My girlfriend was in need of a new car. She wanted something with good safety, all wheel drive, and enough extra cargo capacity that dogs and furniture could be transported with ease. She wanted something with upscale features like power leather heated seats, climate control, full trip computer and a fully adjustable steering wheel.
On her short list were the Acura MDX, BMW X3, Infinity RX330 and, almost as an afterthought, the relative newcomer to the small luxo sport-ute segment, the Infiniti FX35.
The Infiniti FX35 is Nissan's entry into the newly burgeoning "sports crossover" segment. Crossover sports vehicles embody many of the advantages of an SUV (all wheel drive, higher ground clearance, cargo capacity) in a smaller, sportier, more fuel efficient package. Infiniti seems to have built and targeted the FX for the younger driver, or someone who wants a sportier ride than most mid or full size SUVs can offer.
Cosmetically the FX has a very distinctive look to it, much sportier looking than it's competitors it doesn't look like a box with a chrome badge (Acura MDX, Lexus RX330, *cough* *cough*). The FX avoids the large door ding protection strips that mar the looks of many other sport utility vehicles in this segment. With it's big rims and sporty sedan-like appearance the FX looks more like a testosterone infused greyhound than a lounge around basset hound. While the FX has slightly lower cargo capacity than some other offerings, when the rear seats are folded down it was still cavernous enough to allow us to transport a large desk with ease. For those with kids the FX features the L.A.T.C.H. system with improved child seating anchors and thousands of child seats tested with and approved for use in the vehicle. The vehicle earns 5-star front and side crash ratings and comes equipped standard with front, side, AND curtain airbags that protect front and rear passengers, plus a rollover sensor that keeps airbags inflated longer in the event of a rollover crash.
The FX is built on an entirely new platform and is not simply a "dolled up" version of the Nissan Murano, which is built on a completely different chassis. The FX35 is powered by the same buttery-smooth 3.5 liter V6 motor that is found in the Infinity G35 sports sedan (an even beefier V8 is standard in the FX45). The engine provides gobs of torque (and 315 horsepower) and can easily accelerate the 4300 lb vehicle to 60mph in under eight seconds. Infiniti has tweaked the exhaust system to provide a growling note to the engine. There's no mistaking the sound of the FX when it is started up... the deep growl it emanates is unlike that of any other sport utility on the market.
My girlfriend and I have found fuel economy to be surprisingly good for an SUV, her FX averages about 16mpg around town and about 20 on the highway at 75mph. While this is low compared to a sedan, it is quite good compared to domestic monster SUVs that see single digits around town and 12-16mpg at real world highway speeds.
The transmission is a 5 speed automatic with manual sports mode override. The sports override is accomplished by pushing the gearshift to the right (into sports mode) and then the driver can pick the gear that she wants, as the car decelerates below 1800rpm it will automatically shift down into lower gear. The sports mode gives enthusiastic drivers more control, for example, being able to keep the vehicle at higher RPM while driving twisty mountain roads.
While a RWD model is available, most FX35's will be equipped with the moderately priced AWD option. The Infiniti AWD system has a rear wheel bias to give the car a sportier feel. The car will predominantly operate as a rear wheel drive vehicle, shifting power to the front wheels when it detects any wheel slip or when sensors in the chassis and wheels detect certain motions, such as those induced in curves, and shifts power to the front for better control. A snow switch is available for tough conditions, forcing power to be split 50/50 front and rear until the vehicle reaches 30mph. The FX also comes standard with VDC (vehicle dynamic control) which is Infiniti's traction control system, if a wheel is slipping or sensors detect the vehicle is not tracking correctly it will automatically pulse brakes to get the vehicle back on track.
I have driven the FX in icy conditions and have to say that it handles pretty well, with the ABS, AWD and VDC all coming into play to keep things under control. The vehicle slips around a little more than my Quattro equipped Audi A4 but much of that can be attributed to the sporty rubber that the FX comes with standard. If you equip the FX with a serious winter tire like the Dunlop Wintersport or Bridgestone Blizzak it should be able to handle just about anything that winter throws at it. I would definitely not recommend the 20" sport rims available for the FX if you plan on doing much winter driving.
Overall, the FX ride quality is very good (though stiff) with a very tightly set up suspension that tracks excellently through tight corners (much better than any of the other SUVs we tested). Those who want a luxo SUV ride should definitely look elsewhere though as with its 18" rims and sport oriented suspension the FX will glide over smooth roads but will rattle and shake over rough pavement. I suspect that the 20" rims would make the ride unacceptable for anyone but a serious sports car enthusiast.
The FX comes nicely appointed with standard features such as nine-way adjustable power seats, driver power lumbar, high intensity Xenon headlamps and quite a few other luxo features. Seats are very comfortable and the FX has great seat room front and rear. The front seats offer virtually every adjustment imaginable. The controls are located on the top of the seat for easier access. While this is a boon to most, very large people might find that the controls jab them in the legs. The rear seats have the rare ability to be reclined to give more comfort to rear passengers. The center console armrest has cavernous space and the armrests can be individually slid forward and back for driver and passenger (a nice compromise between a single console armrest and the captains chair arms that are too small for good comfort).
Nearly all FX models stocked and sold by dealers will be sold with the reasonably priced "touring package" that includes 300 watt bose sound system, in dash CD changer, heated leather seats, heated mirrors, seat memory, and a fantastic fully adjustable steering wheel that moves the entire instrument cluster along with the steering column, for much improved driver visibility of the instruments.
Trim level on the Infiniti is top notch, and compares favorable with other luxo brands. The leather seating surfaces are soft while still providing enough grip for moderately sporty driving. The plastics are soft and nicely textured. The trim is accented with aluminum instead of the gaudy wood trim found on many upscale sport utes. The trim level was definitely on par with Lexus and was noticeably better than the more conservatively appointed Acura MDX and substantially more pampered than the utilitarian (almost truck like) BMW X3.
Other option packages that some might select (but we did not) include a tech package that really showcases Infiniti technical excellence. The tech package includes a 3D navigation system (that has to be seen to be believed), keyless entry and ignition, lane departure warning system, automatic braking system, and an available DVD entertainment system and rear view back-up assistance camera. At $4200 dollars ($6500 for the DVD entertainment and backup camera) the tech package will price the FX out of range of many consumers. Also available is a sports package that upgrades the 18" alloy wheels to the 20" chrome wheels that are found standard on the FX45.
In comparing value we found that the FX compared very nicely to similar offerings from Lexus, Acura and BMW. With the touring package the FX35 is priced right at $40,000. Compare that with the price of a similarly equipped Lexus RX330 ($41,500), Acura MDX ($39,725), or BMW X3 ($42,000) and the Infiniti looks very attractive. The Infiniti also enjoys great resale value, Infiniti financing allowing for a 59% residual on a 39 month, 39,000 lease.
Maintenance on the FX35 should be relatively cheap with no tune up required for the first 100,000 miles. Oil changes and tire rotations are recommended at 3750 and 7500 miles respectively and the vehicle requires minor servicing at 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Infiniti pampers it's customers with valet pickup for service and a free loaner vehicle being provided in most markets. Infinity backs the vehicle with a four year, 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Powertrain is covered for six years, 72,000 miles.
All in all this is a vehicle that I can highly recommend for someone who wants a smaller, sportier SUV, Infiniti obviously did their homework on what kind of SUV younger buyers want and the FX delivers!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 37,400
Condition: New Model Year: 2005 Model and Options: Touring Package
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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