2013 Infiniti JX35: Fuel Economy Update for February
March 4, 2013
During the month of February our long-term 2013 Infiniti JX35 logged a mere 885 miles and we pumped in 50.842 gallons to get there. That figures to 17.4 mpg, which comes up a little short of the EPA estimate of 20 mpg.
2013 Infiniti JX35: Ooh, Shiny Objects
March 1, 2013
Maybe I'm easily impressed, but I think the audio interfaces in Nissan/Infiniti premium models are among the best around right now. Even better than BMW's traditional design. Simple, streamlined and, but for the plasti-chrome trim, a classic look.
I know everything is going touchscreen, dial controller and i-Thing eventually, but score one for redundant buttons and an interface you can almost work by memory and touch.
Dan Frio, Automotive Editor @ 16,800 miles
2013 Infiniti JX35: Old Habits
February 28, 2013
Clearly, this isn't the intended use of the JX35's rear seat entertainment system. But old habits die hard. I still like to turn around while in reverse and brace myself against the passenger headrest, and there's a perfect finger-grabrest thanks to the headrest monitor's screen bezel.
2013 Infiniti JX35: Hackomotive Hauler
February 27, 2013
This week our long-term 2013 Infiniti JX35 was pulled out of regular test-fleet duty to service as a logistics vehicle for Hackomotive 2013, an Edmunds' hosted event set to revolutionize the car shopping experience.
2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD: 15k Milestone
February 26, 2013
We've reached the 15,000 milestone with our 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD. In general it's been doing pretty well, although we have suffered through some annoyances and recalls.
We'll blame the cracked windshield on Wyoming. Or Jacquot.
The recalls included a potentially faulty fuel tank tube and reprogramming of the Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD: Steering Could Be Better
February 25, 2013
Actually, the steering in our long-term Infiniti JX35 AWD could be a lot better.
Initial turn-in is pretty quick for such a large and heavy SUV. But there's almost no feeling to the overboosted steering whatsoever. You really have no idea what those front tires are doing.
2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD: Road Noise Eval
February 21, 2013
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a long stretch removed from the sporty, fun-to-drive vehicles we're used to Nissan's luxury brand producing. You know, like the FX and the G. But in terms of moving lots of people and stuff in quiet comfort, the JX definitely gets the job done.
2013 Infiniti JX35: Climate Controlled Seats
February 18, 2013
Heated and cooled front seats have become a must in upper end luxury cars and crossovers, but Infiniti does them right. Our 2013 Infiniti JX35's Climate Controlled front seats are part of its optional Deluxe Touring Package, which costs $2,550. They offer six overall settings, three for heat and three for cool, and they perform wonderfully.
But my favorite part of Infiniti's package is the controller itself. Unlike the button found in most cars, Infiniti uses a little dial.
2013 Infiniti JX35: It Has a Real Plug
February 14, 2013
Our long-term 2013 Infiniti JX35 (as well as our new long-term Jeep Cherokee SRT8) is equipped with a 120 volt AC outlet, or a plug, as you might call it around the home. It's a great feature. And I use it. All the time.
It's on the rear of the console between the JX's front seats and it can be turned on with an easily reached button on the crossover's dashboard. Turning it off keeps things safer for little ones riding in the back seat.
2013 Infiniti JX35: Steering Wheel Heater
February 12, 2013
Our 2013 Infiniti JX35's Climate Controlled front seats and its heated rear seats are part of its optional Deluxe Touring Package, which costs $2,550. But its heated steering wheel is oddly part of the optional $3,100 Technology Package, which also includes Infiniti's very cool Back-Up Collision Intervention (BCI), remote engine start and a laundry list of other worthwhile gadgets that seem right out of The Jetsons.
2013 Infiniti JX35: Fuel Economy Update for January
February 4, 2013
We accumulated just over 1,100 miles on our 2013 Infiniti JX35 in January. It was a slow month considering our goal is 1,700 miles every 30 days. Fuel economy during this stretch averaged to 18.3 mpg. This was only a tick better than our lifetime average.
The only record set this month was for the fewest miles driven. It turns out that travel by airplane does little to put miles on cars. Our goal next month is to keep the JX35 away from airport parking lots and, instead, pointed at the open highway.
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 14,343 miles
Worst Fill MPG: 12.0
Best Fill MPG: 22.3
Average Lifetime MPG: 18.2
EPA MPG Rating (City/Highway Combined): 20
Best Range: 401 miles
Current Odometer: 14,343 miles
2013 Infiniti JX35: An Uphill Battle
January 31, 2013
Trying to merge the 4,400+ pound, 265-horsepower Infiniti JX35 onto the freeway is laborious. It lumbers along while its CVT advances through its pulleys.
It's heavy and it feels heavy. Passing is difficult. But once the JX35 gets going, it offers a comfortable, quiet ride.
I could see buying the seven-passenger JX35 as a minivan alternative. It makes a much more luxurious and attractive companion. But its lack of oomph makes me wish for a bit more spunk.
I'm not a minivan fan, but I'd rather drive a Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey feels light on its feet and sportier in a middle-aged kind of way.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor @ 14,263 miles
2013 Infiniti JX35: Why a Crossover Makes Sense
January 29, 2013
Crossovers often get a bad rap. They're either considered wannabe SUVs or ill-proportioned wagons. Once you use one for a while, however, it's easy to see why they're popular.
The JX is a good example as it drives far better than most real SUVs. It has a precise suspension, quiet interior and good performance for a V6-powered vehicle of its size. It's easy to forget how big it really is.
Then the other day I decided to buy a storage chest for my bedroom. It's about five feet wide and thankfully not very heavy. I was hesitant to buy it at first since I wasn't sure if it would fit in the JX. Turns out I was way off.
After folding down the seats, there was more than enough room. I didn't even have to pack stuff in neatly, the chest fit fine leaving plenty of space for other cargo. Once I got it home, I just flipped the seats back up and it was back to a seven-passenger people hauler. Not a bad combination of utility and third-row passenger space.
Ed Hellwig, Executive Editor @ 13,861 miles
2012 Infiniti JX35: The Benefits of Auxiliary Climate Controls
January 24, 2013
When it comes to luxury vehicles, it's often the little things that make a difference. A good example is the rear seat climate control setup in our JX35. As you can see, it's nothing particularly fancy, but it is there. There are plenty of luxury crossovers that don't go this far, so the rear passengers are left at the mercy of those in front.
It may sound trivial, but after driving carpool on a few cold mornings, the ability for my rear passengers to leave the heat cranked up well after I was plenty warm up front earned some high marks from the peanut gallery.
If I had to complain, I would only say that I wish the front seat controls were so simple. Obviously, there's more functionality involved, but it takes time to get used to where the ventilation controls are in relation to the more obvious temperature buttons. A small complaint, but one I've noticed more than a few times.
Ed Hellwig, Executive Editor @ 13,842 miles
