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2013 Infiniti JX

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Overview

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2013 Infiniti JX Review

By Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director, KBB.com

KBB Expert Rating: 8.0

The all-new 2013 Infiniti JX35 was designed to fill a gap in the luxury market for families who need a vehicle with 7-passenger capacity, but who don't want a minivan. While 3-row crossovers are common offerings of most non-luxury brands, they are relatively rare in the luxury segment, so Infiniti feels it has a big opportunity. The Acura MDX and Audi Q7 are the market leaders among luxury 3-row crossovers, and the new JX has competitive advantages to match up well versus either of them. On the safety and convenience fronts – both vital areas to crossover customers – the JX offers valuable innovations.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a 3-row vehicle that looks great outside and in, is filled with amenities and has an uncommon level of safety features, the Infiniti JX should be on your shopping list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are a fan of the conventional SUV choice, the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 are 3-row crossovers that have been in the market longer than the JX.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.0
Driving Dynamics

7.4
Comfort & Convenience

8.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.8
Value

8.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#13

out of 32

MPG

#25

out of 32

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The Infiniti JX is all-new for the 2013 model year, and a noble addition to the Infiniti stable of SUVs and crossovers that also includes the FX and QX.

Driving the JX

Driving Impressions Nobody will buy a 3-row crossover to enjoy high-performance fun, but the 2013 Infiniti JX accelerates and handles better than it needs to. The 265-horsepower 3.5-liter dual overhead cam V6...

is not the most powerful engine in the segment, but it is both smooth and capable. Rather than employing a conventional automatic transmission with seven or eight forward speeds, Infiniti engineers opted for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a favorite in the Nissan product bin. Fuel efficiency is its best attribute. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the JX35 turns in 23 mpg Highway, 18 mpg City and 20 mpg Combined Environmental Protection Agency fuel-efficiency ratings. Quiet and comfort are hallmarks of the JX's ride, and the Around View video monitor does an excellent job of depicting where you are in relationship to other objects near the vehicle, making backing up and parking a snap.

Favorite Features

COLLISION INTERVENTION
One of the 2013 JX35's most innovative features is a system called Backup Collision Intervention. The JX alerts you if something is behind you while you're in reverse, and after the warnings, if you don't stop the vehicle, it stops itself, averting a potentially life-threatening situation.

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL/DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST
While some form of intelligent cruise control isn't all that rare on today's luxury vehicles, the Distance Control Assist function is. In the Infiniti JX, it prompts the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic even if the driver is not paying as much attention as he should be.

2013 Infiniti JX Details

2013 Infiniti JX Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Designers of the 2013 Infiniti JX started with the idea that a 3-row luxury crossover should actually welcome all seven passengers. The second row offers 5.5-inches of fore and aft travel that allows you to dial up the proper mix of legroom and cargo-carrying capacity, and the fore-and-aft adjustment and innovative second-row seat design enable uncommonly easy access to the third-row. In fact, you can even enter the rear-most row with a child safety seat deployed in the second row, which is nearly impossible in other luxury 3-row SUVs. There is no skimping on luxury electronics either. The 15-speaker Bose Cabin Surround sound system is accompanied by the Infiniti Connection telematics system that syncs to the driver's schedule via Google Calendar.

Exterior

The 2013 JX is so commodious, you might expect it to have a dull, utilitarian SUV shape, but that is not the case. It has distinctive, interesting exterior lines while at the same time providing a flat platform floor that enhances roominess in the second and third rows. While the new JX isn't quite as cleanly tailored as the competitive Audi Q7, it is far more subdued than the Acura MDX.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

As an Infiniti, even a "base" JX is extremely well-equipped. Among the key standard mechanical items is the sport-tuned continuously variable transmission with manual-shift mode and Sport mode, which mimics a step transmission, and the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector that offers standard, sport, snow and "eco" settings that alter throttle response and transmission mapping based on conditions.

Optional Equipment

The JX is chock-full of electronic driver aids. The Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems use a camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle. If you are in danger of an unintended lane departure, they get your attention with a visual indicator and audible buzzer. If you don't heed the warnings the prevention system guides you back in your lane with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift. The JX also can be equipped with a Blind Spot Warning system, Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Distance Control Assist. When equipped with all these systems plus Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, you might get the impression is that the 2013 Infiniti JX will essentially drive itself. Not true, but it is about as close to that as any vehicle we've driven.

