By KBB.com Editors
There are only a handful of true performance-oriented crossover SUVS. Among the more notable are the Porsche Cayenne, the BMW X6 and the trend-setting 2010 Infiniti FX. Like its competitors, the FX is more a tall performance sedan than a rugged off-road explorer. True to its Infiniti roots, the sleek FX is fast, loaded with luxurious trappings and technological gadgetry, and is one of the most alluring and fun-to-drive vehicles in its class. Plus, if you can live without the V8 engine, the V6-powered FX35 can even be classified as affordable – at least by luxury car standards.
If you need the versatility of a wagon or SUV, but you prefer a driver's-oriented vehicle that looks as good as it performs, the 2010 Infiniti FX is well worth a test drive.
If you like open and airy cabins and need plenty of cargo space behind the second-row seat, the FX's cocoon-like cockpit and diminutive cargo hold won't cut the mustard. Enthusiast drivers with these needs might be better off in the Porsche Cayenne or Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Newly added standard equipment for 2010 includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, a USB port and iPod interface and the addition of 2GB hard drive to the standard Bose audio system. Bluetooth Streaming Audio, XM NavWeather and Zagat Restaurant Guide have all been added to the available navigation system.
Driving Impressions We drove the FX50 on a number of winding mountain roads and it performed to expectation, exhibiting excellent steering and braking response, a well-balanced chassis and quick acceleration. The rev-matching...
seven-speed transmission seemed to have a problem making quick decisions, but we were able to bypass the computer brain with the paddle shifters. Push the FX50 into a turn too quickly and you'll activate a whole host of electronic chaperones (the Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Rear Active Steer and Continuous Dampening Control suspension assist) that quickly return control to the driver. When not pushing the FX hard, we thought the ride was a bit harsh over uneven or rough surfaces, with the large 21-inch wheels being a possible reason. Those looking for a softer balance between ride and performance might prefer the FX35.Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist
This feature not only maintains a set distance between the FX and a vehicle ahead of it, the Distance Control Assist can actually slow and even bring the FX to a complete stop with no driver intervention.
Around View Monitor
Using strategically placed cameras under the side-view mirrors and at the vehicle's front and rear, a full 360-degree outside view can be displayed on the FX's LCD monitor, helping reduce blind spots when parking.
Interior
The FX's interior was designed to create the feeling of driving in a low-slung performance sedan. The narrow side glass and ten-way adjustable front seats (FX50) create a cozy cockpit, while the rear seat provides two adults with surprisingly good rear-seat head and leg room. Available steering wheel-mounted magnesium shift paddles help the driver keep both hands on the wheel when shifting gears, and a large console-mounted LCD display set at eye level provides at-a-glance access to the navigation and audio settings. Although the instruments are generally well arranged and easy to operate, the myriad of buttons that accompany the Technology Package can be a bit overwhelming, and are clustered near the driver's knee where they are difficult to see and reach.
Exterior
Although the overall shape is still familiar, fresh sheetmetal and an aggressive new front end make the second-generation FX a bit more edgy than the original. The three-dimensional grille is patterned after rippling water, while the swept-back cat's-eye headlamps create a rather menacing scowl. When viewed from the side, there are prominent and massive wheels, a short hood, even shorter front and rear overhangs and a very short rear end. Infiniti has also tacked on a few things we think the design could do without, such as the cliché side fender vents that now appear on everything from economy cars to premium sedans.
