Everybody wants luxury status without paying luxury prices. In truth, the best way to achieve that is by looking to the used market. However, used luxury cars could end up costing far more in maintenance than they might be worth. So, what's the next logical step? Mazda. Mazda is not exactly a true luxury brand — we wouldn't place it in direct competition with brands like BMW, that is. However, it's a solid halfway point with models like the CX-90 and CX-70. While the upper trim levels can get relatively expensive, they generally cost less than a "true" luxury car.Mazda's current lineup consists of eight core models, with some being offered as plug-in hybrid variants, as well. The 2026 lineup includes compacts, sports cars, crossovers, and larger SUVs. In this article, we'll specifically focus on the two largest models, the CX-70 and the CX-90. These two SUVs have high trim levels that give luxury brands a run for their money. We will, however, compare them to their direct rivals at the end. Two Mazda Models With The Best Luxury Experiences MazdaWhile almost every Mazda on sale today has high trim levels that introduce plenty of comfort and luxury features, the CX-70 and the CX-90 are the most luxurious of the bunch. These two SUVs are extremely similar, since they're built on the same platform, share powertrains, and more. Here are more details about the powertrains and pricing for each SUV model. 2026 Mazda CX-90 MazdaThe 2026 CX-90 is a three-row midsize SUV with rivals like the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer. It can seat up to eight occupants when properly equipped — seating capacity depends on trim level and, in some cases, buyers must choose the right option to configure their ride. Two powertrains are available; the standard variant gets a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild hybrid assistance, while the PHEV gets a smaller engine paired with plug-in hybrid tech for comparable total outputs. No matter how you configure your CX-90, you'll always have standard all-wheel drive.There are six trims with the 3.3L I6 engine, which start with the 3.3 Turbo Select trim for $38,800, and tops out at $57,370 for the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus trim. Buyers can also choose among three plug-in hybrid trims. These include the PHEV Preferred for $50,495, the PHEV Premium Sport for $55,300, and the PHEV Premium Plus for $58,500 before destination and options. 2026 Mazda CX-70 MazdaThere's not too much more to say about the CX-70's powertrains, since they're the exact same options as the CX-90. On the less-expensive side, there's a mild hybrid inline-six-cylinder. If you want some all-electric range and better fuel economy, then go for the plug-in hybrid system. The main difference between the two models comes down to seating capacity: the CX-70 only has room for up to five people, since it eliminates the third row. As our road tester found in our CX-70 test drive, the interior looks like it belongs in a much more expensive car.Despite offering fewer seats, the CX-70 starts at a higher price point than the CX-90. There are five trims available with the 3.3-liter engine; the 3.3 Turbo Preferred kicks it off at $42,250, and the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus tops the charts at $56,670 before destination. The PHEV is surprisingly not that much more expensive. There are only two trims — the PHEV SC starts at $44,250, and the PHEV SC Plus starts at $47,250. Luxury Inside And Out: Mazda Features 2026 Mazda CX-90 Luxury Features MazdaThese Mazda SUVs get even more interesting when you step inside. According to our road tester, the CX-90's interior design is knocked out of the park. Our tester came with tan Nappa Leather with plenty of suede-like trims. If you were to remove the Mazda badge, one might think they were in a more expensive car. Looking at the top trim level for 2026, we can see the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus comes with tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front and second row seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and more. 2026 Mazda CX-70 Luxury Features MazdaThe CX-70 is a similar story to the CX-90 once again. It might come with fewer seats, but Mazda didn't exclude any features. In fact, we feel as though this is the better vehicle, since you won't be tempted to squeeze adults into a somewhat cramped third row. Nevertheless, its top trim level comes with a host of luxury features as well. These include the same features we mentioned in the CX-90's passage, plus quilted Nappa leather seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, retractable window shades for the second row, and more. Mazda SUV Rivals Compared 2026 Honda Pilot Black Edition HondaRivaling the Mazda CX-90 is the three-row midsize Honda Pilot. Honda takes a different approach to the segment. Instead of making their SUV as luxurious as possible at this price point, it gave the Pilot a rugged, off-road-oriented trim level and other family-friendly options. That said, buyers can choose the most expensive trim for more comfort features. The Pilot Black Label comes with features like a 12-speaker Bose audio system, perforated leather-trimmed seats with quilted suede accents and contrast piping, heated and ventilated front seats, rear-door integrated sunshades, and more. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy HyundaiIn the opposite corner from the Mazda CX-70 is the Hyundai Santa Fe. It comes with your choice between a standard gas-only engine, or a regular hybrid system, unlike the Honda Pilot with its one engine option; its powertrain specs are in the table above. It's hard to imagine a Hyundai that could compete with Mazda or any other premium brand, but the Santa Fe does it with the Calligraphy trim. Its top trim level comes with Nappa leather upholstery, driver's seat leg cushion extension, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic dual-zone climate control, rear side sunshades, and more. All The Luxury Benefits, Only Some Luxury Prices MazdaMazda isn't a cheap brand by any means, but its quality, power, and luxury features certainly make its models feel more expensive than they are. The CX-70 and CX-90 are two midsize SUVs that share powertrains and many features. By the time you make your way up the line to their top trim levels, you'll find luxury features typically reserved for true luxury brands. They might not be the cheapest SUVs, but they offer more than their prices suggest.Sources: Mazda, Honda, Hyundai