Under the Hood

For 2013, the Infiniti JX offers one powertrain: the highly-regarded 3.5-liter V6 engine with the CVT transmission. The engine is smooth and powerful enough that you always feel the JX has enough acceleration, and you can flip on the CVT's step-gear simulation if you get bored.

2013 Infiniti JX35
3.5-liter V6
265 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (front-wheel drive), 18/23 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

With a base price of about $40,000 for a front-wheel-drive version, the 2013 Infiniti JX is well-positioned against competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7. Since all-wheel drive is just $1,100 more, we expect many buyers will opt for it. All of the JX technological goodies do come at a price, though. Equipment Packages like the Premium (about $5,000), Technology ($3,100) and Theater ($1,700) can send the loaded MSRP well over $50,000, but even at that price the JX offers good value in the segment. We also expect that it will score high in retained value, and we predict its looks will remain fresh for years to come.

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2013 Infiniti JX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 10 Ratings for the 2013 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.6/10

Very Good Car.

By Clipper (AZ) on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "REALLY GOOD VALUE!"

Cons: "Inclined acceleration... tranny struggles."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've owned my JX for a month. Owned an FX for 3 years prior. Loved the FX that's why I looked at and bought the JX. I am not disappointed. VERY comfortable. Very Quiet. A GREAT road trip car! Excellent looks and styling inside and out. I have experienced the transmission slipping down on incline acceleration, but not a bad thing. Bottom line... I'd buy another one and recommend one to my friends."

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Excellent smooth drive. Outstanding interior room

By Danno (PA) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth ride, big and roomy"

Cons: "Nothing material to mention"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchased this car in 3rd qtr. 2013. Have approx. 7000 miles on it. Ride is smooth. Interior is big and easily handles 7 passengers. Quality built and have had no problems. The ability to see 360 degrees around the vehicle is great as well."

6 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Wouldn't buy again

By Larry (PA) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Look good, interior is nice"

Cons: "CVT transmission, lack of power, very awkward ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"The JX looks good and the interior is very nice. Yes it is comfortable. Unfortunately the CVT transmission that comes with the JX does not belong. If you have not experienced this new style of transmission educate yourself first!!! The CVT will just rev up unexpected at times,this makes it feels as if your transmission and engine are slipping and working way too hard. It is a very unnatural feel If your used to the performance of a traditional transmission. This effects the power of the JX Which Boggs down between 1100 and 2000 RPM before picking back up. I also experienced downshifting. Having said this, if your not a driver and use the JX just to run around town you should be ok. If your someone that enjoys driving and the feel of a quality ride stick with a vehicle with traditional transmission. You should not have to sacrifice in this price bracket."

21 people out of 26 found this review helpful

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Comfy, roomy, & safe SUV

By Jessie (NJ) on Saturday, March 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Riding, navi & camera, back seat"

Cons: "Not yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"GREAT SUV!!! Very comfortable and roomy. My friends say "riding's like a sedan not suv." I love 360' back-up camera. Shows ALL around my car. Back seat is roomy. So far so great!"

5 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Best bang for bucks

By Jxown (FL) on Saturday, March 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Best gas miles , comfort, very advanced safety"

Cons: "GPS/XM antenna is so uggly"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Im own this car for 7 months, I loved gas miles is whopping around 20 m/g on city thanks to the cvs improved trany for this car ECO and SPORT drive is plenty of power and much more if shift to manual, the only thing that badder me is the rabbit antenna mounted on the rear ,it kill all the luxury. AWD $54k with Bose 5.1 what a sound !!!and the twenty's make it look much better."

5 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Fantastic vehicle

By Jeff (DE) on Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Seating, mileage, audio system"

Cons: "Folding mirrors."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned this vehicle for 6 months. It has far exceeded my expectation on quality, appearance, handling and mileage. The drive is so smooth and effortless. Drove 14 hours and it felt like 2. All the technology makes the driving so easy. Set the cruise control and just sit back and enjoy the ride. The most surprising feature, the power of the engine. Plenty of power and great gas mileage. Getting 21 miles around town and 26 on the highways."

10 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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