Give Nissan credit for not simply developing me-too products. Case in point: the Infiniti FX, introduced in the 2003 model year. While other SUVs emphasize visibility, interior room, and utility, with the Infiniti FX Nissan explored what an SUV would be like if the emphasis was instead placed on performance and handling.

For 2009, Nissan has thoroughly redesigned the Infiniti FX. In what ways is the new SUV an improvement over the original? Has anything been lost? I took a 2009 FX35 AWD for a test drive to find out.

Infiniti FX35 Styling

I didn't initially care for the exterior styling of the first-generation Infiniti FX. The trim hindquarters appeared undersized compared to the massive front fenders. But these clearly intentional English bulldogish proportions grew on me. They lent the FX a strong, athletic, purposeful look. And the exterior was unusually clean-such a pure design doesn't often reach production. With the benefit of hindsight, this exterior was a classic.

The problem with clean, pure, classic designs is that they are very hard to improve. What do you do? In this case, Nissan decided to make the design even stronger, with more bulge to the finders and more length to the front end. Sadly, the more I look at the new one, the more I see a caricature of the original rather than an improvement upon it. Cliched vents clutter up the fenders, while the grille and headlights are overdone. In short, the character remains the same, but the purity is gone.
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On a positive note, the new FX avoids the awkward proportions of the more compact and car-like EX35. Some will look at the two together and think "his and hers."

Inside, the first-generation Infiniti FX suffered from the same deficiencies as the related 2003 G35 sedan-materials that weren't quite premium and a less-than-upscale ambiance. When the G35 was redesigned it received a much nicer interior, and the same has been done for the FX. The only nit half worth picking: the door panels could use more contour. One nice touch: the optional quilted leather upholstery. Different than anything else in this price range, and it works.

Infiniti FX35 Accommodations

The smaller Infiniti EX35 has been selling poorly, partly because of the weaker exterior but also because the rear seat and cargo room are too tight. The rear seat in the FX is much roomier, and is high enough off the floor to provide adults with proper thigh support. All seats are comfortable, and those up front provide decent lateral support.

One thing I really liked about the first-generation FX was the driving position. The view over the massive front end conveyed a feeling of toughness and power-a sports car that could plow through anything. The driving position in the new one is even better, thanks to the undulations in the amped-up hood.

Unlike most competitors, the Infiniti FX does not offer a third row even as an option. This is an odd choice, since Infiniti also offers the EX35 for those uninterested in a third row.

There's more cargo room in the FX than in the EX, but still considerably less than in most other SUVs.

Infiniti FX35 Performance

Two engines are available in the new FX: a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a 390-horepower 5.0-liter V8, both paired with a seven-speed automatic. I drove the V6-powered FX35. Power is more than sufficient for most people, but if massive thrust is what you want, that's what the V8 is for. I have a larger issue with the sound of the V6. In some applications, the Nissan's oft-lauded VQ sounds sporty. In others it simply sounds coarse. This, unfortunately, is one of the others. So there's a second reason to fork over the extra cash for the V8.

The FX35's new seven-speed automatic responds well enough, and enables low initial gearing and tight spacing between ratios. With some transmissions, first is too short while second is too tall. You won't have that trouble here.

Similarly, while some all-wheel-drive chassis feel too static, the Infiniti FX35's isn't one of them. Give the throttle a good prod, and the rear end steps out. In a fun way, not a scary way. Get stupid, and there's standard stability control. Credit goes to a system that initially sends all power to the rear wheels, only engaging the fronts when the rears slip.

The brakes look tiny inside the Infiniti FX35's huge wheels, and even feel a bit weak.

The 2003 Infiniti FX lost sales owing to a harsh ride more than anything else. The ride was softened up a couple of years later, and has been further softened up for the 2009. There's still a bit of harshness, at least with the 20-inch wheels without which the FX doesn't look right, but far less than with the 2003, and few people should now have a problem with the ride. Aside from the engine, noise levels are fairly low.

When ride quality improves, handling usually suffers. And it does in this case, but not by too much. The 2009 Infiniti FX35 feels softer, especially the rear suspension, but continues to feel sportier than just about any other SUV. But there's no avoiding the feeling of height and bulk. Good if you like the sense of being behind the wheel of a massive machine. But no substitute for a sports car.

Infiniti FX35 Price Comparisons and Pricing

The new Infiniti FX35's price starts just under $43,000, and gets into the mid-fifties loaded up.

Similarly load up an MDX, and the Acura lists for about $9,300 less. Adjusting for feature differences (including the MDX's third row) reduces the gap to about $7,500.

On the other hand, a similarly loaded-up BMW X6 xdrive35i lists for about $13,500 more than the FX35.

And what about the Infiniti EX35? Similarly loaded up it lists for about $9,300 less. 

Prices change frequently, and differences will vary based on feature level. To quickly generate these and other comparisons with the specific features you want, visit my Web site, TrueDelta.com. (It's the only site that provides true "apples-to-apples" price comparisons.)
TrueDelta's page for the Infiniti FX:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/FX35.php

Infiniti FX Last Words

So, compared to the original the new FX is in some ways an improvement, but in other ways the clarity of the original has been lost. The interior is definitely better, while the exterior is overdone. The handling isn't as sporty, but the gain in ride quality will be worth it for most people. The key problem with the FX remains the same, though: there's simply not a large market for SUVs that emphasize sportiness over utility. It serves this market well, overall perhaps better than the original, but this simply isn't a large market.

A Note on Infiniti FX35 Reliability
I cannot practically cover reliability within the context of this review. However, many people are interested in such information, so I've been collecting my own data. Results are posted to TrueDelta.com, with updates every three months. Unlike other sources, TrueDelta clearly identifies what difference it will make if you buy an Infiniti FX35 rather than another vehicle by providing "times in the shop" stats.
To report results, TrueDelta needs reliability data on all cars--not just the Infiniti FX35--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data will receive free access to the site's reliability information. Non-participants \pay an access fee.
Details here:
http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php
Alphabetized links to my other vehicle reviews can be found on my profile page.
Amount Paid (US$): 50,000
Model Year: 2009
Model and Options: FX35 AWD