Infiniti builds a better FX with a new engine, smarter transmission, and more standard and optional features. Problem is, the exterior styling will drive more away than it will attract to its now-superior product.
7.9 / 10
Dynamics
9.0 / 10
Engine Performance
It's uncommon for a large-displacement V8 to feel this bright and alert, but the 5.0L in the FX50 does -- throttle response is almost too quick, though. Sophisticated in design and feel, the 390-horsepower engine revs to 6,800 rpm, runs down all but the 6.3-AMG-badged crossovers and still manages to return 14/20-mpg fuel economy. There's a noticeable shove at about 4000 rpm, when the variable timing switches to hyper-speed and the exhaust note is adequately husky without getting obnoxious.
8.0 / 10
Transmission Performance
The adaptive seven-speed automatic is adept at learning driving styles, especially when driven aggressively. In that case, it holds a gear longer before upshifting, maintains an appropriate gear while cornering or going uphill, and inserts downshifts when appropriate. Standard paddle shifters offer ever more driver control and even usher in throttle-blipping downshifts. In everyday traffic, however, the transmission can become a little confused and lurchy with in/out throttle inputs. Still, as automatics go, this is better than many competitors can offer.
6.5 / 10
Brake Performance
With so little idle stroke, abrupt brake jump-in is noticeable but is something an owner will get used to. Otherwise, the brakes feel progressive and linear up to a point. However, we were not the only media outlet to encounter significant brake fade during testing. The size of the brake rotors would suggest they were able to rid the system of heat, but perhaps more venting is required to offset fading.
9.0 / 10
Steering Perfomance
The FX50 steering features near-zero on-center numbness, yet still offers class-leading straight stability. When the road goes all curvy, the FX's steering responds in kind with lively precision and enough resistance to allow drivers to feel their way through corners.
9.0 / 10
Handling
Our tester was the less dedicated non-sport model (featuring adjustable dampers and rear steer), but we believe the base FX50 is as nimble and sporty as anybody will ever need it to be. We're confident that the wide tires have a great deal to do with the FX50's grip, but the vehicle's overall dynamic qualities are above average for the crossover segment. Yaw response, roll rates and behavior in transient situations are all decidedly sporty.
7.0 / 10
Off-road Performance
Moderate ground clearance and AWD are the extent of it.
6.5 / 10
Towing Performance
With its dedication to sporty dynamics, we're not surprised the FX50 gets a modest 3500-pound tow rating. It's a little disproportionate for the engine's 390-horsepower output. That rating is enough for towing a couple watercraft, a small ski boat or an ultra-light camper, but not enough for a full-fledged boat or bug box trailer.
8.5 / 10
Fun-to-Drive
The FX50, even without the sport pack, is more fun than nearly every crossover on the market. An eager V8 engine; a sophisticated paddle-shifted automatic transmission that cooperates with an enthusiast driver; and a sport-sedan chassis all add up to a rare combination of fun-to-drive dynamics that are rare in the segment.
7.1 / 10
Comfort
7.0 / 10
Ride Comfort
The ride comfort is only marginally compromised by 21-inch wheels with 45-series tires. It's lively and jiggly but not harsh or abusive.
6.5 / 10
Wind Noise
With such a swoopy organic body, we expected silent running, but roof rails and side mirrors add a noticeable amount of noise at speed.
6.5 / 10
Road Noise
While the large tire/wheel running gear rides adequately, it does produce both impact boom and road-grain hiss that varies greatly with surface changes.
8.0 / 10
Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
All the crucial measurements are good. Access is good even without the access mode turned on. Comfort is very good, with a wide range of adjustability and memory buttons. Heated and cooled quilted-leather front seats are standard.
6.5 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
The rear tires' enormous wheel arches impair ingress/egress greatly. Once you're there, however, the reclining rear seats themselves are comfortable and there's a rear HVAC vent (but no temp controls).
8.0 / 10
Driving Position
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a power tilt/telescoping feature and numerous redundant controls. Standard shift paddles and sound ergonomics abound. The supportive and comfy seat is good for long-haul or aggressively driven trips. Be aware of blind spots; it's also a little difficult to know exactly where the corners of the FX are.
7.5 / 10
Function
8.5 / 10
Headlight Illumination
Standard bi-xenon headlamps are supplemented by halogen fogs. Articulating headlamps are extra.
7.0 / 10
Visibility
Because the outward visibility is so compromised, Infiniti's perimeter cameras (standard on the FX50) are invaluable. Adaptive cruise, lane-departure prevention and rain-sensing wipers are extra.
8.0 / 10
Instrument Panel Layout
High-contrast, large font, clear and concise.
8.5 / 10
Climate Control System Layout
Controlled with hard (not touch-screen) buttons, good display of selections, one-touch auto and defrost plus auto-recirculation. Heated/cooled seats standard on FX50.
8.0 / 10
Audio System Layout
Considering the sophistication of the FX50's standard audio, entertainment and information package, the layout and manipulation of it is very good. A mix of hard and virtual buttons, a central dial and layers of adjustability make navigation and audio systems easily accessible. Many manufacturers have done a worse job with lesser systems.
7.0 / 10
Secondary Control Layout
With the exception of the technology package's added buttons (FCW/LDW, DCA, etc.) which are located at the driver's left knee, all is where it should be. There's one idiosyncrasy: The steering wheel's radio preset toggle advances through numerically lower stations by nudging the switch upward.
7.0 / 10
Interior Storage
Medium-sized door pockets, a generous glovebox and a deep center storage bin. Second row has pleated leather pockets on front seatbacks.
7.0 / 10
Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
You must remember that the FX is primarily about style and not function to accept 25 cubic feet of cargo space as adequate. (A typical sedan has 16-20 cu-ft.) If you're looking for a voluminous SUV, look elsewhere.
7.0 / 10
Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
Folding the 60/40-split rear seats forward expands the cargo capacity to 62 cubic feet.
7.0 / 10
Cupholders
Two at the base of the shifter and two in the rear armrest.
8.5 / 10
Design/Build Quality
6.0 / 10
Exterior Design
We're pretty generous when it comes to daring, take-it-or-leave-it styling, but have yet to encounter a person who has fallen in love with the FX's new skin. Contrast it with the similarly purposed BMW X6 for an example of how to do this "look" properly.
9.0 / 10
Interior Design
Elegant, upscale, handsome and only slightly challenging. Possibly difficult to keep the bone-colored leather/carpet clean.
9.0 / 10
Interior Materials
It's nearly impossible to find an example of Infiniti "cheaping out" on a single interior material in the FX50. Even the maple veneer is real maple.
9.0 / 10
Interior Control Tactile Feel
No button wobble or sandiness, knob detents are where they should be, and most controls are oiled or damped.
9.0 / 10
Squeaks & Rattles
None on our test vehicle.
9.0 / 10
Panel Fitment & Gaps
Both interior and exterior panels and gaps were very good on our test vehicle.
7.8
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