Here’s a dilemma worth pondering: should you go for a brand-new Toyota Corolla or a gently-used Infiniti Q70L for the same price? On the surface, it might seem like a no-brainer.
The Infiniti Q70L, the brand’s largest luxury sedan to date, debuted in 2015. It offered limo-like rear legroom and an interior crafted to reflect Japanese hospitality.
Though the Q70L is no longer in production, its appeal remains strong—especially when used models come in at compact car prices. But as with any used luxury car, there’s more to consider than just the sticker.
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Today, used car prices mean you can pick up Infiniti’s former flagship sedan for around the same cost as a brand-new 2025 Toyota Corolla. But just because the prices match up doesn’t automatically make the Infiniti the smarter buy.
If you’re considering both options, it’s worth investigating them further before making a decision. Let’s examine where your money might be better spent.
In this matchup, we’re putting the discontinued Infiniti Q70L—evaluated as a used purchase—up against the brand-new 2025 Toyota Corolla. All specifications and pricing details come directly from the manufacturers.
The Infiniti Q70L: Big, Bold, and Luxurious
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2016 Infiniti Q70L Specifications |
|
|
Engine |
3.7-liter V6 NA gas / 5/6-liter V8 NA gas |
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Power |
330 hp / 416 hp |
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Torque |
270 lb-ft / 414 lb-ft |
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Drive |
RWD / AWD |
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Transmission |
7-AT |
For the 2015 model year, Infiniti refreshed its flagship Q70 luxury sedan, setting the stage for the longer-wheelbase Q70L that debuted in 2016. This version was all about extra space and comfort.
The Q70L’s wheelbase was stretched by 5.9 inches compared to the standard model. Nearly all of that extra length went straight into the rear seats, adding 5.6 inches of legroom and 5.9 inches of knee room—even though the original back seat was already roomy.
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The Q70L was offered with both V6 and V8 engine options and the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. With strong powertrains and spacious rear seating, drivers up front could enjoy a cabin trimmed in leather, wood, and metal that showcased Infiniti’s peak design and craftsmanship of the era.
Underneath the luxury, the Q70L also carries a touch of performance, thanks to its shared DNA with high-performing Nissan models like the M45x. At the time, it competed with rivals such as the Genesis G90, Kia K900, and Jaguar XJ.
When it comes to high-end features, the Q70L offers intelligent key fobs that can remember the driver’s preferred climate, audio, and navigation settings. It also includes an easy entry/exit system that moves the seat and steering wheel for a more graceful arrival and departure.
Safety and driver assistance technology was abundant at the time. Among the available options, expect features like blind spot warning, intelligent cruise control, and lane departure prevention.
The Q70L offered two solid engines: a reliable 3.7-liter V6 or a more powerful 5.6-liter V8 with direct injection. Both engines were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission featuring rev-matching and paddle shifters for a sportier feel.
The system could send up to 50 percent of the available power to the front wheels when equipped with all-wheel drive. This kicked in automatically when traction levels dropped, adding confidence in slippery conditions.
What the Q70L Cost Back Then—and What It Costs Now vs. A 2025 Corolla
When it debuted, the Q70L with a V6 and rear-wheel drive started in the low $50,000s, while models equipped with the 5.6-liter V8 kicked off in the mid-$60,000 range. A fully loaded version with V8 power and all-wheel drive carried a sticker price of around $67,000—before adding any options.
Fast-forward to today, and the story is very different. According to AutoTempest, a budget of $27,000 can get you into a lightly used Q70L, often less than 10 years old and with fewer than 50,000 miles on the clock.
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2016 Infiniti Q70L MSRP |
|
|
Q70L 3.7 |
$51,350 |
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Q70L 3.7 AWD |
$53,500 |
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Q70L 5.6 |
$64,550 |
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Q70L 5.6 AWD |
$67,050 |
If you stretch your budget to around $30,000, a wider selection of low-mileage Q70L models becomes available. That places a well-kept example of Infiniti’s former flagship sedan in the same price range as a well-equipped 2025 Toyota Corolla.
Most Corolla trims cost between $25,000 and $30,000, depending on features and options. This surprising overlap puts two very different cars into direct competition.
So, Should You Pick the Q70L Over a Corolla?
If you’ve got $25,000–$30,000 to spend on a sedan, you’re facing a real decision. The Corolla and Q70L were built for very different buyers, which means each offers its own mix of strengths and compromises.
Fuel costs are a major factor to weigh. The Q70L’s spacious rear seat might impress your carpool crew, but you might want to split the fuel bill with them.
According to the EPA, a 2025 Corolla Hybrid will cost around $1,000 per year in fuel, while non-hybrid versions run closer to $1,450. In contrast, a Q70L with the V6 will burn about $3,100 annually, and the V8 version climbs to roughly $3,500—more than double the cost of going the same distance.
Maintenance and service are another consideration. Toyota dealerships are easy to find, while Infiniti locations are fewer and farther between.
The brand-new Corolla also comes with full factory warranty and roadside assistance, giving you more peace of mind. Meanwhile, any Q70L will be well past its warranty period, which could mean more responsibility—and expense—on your part.
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Don’t overlook maintenance costs. If you’re coming from an economy car, you might be surprised by how much more expensive tires, brakes, fluids, filters, and suspension parts can be on a full-size luxury sedan like the Q70L.
The Q70L is also larger and less nimble than a new Corolla, which can make tight city parking more challenging. Its size and weight may also impact the ease of everyday driving in congested areas.
That said, there are still compelling reasons to consider the Infiniti. It could be a rewarding buy if you can find a well-maintained, low-mileage Q70L with clean service records and a solid pre-purchase inspection.
The Q70L delivers a level of space, quiet, and refinement that few Japanese sedans have ever matched. It also offers two well-regarded, naturally aspirated powertrains that showcase the best of Infiniti’s engineering from that era.
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The 3.7-liter V6 and 7-speed automatic found in the Q70L were widely used across Infiniti’s lineup for years, making parts and service relatively easy to come by. The 5.6-liter V8 offers impressive low-end torque and smooth, effortless power delivery for those not deterred by fuel costs.
The Corolla is clearly the more practical choice, with lower running costs and newer safety and tech features. Still, for the same upfront price—and about twice the fuel expense—the Q70L offers a driving experience, interior quality, and overall presence worthy of a true luxury flagship.
If you frequently carry tall passengers or need serious rear-seat space, the Q70L makes an especially strong case. In the end, it all comes down to what you value most—but it’s nice to have such different options in the same price range.
Sources: AutoTempest, EPA, Infiniti, Toyota
