Infiniti FX 35 SUV Review


SUV Reviewer

The 2011 Infiniti FX 35 is a luxury mid-sized crossover SUV with a unique exterior styling that is smooth and flowing. Its evocative styling is matched by an athletic performance with nimble, carlike handling and enough power to manage any driving situation. Many cutting-edge technology features facilitate driving and improve the vehicle's safety on the road.

There is one base model of the Infiniti FX 35 which is well-equipped with xenon headlights that are automatic, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, outside mirrors that are heated, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, a power lift gate, full power accessories, front seats that are powered, a manual tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control. The base model also includes automatic climate control that is dual-zoned, an audio system with 11 speakers and surround sound, a six-disc CD changer and satellite radio a music server with 2.0 Gigabytes of storage, connections for Bluetooth, auxiliary audio and USB and a back-up camera.

There are several option packages available for the Infiniti FX 35. A premium package include memory for the driver seat, front seats that are heated and ventilated, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and quilted leather seating. The Deluxe Touring package which requires having the Premium Package adds an interior trim with maple wood, alloy pedals and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Navigation Package which also requires having the Premium package adds a hard-drive based navigation system with touchscreen, voice recognition, real-time traffic, weather reports and a music server with 9.3 Gigabytes of storage, a 360-degree parking camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The navigation Package is required for the Technology Package and includes adaptive cruise control and head lamps, windshield wipers that sense the rain, and a lane departure prevention and warning system.

The engine for the Infiniti FX 35 is a 3.5 liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 that can produce 303 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The standard is rear-wheel drive although there is an option for all-wheel drive. The only transmission available is a seven-speed automatic with manual shift control. A towing package is available for vehicles with all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy for the Infiniti FX 35 is with all-wheel drive is 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the rear-wheel drive model is 16 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined.

The interior of the Infiniti FX 35 is luxurious enveloped in leather and other materials that are soft to the touch. Although somewhat difficult to figure out at first, the audio and navigation systems make it easy to find the exact function you need. Interior space is adequate for driver and passenger in the front seats while the rear seats are somewhat more cramped. With the rear seats up, the cargo space is 25 cubic feet and expands to 62 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Driving the Infiniti FX 35 has an athletic feel with the powerful V6 engine and automatic transmission providing a snappy acceleration. Curvy roads can be handled with confidence as the steering is tight but ride quality can be problematic, particularly with the 20-inch wheels.