Luxury cars used to be all about showing you’d made it. Big chrome grilles, soft suspensions, and a badge everyone recognized were the whole point.
That idea has changed fast. These days, luxury is more about a quiet cabin, smart tech that doesn’t annoy you, smooth driving manners, and features that make everyday life easier.
That’s exactly why brands like Mazda have moved into territory once owned by names like BMW. With classy interiors, sharp engineering, and upscale touches throughout, some mainstream SUVs now feel premium without the premium badge.
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Why the 2026 BMW X3 still sets the entry-level luxury SUV benchmark
What defines the entry-level luxury SUV segment today
The 2026 BMW X3 sits right in that sweet spot for entry-level luxury SUVs. It’s bigger and more grown-up than the X1, but not as bulky or over-the-top as the X5.
As one of the best-selling compact luxury SUVs from Europe, it’s basically the reference point for the segment. It nails the core stuff too—strong performance, solid tech, a refined drive, and that BMW badge people still care about—without really dropping the ball anywhere obvious.
The 2026 BMW X3 has the luxury interior execution but not the richness
Step inside the 2026 X3, and the first thing you notice is how dialed-in everything feels. The cabin is clean and orderly, with a layout that just makes sense, and the build quality is tight and consistent throughout.
It looks the part of a luxury SUV, but it doesn’t quite go all the way in terms of richness. The entry X3 30 xDrive leans on synthetic leather and metallic-style trim, which do a decent job visually but don’t fully match the depth or feel of more premium BMW interiors.
The BMW X3 isn’t the roomiest in its class but it’s one of the most efficient
The X3 gets its packaging pretty right, balancing a compact exterior with a cabin that’s actually easy to live with. Like most top players in the still-growing compact SUV space, it comfortably fits up to five people and has enough cargo room for everyday stuff, all without feeling oversized in traffic.
You sit high enough to get that typical SUV view of the road, but not so high that it feels disconnected or floaty. It still feels planted and car-like enough to make city driving and tighter roads simple.
The BMW X3 is affordably priced but can climb quickly with options
The 2026 X3 kicks off at a price that feels pretty accessible for buyers moving into the luxury SUV space, but it doesn’t take much for that number to climb.
BMW keeps things simple with just two versions—the base X3 30 xDrive and the performance-focused M50 xDrive—rather than a long ladder of trims. That means you’re often paying extra for upgraded materials, tech, and features, and the price can ramp up fast, especially compared to mainstream rivals that bundle more equipment for less money up front.
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The 2026 Mazda CX-70 has luxury features that rival the BMW X3
Blending price, premium materials, and driving dynamics
The biggest thing that stands out about the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is how naturally it lands at its price point. It doesn’t try to punch down into mainstream SUV pricing, and it doesn’t chase luxury badges just for the sake of it.
Instead, it delivers the most premium-feeling package it can at a price that still feels reasonable. The result is a balanced SUV that focuses on upscale usability without overreaching in either direction.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 interior feels premium yet welcoming
Spread across five trims, the 2026 CX-70 builds up its equipment levels in clear steps, with very few standalone options to complicate things.
Move up the range and the cabin starts to feel properly upscale, with available Nappa leather, real wood trim, and a layered dashboard design that looks carefully considered rather than thrown together. The mix of textures is simple but effective, giving the interior a warm, inviting feel that really lifts the overall atmosphere.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 delivers luxury in clear steps
The 2026 CX-70 takes a slightly different approach to how it’s packaged, thanks in part to an interior that stretches out more than many rivals sitting in that compact-to-midsize overlap. Instead of squeezing in extra seats like its three-row sibling, it uses the space to create a more relaxed, open cabin feel.
That extra breathing room is especially noticeable for rear passengers, who get generous legroom, while the added width makes the whole cabin feel less cramped for everyone on board. It’s a layout that prioritizes comfort and space for people and their gear over maximum seating capacity.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers more standard equipment with fewer options
The CX-70 keeps its pricing strategy pretty simple: move up through the trims and you get more, but the overall value still stays strong compared to what you’d expect. Sitting near the top end of the mainstream family SUV space, it comes loaded with more standard equipment than most rivals, along with higher-quality materials, nicer design details, and more advanced tech.
It does limit how much you can mix and match options, but that trade-off works in its favor. Instead of building a highly customized SUV, buyers end up with a better-equipped package than most mainstream compacts—or even some smaller luxury SUVs—without the usual premium price jump.
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How the 2026 Mazda CX-70 stacks up against the BMW X3
Where the Mazda CX-70 matches and challenges entry-level luxury SUVs
It’s not exactly a common cross-shop scenario—someone looking at a 2026 X3 probably isn’t automatically putting a 2026 CX-70 on the same shortlist. But there are still areas where Mazda’s offering stacks up surprisingly well against it.