The V6-powered FX35 features dual-zone automatic climate control, Intelligent Key with push-button start, a power moonroof, eight-way power seats with power driver's lumbar support, 18-inch wheels, leather seating surfaces, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, a rearview monitor and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with CD player, USB port, 2 GB hard drive storage and an auxiliary audio input jack. The FX50 adds a V8 engine, Intelligent all-wheel drive, Around View parking monitor, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 21-inch wheels, hard-drive navigation and an iPod interface. Standard on all FX models are front side-impact and front and rear side-curtain airbags, electronic stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Most of the FX's options are bundled into packages, with many of the FX50's standard features being made available on the FX35. The Premium package adds climate-controlled front seats with driver's-side memory, tilt-down side-view mirrors, quilted leather seating pattern, aluminum roof rails and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The Navigation Package adds a hard-drive navigation unit with voice recognition and 9.3 gigabytes of music storage, XM NavTraffic, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, Around View monitor and front and rear sonar parking assist. The Technology Package is offered on both trims and adds Adaptive front headlamps with auto-leveling feature, Intelligent Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist and rain-sensing wipers. Unique to the FX50 is the Sport Package, with adjustable Auto and Sport-mode suspension, Rear Active Steer, and driver's seat with power side bolsters.
The FX35 is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as in models past; with 303 horsepower, it's all the FX really needs. Status and speed will lure many to the all-new 5.0-liter V8, which employs Infiniti's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology to maximize fuel economy and performance. Rated at 390 horsepower, the V8 provides a big increase in power over the V6 without much difference in fuel economy.
3.5-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
262 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 (RWD), 16/21 (AWD)
5.0-liter V8
390 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
369 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Infiniti FX vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 46 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy CAguy (CA) on Friday, April 19, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I test drove everything from a Ford Edge, HondaCRV, Acura to RangeRover Evoque and BMWX5 Nothing came close to FX37 It looks and drives amazing!!! Love my new car!!! You must test drive one!!!"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By ABasin (VA) on Sunday, April 07, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great electronic & autodriving features"
Cons: "Poor cup holders"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Drives like a sports car but is an excellent mid-sized SUV. The AWD works very, very well in the snow. The seating is the best I have ever experienced. Of course no other vehicle made today has the level of automatic controls such as braking, cameras, etc. that Infiniti has. So my wife thinks this is the easiest car she has ever driven, parked and backed up. The dealership pampers us. But we're starting to expect that from both Nissan and from Infiniti."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By bobcat (TN) on Friday, March 29, 2013
I don't own this car
overall rating 3 of 10rating detailsPros: "drives amazing and interior is beautiful"
Cons: "I hate the outside appearance"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"this suv drives amazing . I like everything about it except the outside appearance. Its looks really odd to me.I would had consider buying it except that feature."
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By FX35 MD (MD) on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Price, Fun to Drive, Space, Fit/Finish, Design"
Cons: "None"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I bought the 2011 Infiniti FX35/ w Premium Package and blue slate for a great price. The car is very fast, 5.8 seconds 0-60. The car has an amazing sound and a smooth transmission. The ride is super nice, and so is the user interface. All the controls are intuitive. The 360 camera helps in tight parking spaces. The fit and finish is at it's best. The leather has a great smell (after 2 years ith still smells like a brand new vehicle). The car has a very eye-catching design."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By Orphaned_Owner (AK) on Monday, December 10, 2012
I owned and sold this car
Reason: Dealership closed - My approximate mileage is 10,000
Pros: "AWD, unique looks, sporty"
Cons: "none for the vehicle."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4
"This car looks and handles great. Don't see many FX models around town and won't see many more either since the Infiniti dealership closed its doors. Thus, the low rating for "Value" and recommendation to a friend. Closest dealer now for warranty work is 1,400 miles away in Washington state."
2 people out of 5 found this review helpful
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By Spadey (Canada) on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Just about everything, price point especially."
Cons: "Nope."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"If you are looking for an SUV that drives like a sports car you need an Infiniti FX. I have never been so impressed with a vehicle. I see a lot of reviews chastising the FX for lacking the same level of utility as its competitors, but I've never had my passengers complain about lacking space and moving down the seats means that I've also never had a problem with cargo either. I feel that what the FX lacks in utility it double makes up for with the way it drives. You put your foot down and the vehicle blasts off-- Amazing. If you are skeptical GO TEST DRIVE ONE."
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful
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