesting comparison. I love this Infiniti! It looks great, in and out. I hope Infiniti becomes successful. Lexus sells a ton of not-so-pleasing-to-the-eye vehicles. So I hope Infiniti gets rewarded for putting effort into designing something beautiful.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I hope so too! It's been a rough run for Infiniti but they have the potential to reinvent themselves with more vehicles like this.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Acura needs to wake up too!

[@dropthegun21]

You guys are exhaustive! I love it. Watching this in 2023 looking for a good used SUV.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hope it worked out for you!

[@johnnytampocao7671]

Right now that Mazda's new implementation of Turbo and new infotainment system with a much better resolution and 10.2" screen lots of buyers will choose Mazda CX-5. Their corporate logo is almost identical as well as the exterior look. I go for the CX-5 all the way I don't need a panoramic roof that sun roof of Mazda is sufficient enough, it's much reliable and fun to drive.

[@PRNTestDrive]

US buyers get the benefit of that infotainment update, unfortunately it looks like we Canadians will have to wait another full model year before we get it. But either way the Mazda is a great buy!

[@NileshR12]

The Infiniti has a smaller drivetrain tunnel in the middle of the second row compared to the Mazda. The floor is flatter in the middle of the second row of the QX50 compared to the CX-5. So that helps the QX50 feel more spacious

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough!

[@paulcu130]

For me it's the Mazda. I do own a CX 5 and I do love it so I wouldn't be able give you an impartial vote on these two. However, my main reasoning is I get a near Infiniti, Audi, Acura, Lexus, etc experience for 35% less with the CX 5. I can afford a QX 50, but I ask myself why? Now I have not test driven the QX50, but I'm not a fan of the CVT and Nissan , I feel it doesn't match Mazda for reliability. Also I much prefer the look of the Mazda. However, I am interested in the interior space, are the numbers you stated around the 4:30 mark real? Sometimes when car manufacture talk leg room and head room they don't always match the real world fit. Do you feel more comfortable in the Mazda or the QX 50 in both front and rear? I like your reviews especially your comparisons test, I think you give a very honest review. Also your Canadian. lol. I think an interesting review would be the CX 5 and Acura RDX. I feel the RDX would be the victor, but it would be interesting to see how close it would be. Keep up the good and interesting work.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! I'm always open to different Showdowns, something with the RDX would definitely be interesting!

[@chocolatewheelchair]

It’s crazy how similar they look! If you cover the badges they’re almost the same. Does the Mazda require premium gas? I’m pretty sure the Infiniti requires premium fuel.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The Infiniti requires 91, whereas Mazda says you can run the CX-5 on 87 and take a hit on power, 227 hp and 310 torque I believe, but if you go with 93 octane you get the full power. I'm sure most who buy the Mazda won't use premium anyway.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

PRN_TestDrive exactly! You definitely have experiences I can tell and know the real world consequences for going with a luxury brand, as I do as well. Premium gas with reduced fuel economy on a fast daily driver really beats up your wallet. No less full synthetic oil changes and changing all the tires at once with the AWD systems. I’m a big fan of the qx60 because you can put regular in it’s naturally aspirated engine. Plus the seats were so comfortable compared to the Q50 I leased that car got me a lot of attention and trips to gas station haha

[@chocolatewheelchair]

PRN_TestDrive I had a Mazda 3 and I drove it around NYC so much that pot holes [terrible roads there] broke the engine mounts 😳

[@kiribetio123]

Depend my mazda 3 runs on premium only.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

@@kiribetio123 waste of money. It requires regular

[@judyaustin8527]

A comparison between the Acura RDX base model and the Mazda CX 5 Signature would be interesting to watch.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I’ll see what I can do!

[@patriotsouthern8123]

Infinity’s symbol is just Mazda’s upside down.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I can sorta see it, yeah

[@doncorleon9]

Am just gonna say it, jealous of your e38.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Don't be jealous, the car isn't worth that right now. Once I finally get it fixed up and back on the road then it'll be something!

[@sergebasque8460]

Excellent content you have me thinking now about the QX50 Infinity, going for a test drive tomorrow.👍💪👏🇨🇦

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hope it works out for you! We just drove the larger QX60, Infiniti has made some improvements and their future is looking bright.

[@vince7349]

The infiniti looks good int & ext. However 15 k more for a less powerful engine, a cvt transmission, old infotainment like mazda, complicated engine tech. No thank you.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

You just lease the Infiniti and get the real luxury experience. The Mazda isn’t as impressive. The fact is the Infiniti will get you more attention and people will think you’re successful while the Mazda just makes you seem normal which isn’t a bad thing but that’s how I see it

[@ztekz]

chocolatewheelchair, wow that’s a petty reason is that why most people who buy or lease bmw is to impress and project an image that he/she is rich? I know that’s true as some actually people do that! For the legit sure but for some they only project an image of being rich but in fact only rich in debt...I’d rather be practical, low key/low profile and not project a fake image and in fact I don’t have any debts and who cares if I drive a mainstream car for practical reasons?!

