2012 Infiniti FX

3.5 Liter DOHC V6
Since its introduction, Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 has been a sweet spot in its family of engines. And, while wishing the engineering team had adapted the larger 3.7-liter V6 (found in the G37) for the 2012 Infiniti FX, we continue to like its balance of high horsepower with relatively low weight, compact design and reasonable efficiency.

In-Your-Face Sheetmetal
Rarely does a corporation embrace a love-it-or-leave-it exterior design, but Infiniti threw stylistic caution to the wind tunnel with the debut of the FX. And, while we found the refreshening in 2008 more disarming than the original, there seems to be some semblance of restraint with the new front fascia for the 2012 Infiniti FX. Kudos, then, to Infiniti's risk-taking corporate culture.

You step up, as with an SUV, to get into the Infiniti FX interior but, once there, driver and passenger are enveloped by a cocoon yof luxury fully appropriate to the FX price point (roughly $44K to $60K), and fully inappropriate to the more conventional entries in the segment. Although not as extreme as the exterior might suggest, the FX interior remains daring within a competitive arena that's generally focused on a balance of design and utility. And, although the seating area is reasonably generous, a driver-centric cockpit and a (relatively) small amount of cargo volume make this a more personal expression of the SUV experience. Beyond its cubic volume is cubic technology, especially when fitted with one or two of the optional packages. The centerpiece of the Premium Package is the Hard Drive Navigation, which also includes Streaming Audio via Bluetooth wireless technology and Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar system. The Deluxe Touring Package includes maple accents and quilted leather-appointed seats. Equip your FX50 with the Sport Package and you'll enjoy sport-style front seats and solid magnesium paddle shifters.

With a new grille and front fascia, the 2012 Infiniti FX enjoys a mid-cycle freshening that has stayed true to the design team's original intent. The new look is softer than the previous FX, but you'll not confuse this Infiniti with your cousin's Nissan Rogue. Despite the new face, the general overall proportions remain the same; sheetmetal below the beltline is barely able to contain the wheel-and-tire package (especially when the FX is equipped with 20-inch wheels), while topside the greenhouse looks slightly undersized relative to the SUV's stance. Its overall look may or not play at the neighborhood Walmart, but should be absolutely perfect on Rodeo Drive.

The 2012 Infiniti FX35 is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as in previous models; with 303 horsepower, it's all the FX really needs. Status and speed will lure many to the more expensive 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. Both engines are connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission with both manual-shift mode and Adaptive Shift Control.

3.5-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 (RWD), 16/21 (AWD)

5.0-liter V8
390 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

A base 2012 Infiniti FX35 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) starts at just under $45,000, while all-wheel drive (AWD) adds almost $1,500. The FX50 with AWD standard has a base of right around $60,000, and can approach $70K with all options (both factory and port-installed). Infiniti's well-equipped FX35 AWD Limited Edition will have a window sticker of approximately $52,000. The Acura ZDX has the same price spread – $47,000 to $57,000 – while offering even less utility. The Audi Q7, BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne are similarly priced at the low end of their respective ranges, but both the BMW and Porsche can quickly accelerate past the $100,000 mark. Before negotiating, be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price, which shows the typical transaction prices for the 2012 Infiniti FX in your market area. Residual values for the FX should be roughly the same as those of the Cayenne and Q7, but below those of BMW's X6.

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