Infiniti FX35 Review

2008 Infiniti FX35 SUV

It's remarkable that the Infiniti FX35 made it to showrooms with its concept-car looks intact. While crossover SUVs had long been touted as a brand new genre of vehicle, most of them at the time of the FX35's launch simply resembled small SUVs or large wagons. Upon its debut for 2003 and with its sports car muscles and hulking linebacker stance, the slick FX35 ushered in a new emphasis on style that other automakers are only now beginning to match.

One reason why the Infiniti FX35 looks so sporty is because it was engineered to be sporty. In true luxury crossover form, it handles much like a sport sedan and comes loaded with standard equipment. Unfortunately, high style has resulted in a sacrifice of some measure of practicality, as the FX35 offers less cargo room and versatility than most other competing midsize crossovers.

Current Infiniti FX35

The Infiniti FX35 comes in only one trim level, and it is loaded. Inside the cabin, you'll find a mix of luxury and sport. Leather upholstery is complemented by aluminum trim. Both front seats are power adjustable, and the rear seats recline. The standard stereo is a 300-watt Bose system with a six-CD in-dash player (with MP3 capability) and 11 speakers.

And that's just the beginning. Dual-zone climate control, cruise control and HID headlights are all standard. In addition, there are several package options, ranging from a Sport Package (with larger 20-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension) to a Technology Package, which adds a navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert, among other features. The navigation system is also available as a stand-alone option.

Power for the Infiniti FX35 comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which squeezes out 275 horsepower with a sharp, alluring growl. Traction control, stability control, antilock disc brakes and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard. The FX35 rides on an enhanced version of Nissan's FM platform and resembles Infiniti's G35 sport sedan more than any SUV in the Nissan or Infiniti lineup. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants are available. Get a sense of what Infiniti is going for here? Sport over utility.

In road tests, we found the Infiniti FX35 luxury crossover to be every bit as exciting as it looks. The V6 is strong. The steering is quick and responsive, much like a sport sedan. And the crossover SUV feels balanced and under control, even in fast corners, while managing to provide a comfortable ride. One criticism that our editors have regards the poor rear visibility, which is a victim of the FX35's taut exterior design. The FX also lacks a third-row seat.

Although the FX35 is still in its first generation, Infiniti has made several changes to the standard features. Earlier models (2003-'05) come with a weaker standard stereo and fewer interior features. The suspension tuning has also been upgraded, so used-vehicle shoppers might want to focus on the more recent models when exploring the FX35.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.