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's a lot of the reason why people lease BMW, Mercedes, or other luxury brands when they'd be better off buying/leasing something like this Mazda. Any time you see someone driving an F30 BMW 320i with halogen headlights, or a CLA 250 FWD with halogen headlights is 100% because they wanted to drive something with a badge to give off the impression of being successful. That's why vehicles like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA sell well in North America, most of them are base trim without options. I personally would rather be practical also when it's my money on the line, that's why we bought the CX-5 back in 2017 in the first place.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

PRN_TestDrive dude exactly!!! My neighbor just got a new Mercedes Benz CLA 250 with halogen headlights haha

[@chocolatewheelchair]

tekz you do get an elevated driving experience when you spend more [or you should be] but if you’re a practical person there is like no reason to get a luxury brand it’s not like they’re more reliable or durable the way I used to think when I was younger

[@jbblock7691]

Thank you so much for your review I always appreciate it. I always have had this feeling that Infinity deliberately wants to go out of business through their design decisions because of the difficulties disbanding an automotive brand. Does anyone else ever feel that way ?? You gave a great review and this is purely opinion on my part but the Infinity's interior looks like it was slapped together back in the years 1998 - 2003 ! The Infiniti interior has no inspiration and no direction.. as always. I've been in all of infinity's cars and I seriously don't know what they're thinking inside and out with any cosmetic decisions, they are all bad, especially compared to competitors and we all know Nissan has the resources to do better. Infinity also has an underperforming all wheel drive system in several mechanical aspects in the Beluga (gx80) as compared to the Land cruiser and other comparable models. Mazda has an identity at least and I'm sure the next cx5 will be much more modern in less than a year.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I think Infiniti/Nissan has a dealership problem, a number of their Infiniti shops have closed down in North America, and not small shops either. It's a good effort from the QX50 but they will need to do more considering how good the competition is in the premium/luxury segment, and how good vehicles like the CX-5 are in the consumer one.

[@elitespeeds6278]

The Infiniti looks better inside and out. I’d definitely lease one.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm starting to see more of these QX50s on the road!

[@cristiplacintaru5578]

If you enjoy driving...Mazda all the way!

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's true too! Both had great rides, but Mazda's felt just a little better.

[@williamreddish6498]

So I really love the interior of the Mazda CX-5 but I don’t like the interior of the infinity, and I love the bold styling of the infinity’s exterior but I also like the exterior of the Mazda just not as much.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough! The Mazda got a tiny update on the interior for the US market in 2021, but we're expecting a full update to their crossovers soon enough.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Nah, given the price it'd rather stick with a CX-5 and buy a nice condition used Miata with the leftover cash. Oh wait, I already did this 😆

[@PRNTestDrive]

Nice! I believe that was our suggestion when we compared the CX-5 to the X1 a couple years back.

[@zuti071]

It would be refreshing to see QX50 with some good 2.0L diesel engine in Europe.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd like to see some more diesels also, but I doubt we'll get anymore here in North America. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi no longer offer diesels in Canada, the market here is almost exclusively pickup trucks now for diesel engines.

[@scottw2731]

Damn, if you borrowed this QX50 from Infiniti Sherbrooke then most likely I'm getting this exact QX50 you reviewed. Red exterior/black interior 2020 model and Sensory trim. Since you are right in front of Mazda St-Hyacinthe I'd say there is a very high probability...

[@PRNTestDrive]

I've had the pleasure to do some videos out in Sherbrooke, but this specific car came from Nissan's press fleet. I do find that manufacturers try to give dealers an exact build of the cars they're promoting with journalists in case someone watches a video or reads a review and falls in love with that exact car. I hope you enjoy yours!

[@kiribetio123]

Let be honest Mazda these days make luxury sexy looking cars.

[@PRNTestDrive]

They've really upped their game in the past 5 years, there's no doubt!

[@hondacr-vtouringguy8327]

I will always know that most of the people will pick the Mazda over the competitor

[@PRNTestDrive]

That wasn't always the case for Mazda, but over the past decade it's certainly going that way for them. Hopefully they continue on this trend of offering vehicles people want to buy.

[@hondacr-vtouringguy8327]

@@PRNTestDrive Yeah. Mazdas are so nice. So are Hondas!

[@dropthegun21]

CVT killed it for me.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That ends up being the case for a lot of people also.

