2012 Infiniti FX35 Review – Not the Right Ride for Goldilocks

Posted by Christian Wardlaw on December 28th, 2011

2012 Infiniti FX35

If Goldilocks were to visit three different Japanese luxury-brand dealerships, she would probably declare the Lexus RX to be too soft, the Infiniti FX to be too hard, and the Acura MDX to be just right. We wouldn’t disagree, as the results of our 2012 Vehix Picks voting reveals. In this luxury crossover SUV class, the Acura is our favorite.

But the Infiniti FX isn’t far behind. And that’s because this is one SUV that’s a genuine thrill to drive.

FX Provides An Intimate, Visceral Connection to the Road

As a driving enthusiast, I enjoy the travel to a destination as much as the destination itself, and slipping behind the wheel of the Infiniti FX virtually guarantees excitement between points A and B.

In the FX, the driver sits close to the windshield behind a dual-cockpit dashboard, a combination that creates an intimate and visceral connection to the FX, the road, and the surroundings. The Infiniti’s driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, and the view forward is framed at the bottom by the FX’s sensually swollen hood. That swelling landscape is not unlike that of a Porsche, and the FX also reminds me of a Porsche in its singular purpose to deliver as much performance combined with as much utility as possible.

2012 Infiniti FX35 Interior

Unlike a Porsche Cayenne, however, the Infiniti FX can’t go very far off-road. But it’s not designed for that purpose. Rather, the FX is designed to tackle twisty ribbons of blacktop at rates of speed uncommon for most vehicles, let alone a crossover SUV.

Frankly Astounding Handling

I was frankly astounded by the levels of grip from the 21-inch, 45-series Bridgestone Dueler HL tires, the indefatigable vented disc brakes, and the subtlety with which the stability and traction control employ their safety nets. Tossable and confidence inspiring, thanks in part to its 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution (without AWD, the rear-drive FX35 is nearly perfectly balanced), the FX features a thick-rimmed steering wheel that’s terrific to grip, and which guides quick steering that’s weighted on the heavy side. Better yet is a brake pedal that allows the driver to fine-tune pressure levels at all times, without the grabbing common to competitive German SUVs.

V6 Engine Powerful Enough, But Slurps Premium

Our FX35 test vehicle came with a 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel drive, and we averaged 16.9 mpg over more than 300 miles of mixed driving. In a package weighing 4,284 pounds, this V6 provides just enough power and, aside from displaying an occasional hesitation to downshift in Normal mode combined with an occasional reluctance to upshift in Sport mode, the seven-speed transmission is perfectly matched to its mission to deliver sporty performance. It even offers downshift rev matching.

Firm, Choppy Ride Quality

The penalty for all this performance, of course, is that the Infiniti FX also delivers every bump, hole, crack, and zit in the road to the cabin and its occupants. The ride quality around town and on the highway is firm, choppy, and occasionally bouncy. This, perhaps more than any other reason, is likely why people choose to buy other luxury SUVs.

Obvious Quality Gaffes

We also found that Infiniti has employed a handful of shortsighted quality shortcuts that people will regularly notice and which, as a result, are likely to cause dissatisfaction.

One egregious example is the glossy, thin plastic used to construct the front cupholder receptacle. A thick, nicely damped door opens to reveal the cupholders, which are also commonly used to hold change, the FX’s key fob, and other items in addition to cups, mainly because there’s precious little storage space in the FX’s cabin. If Infiniti installed a more substantial grade of plastic, and put a rubber lining in the bottom of the receptacle, this issue would be largely resolved.

Another example is the cheap, flimsy feel and creaking, crackling sounds made when using the dual-tiered center console lid’s latch and upper tray operation. C’mon, Infiniti. Don’t be so obvious when you’re trying to trim cost out of the car, especially when it comes to the parts that people commonly use and touch.

While we’re on a rant, the FX’s rakish rear roof pillars are a huge liability when reversing from slanted parking spaces. Good thing there’s a standard reversing camera and available Around View Monitor.

Rear Seat Comfort Not Good for Adults

Additionally, the rear seat is not nearly as comfortable as the front seats are for adults. Foot space under the front seats is snug, but the bigger issue pertains to the low, claustrophobic seating position itself. I would not want to ride back here for any longer a period of time than might prove necessary. Entry and exit aren’t much of a treat either.

New Infiniti JX Likely Better for Most Luxury SUV Buyers

Regardless of these complaints, I always prefer a firmer mattress, just as I always prefer a firmer method of transportation. There is a fervently loyal audience for the Infiniti FX, one that values this luxury sport crossover SUV’s combination of proven dependability, expressive styling, and sport sedan performance all wrapped up in a more useful and practical SUV package. But this audience is a small one. Which is exactly why the 2013 Infiniti JX, which ought to tackle the Acura MDX head-on, is shipping soon to a dealer near you.