Topic: Test Drive: 2010 Infiniti FX35

[Autos_Editor]

The Infiniti FX35 puts the "sporty" in SUV, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who reports that its handling is as close to a sports car as you'll get. Don't expect happy rear-seat passengers in those cramped quarters, though, she warns.

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[John MacDonald]

If you want a sporty SUV/CUV then wait for the new 2011 Ford Edge to come out.  The sport model will get 305 HP and the inside will be a lot better laid out than this Infiniti.  Probably will undercut the price tag by $5,000 minimum too.  Oh and the base engine will be a turbo 4 cylinder that gets around 230HP so if you want handling that should be the SUV/CUV of choice because of the weight reduction.  In any case the new Edge will be a very sporty SUV/CUV and will set a new standard for affordable performance in the category.

[Roy]

I don't understand why the FX and the EX models exist.  I agree with the conclusions of the review - both are very short on utility/space for the 2nd row but ESPECIALLY the cargo area.  I don't think you could get 2 full size suitcases in the cargo area with the 2nd row seats up.

[Allen]

I don't think anyone looking at a FX would cross shop an Edge, not syaing there is anything wrong with the Edge, just not in the same class

[John MacDonald]

I don't think anyone looking at a FX would cross shop an Edge, not syaing there is anything wrong with the Edge, just not in the same class

True but that doesn't mean they shouldn't cross shop all SUV/CUV that meet criteria (sporty and under $60K).

[solongaudi]

Completely agree about the lack of utility.

After test driving the FX35, it made me reconsider looking at a large AWD sedan instead.  I decided to get a Taurus SHO.  I ended up with way more room in the back seats, a large trunk that could be stuffed with 4 golf bags and more, and I saved over 10k.

[Snowman]

Sport Useless Vehicle

[Jaeger]

I don't get the appeal personally, but I sure do see a lot of them around.

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

The FX simply puts it's emphasis on "sport" while others put theirs on "utility".  It's arguably the funnest SUV to drive in it's price range, and that obviously appeals to a lot of buyers.  And while looks are completely subjective, I think it's the best and most aggressive looking SUV in it's class as well.  Oh, and that lovely exhaust note......

[Wilson]

The FX simply puts it's emphasis on "sport" while others put theirs on "utility".  It's arguably the funnest SUV to drive in it's price range, and that obviously appeals to a lot of buyers.  And while looks are completely subjective, I think it's the best and most aggressive looking SUV in it's class as well.  Oh, and that lovely exhaust note......

Best looking SUV in it's class?...christ, I would hate to see what the ugliest SUV looks like.

[CanuckG35]

The FX simply puts it's emphasis on "sport" while others put theirs on "utility".  It's arguably the funnest SUV to drive in it's price range, and that obviously appeals to a lot of buyers.  And while looks are completely subjective, I think it's the best and most aggressive looking SUV in it's class as well.  Oh, and that lovely exhaust note......

Best looking SUV in it's class?...christ, I would hate to see what the ugliest SUV looks like.

I guess you failed to understand my comment on looks being subjective.   

[Jaeger]

The FX simply puts it's emphasis on "sport" while others put theirs on "utility".  It's arguably the funnest SUV to drive in it's price range, and that obviously appeals to a lot of buyers.  And while looks are completely subjective, I think it's the best and most aggressive looking SUV in it's class as well.  Oh, and that lovely exhaust note......

I guess when there's so little evident utility in terms of people and cargo-hauling abilities, it begs the question - why not just get a sports sedan if sport is really the emphasis?  It may be fun to drive for an SUV (which is kinda like being the tallest dwarf), but it doesn't "out-fun" a similarly priced sports sedan.  Nor does it arguably offer much if any greater utility that a comparably priced sports sedan.  Hence my inability to grasp the appeal.  Sure - if someone is in love with the Batmobile looks - then they have their ride.

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

The FX simply puts it's emphasis on "sport" while others put theirs on "utility".  It's arguably the funnest SUV to drive in it's price range, and that obviously appeals to a lot of buyers.  And while looks are completely subjective, I think it's the best and most aggressive looking SUV in it's class as well.  Oh, and that lovely exhaust note......

I guess when there's so little evident utility in terms of people and cargo-hauling abilities, it begs the question - why not just get a sports sedan if sport is really the emphasis?  It may be fun to drive for an SUV (which is kinda like being the tallest dwarf), but it doesn't "out-fun" a similarly priced sports sedan.  Nor does it arguably offer much if any greater utility that a comparably priced sports sedan.  Hence my inability to grasp the appeal.  Sure - if someone is in love with the Batmobile looks - then they have their ride.

Jaeger

It's pretty much impossible to answer your question as everyone has their own reasons for purchasing an FX over a sport Sedan.  You mentioned earlier that you see a lot of them around (as do I), so obviously it appeals to to people (for a variety of reasons I am sure).  For me personally, I would take the FX over my G35S as it does offer more cargo capacity.  The trunk in the G has such a narrow opening (due to the poor placement of the CD Changer) that I am extremely limited in what I can put in the trunk.  So with the FX, I wouldn't be giving up much on the sportiness side, but have increased cargo capacity. 

[Winterpeg]

I don't understand why the FX and the EX models exist.  I agree with the conclusions of the review - both are very short on utility/space for the 2nd row but ESPECIALLY the cargo area.  I don't think you could get 2 full size suitcases in the cargo area with the 2nd row seats up.

Roy....these models exist because there is a market (an extremely small 0ne but profitable) for suv's with "sport" part in capital letters.
Not everybody needs tons of space for the odd person they MAY have sitting in the back once a year. And how much space do you need for a couple of golf bags/briefcases?
The people who can afford the FX's of the world can buy ANOTHER suv just to haul everything this sportute can't.   

[Winterpeg]

I don't think anyone looking at a FX would cross shop an Edge, not syaing there is anything wrong with the Edge, just not in the same class

Your right on the money there Allen.....
For the moment it's like comparing apples to kiwi's....   

[jacko]

that is one ugly suv! 
it looks like a shark or something. i thought the honda crosstour is ugliest, this fx35 is just as bad. 

[Winterpeg]

I don't get the appeal personally, but I sure do see a lot of them around.

Jaeger

You bet Jaeg.....if you have no family or no need to carry stuff this would be a sweet ride (ie. people like the ride height/good hadling and strong acceleration).  

[Benhaze]

I don't think anyone looking at a FX would cross shop an Edge, not syaing there is anything wrong with the Edge, just not in the same class

Your right on the money there Allen.....
For the moment it's like comparing apples to kiwi's....   

Wrong! The original posting was about the upcoming 2011 and it seems you guys are clearly a little behind the ball...

[Benhaze]

The appeal of the original FX was the higher driving position with handling that defined logic. Anyone who didn't drove one just can't appreciate what this vehicle is capable of.

But here's a design that Infiniti screwed up by making it quite uglier (personal opinion of course but unbelievable how little changes can ruined a design) when it refreshed it and not improving the model significantly. The problem with this vehicle is IMO is the total lack of utility; not as bad as the useless EX but still falling way too short as far as any expectations one could have for a SUV.

[Allen]

I don't think anyone looking at a FX would cross shop an Edge, not syaing there is anything wrong with the Edge, just not in the same class

Your right on the money there Allen.....
For the moment it's like comparing apples to kiwi's....   

Wrong! The original posting was about the upcoming 2011 and it seems you guys are clearly a little behind the ball...

I don't care what year Edge it is, its not in the same class as an FX