Each SUV has its own strengths that can sway a buyer one way or the other, depending on what matters most. Once you start weighing those differences, the gap isn’t as wide as the badge prestige would suggest, and the final decision can end up feeling closer than expected.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70’s warm interior contrasts with the BMW X3’s cooler feel
When you line up the CX-70’s interior against the X3, the Mazda surprisingly comes out ahead in several everyday areas. Even though it sits a step below on the near-luxury ladder, higher-trim CX-70 models feel more inviting and cohesive when matched against entry-level X3 versions at similar pricing.
The cabin design flows more naturally, and the overall atmosphere feels warmer and less rigid. BMW counters with a more high-tech, minimalist approach that prioritizes digital sophistication over warmth.
It’s impressive, but the learning curve and interface complexity won’t appeal to everyone. Some buyers may prefer the CX-70’s more straightforward and immediately comfortable setup.
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.3L Turbo SKYACTIV-G I6
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
280 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
332 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
24/28/25 MPG
- Make
-
Mazda
- Model
-
CX-70
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is more richly equipped than the BMW X3 for the money
By the time you reach the higher end of the 2026 CX-70 lineup, pricing starts to overlap with the entry-level X3 30 xDrive. At that point, the Mazda’s stronger material quality and roomier feel start to stand out against the BMW’s more restrained luxury execution.
You can get into a well-equipped CX-70 for around $42,250—roughly $10,000 less than the X3 30 xDrive, even when similarly equipped. Move up to the CX-70 Premium Plus, and you’re still saving about $1,800 while getting more features for the money.
Step up again to the $53,240 CX-70 S Premium and you get the same equipment level but with a more powerful 3.3-liter turbo inline-six.
|
Mazda CX-70 Premium Plus |
BMW X3 30 xDrive |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Starting price |
$49,570 |
$51,300 |
|
Upholstery |
Nappa leather |
Faux leather |
|
Heated seats |
Front and rear |
Front, rear optional |
|
Ventilated front seats |
Standard |
Optional |
|
Heated steering wheel |
Standard |
Optional package |
|
Rear window shades |
Standard |
Optional |
|
Surround sound system |
Standard 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint |
Optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon |
Mazda CX-70 composure may feel more luxurious than the BMW X3’s driving performance
When you compare the X3’s powertrain and performance with the CX-70, the BMW still comes out ahead in most traditional driving metrics. But the two SUVs are clearly aiming at different priorities.
The X3’s turbocharged four-cylinder is efficient and punchy, but it doesn’t have the same low-end smoothness or linear pull as the CX-70’s turbo inline-six. BMW also holds the edge in agility and sharpness thanks to its tighter tuning and smaller footprint.
That said, a growing number of buyers care less about razor-sharp handling and more about a calm, composed cruising experience.
|
Mazda CX-70 |
BMW X3 30 xDrive |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
3.3-liter turbo inline-6 mild hybrid |
2.0-liter inline-4 mild hybrid |
|
Transmission |
8-speed auto |
8-speed auto |
|
Power |
280 hp |
255 hp |
|
Torque |
332 lb-ft |
295 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
All-wheel drive |
All-wheel drive |
|
Range |
462 miles |
499 miles |
|
Efficiency city |
24 mpg |
27 mpg |
|
Efficiency highway |
28 mpg |
33 mpg |
|
Efficiency combined |
25 mpg |
29 mpg |
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The 2026 Mazda CX-70 feels more luxurious than the 2026 BMW X3
Where Mazda’s comfort-focused approach challenges BMW’s entry-level luxury SUV
There’s no denying the 2026 CX-70 pushes back on the idea that luxury needs a premium badge, even if that’s still how most buyers shop. It offers a more inviting interior than an established compact luxury SUV like the X3, along with more usable space for passengers and cargo. It also leans into a smoother, more relaxed driving experience at a price that matches—or slightly undercuts—the X3.
For a growing number of buyers, luxury is shifting away from badge prestige and sporty credentials and toward how a vehicle feels in daily use. Comfort, simplicity, and value are becoming the new markers, and in that context the CX-70 doesn’t just keep up with the X3—it can feel like it goes a step further.
It’s a direction Mazda is clearly leaning into across its SUV lineup.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 matches CX-70 luxury but with tighter seating
The 2026 CX-90 is essentially a CX-70 with an extra row of seats, making it the obvious step-up if you like the CX-70 but need more passenger space. It carries over the same trim structure, materials, and powertrain, so the overall luxury feel remains very familiar.
That extra row does come with a trade-off, though, as rear seating in the second and third rows feels tighter compared to the CX-70. It also pushes the CX-90 closer to the larger BMW X5 in terms of segment positioning, which brings a different set of comparisons into play.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 matches the BMW X3 in size but not much else
In terms of size, the 2026 CX-5 is probably the closest match to the X3, and it still holds its own as an enjoyable, well-rounded drive. It also brings plenty of features and upgraded tech that push it closer to the BMW’s level than you might expect.
It follows a similar trim strategy to the larger CX-70 and delivers strong material quality for a compact SUV. That said, it doesn’t quite match the same warmth or refinement, which keeps it more in the premium space rather than a true luxury alternative.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