[@emiliotaveras8091]

Mazda all the way.more reliable and 15 thousand less, are you kidding me.mazda has everything that the qx50 offers or even more.heated steering wheels and cool seat, real leather.. dumb go put your money in the garbage.mazda drive like a king and is one of the most reliable cars out there

[@PRNTestDrive]

Mazda is doing great things, no doubt! The CX-5 gets better for 2021 in the US also, making it even more compelling.

[@ericb.4358]

INFINITY CVT transmission? GAK! Had a CVT tranny in a Prius v and hated it. RELIABILITY? Better choose the CX-5 HANDLING? Better choose the CX-5 Gotta disagree re. the interiors. The CX-5 is DIFFERENT but JUST AS GOOD as the QX-50 in terms of quality. Ex. CX-5 has REAL WOOD trim. The QX50? No wood. CX-5 has Nappa leather seats and trim. Not the QX50.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@TipToh17]

It should be mazda vs infinit and acura vs lexus

[@PRNTestDrive]

I don't think Acura competes at the same level as Lexus. Not in terms of luxury, or performance.

[@kizo172]

Great video and comparison as always. But with all due respect Id never pick an Infiniti over even a hyundai. Infinity and Nissan group in whole is the god of worthless innovations. CVTs and VC turbos and still its 2L has worse gas mileage than an old 2.5L with old 6speed LOL. And that old interior design and dual screen oh god! Infinity is a ghetto luxury brand that Id avoid at all costs specially in this $60k ludicrous cost. Or at least as long as they throw cheap CVTs in everything.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The CVT is definitely going to be an issue for a number of buyers when it comes to the Infiniti, but there's a large group of people who buy cars just to have a set of wheels and aren't worried about the specifics and end up buying this.

[@misterbean8709]

It is like comparing Levis with a jeans from a road side vendor. Both are jeans!

[@PRNTestDrive]

oof

[@MrAntoniorey]

Ok, you convinced to buy a Cx5

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it, enjoy it!

[@zksstalstawidlo9015]

Infinity looks great.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you like it!

[@valdiswallace830]

Sorry the CX -5 is still a better car with the features and also for 2021 it will have a update infotainment system.

[@PRNTestDrive]

In the US, it does! Sadly here in Canada we don’t get the updated infotainment system.

[@blackshine007]

But which is faster?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Probably the Infiniti.

[@thevileone91]

I was shopping for a CX-5 but it's now considerably more expensive than a qx-50 with AWD and turbo (used)

[@PRNTestDrive]

Just goes to show how the supply and demand market works! Doesn't seem to be a lot of resale interest in the Infinitis these days.

[@robertmorris7256]

So your telling me, a car built in mexico is equal to one built in japan,(TOTAL B/S) CHECK CONSUMER REPORTS

[@PRNTestDrive]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ltwig476]

The greatest downfall in the CX5 is the handling. Simple fix is to purchase Mazda 9 wheels and tires at 1st tire change. Then the CX5 will out handle any car in its segment. 31 mpg with 300 lb feet of torque is no joke!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough!

[@jrnechannel1743]

Exterior mazda's look is more luxurious!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@ermanjones7787]

I drove infinity I picked bought CX5 turbo infinity was 7,000. More

[@PRNTestDrive]

Good choice!

[@ontarioman6301]

Nissan CVT will break. 7,000 to replace. The drive is also numb. It is a shame what Nissan has become ever since buying jatco

[@PRNTestDrive]

It would have been a smart move on Infiniti's part to use the Mercedes 9G-Tronic transmission they're using in the Titan for this, that would have helped.

[@fredwalsh4108]

Mazda over a Nissan any day

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@fredwalsh4108]

Infinity has a bad reputation in Australia sorry, A Nissan is a Nissan

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@RealKevGotEm]

Actually some of the Mazda’s are made in Mexico, so that is sort of false.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Some of their vehicles, sure, but the CX-5 doesn't have a production facility in Mexico unless something has changed in the last several months.

[@RealKevGotEm]

@@PRNTestDrive which is why i said its not completely false lmao.

[@FaisalKhan-pp6th]

2020 Mazda CX-30 Made in Mexico

[@王敦鑫-d9o]

ＣＸ5~good

[@PRNTestDrive]

We think so too!

[@randomthoughts1001]

CVT 🤮

[@PRNTestDrive]

Not the most exciting acronym for enthusiasts.

[@ItsChrisWorld]

Infiniti looks better inside and out. The Mazda looks extremely cheap inside.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@jiachangwu1]

People who go for Mazda are belong to lower brand.

[@ontarioman6301]

I guess you don't know about cars s. Infinity are crap. They fall apart

[@chief8079]

Mazdas are all show no go. Maybe they'd sell better if they were more practical compared to other competitors.

[@sabymondal]

What is the use of brand if the car is not reliable.

[@PRNTestDrive]

i see