Vehicle Type: Luxury Crossover

History/Description: Infiniti’s luxury sport crossover, the FX, debuted in its second generation for model-year 2009, and after a name-change and several updates, the model is still on sale now. The FX was once pitched as a sports sedan wearing a backpack. It’s not bought primarily for space or family-hauling abilities, as its sizing and proportions make it more ideal as a personal luxury sport ute for a single professional or active couple prioritizing luxury, performance and added capability and utility, not all-out space.

Unique styling helps set this one apart from the crowd, too.

Feature content includes all luxury performance must-haves, including climate controlled memory seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, navigation, premium audio systems with full multimedia connectivity, adaptive xenon lights, keyless engine start and more. Note that a full suite of advanced safety and hazard-detection systems were on board, including lane departure intervention, moving object detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and more. Newer models got an advanced OnStar-like telematics system complete with concierge services.

Engines/Trim: Initially both FX35 and FX50 models were available with the numerical nomenclature referencing engine displacement. From 2013, the FX35 (3.5L V6, 303 hp) became the FX37, thanks to a larger-displacement V6 engine with 325 standard horsepower. From model year 2014, all units were called the QX70, as Infiniti reinvented its naming convention. The 5.0L V8 (390 hp) was removed from the options list after 2013. Most used models will have the V6 engine, which should be enough for the average driver, not to mention easier on fuel, brakes, tires and insurance than a V8-powered model.
All units got a seven-speed automatic with manual mode and rev-matching. Models with the Sport package will include paddle shifters, as well as other up-level sporty kit like deeply bolstered seats, bigger wheels and a stiffer suspension calibration.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) was standard, and notably, Infiniti’s AWD system always engages a 50:50 power split when stationary, ensuring maximum off-the line traction at all times. Up to 100 percent of the engines power can be sent to the rear wheels when needed, with a maximum of 50 percent available to the front.

What Owners Like: Exclusive looks, manoeuvrability, a high-quality cabin, punchy performance and great wintertime traction are highly rated by FX owners. Handling and a comfortably sporty ride are also noted, as are the posh cabin trimmings. Performance from the xenon lighting system is commonly praised, and the SNOW switch, which engages a throttle-numbing, AWD-locking slippery-surface drive mode is a favourite feature for winter driving.

What Owners Dislike: Limited rear-seat space, small rear door openings, and high noise levels during highway cruising are among the most common complaints of FX drivers. Models with bigger wheels will ride roughly, and some owners actually wish for a less-sensitive throttle, saying it can require practice before you’re driving your FX smoothly in traffic.

Here’s a look some owner reviews.

On Autos.ca: Test Drive: 2014 Infiniti QX70

The Test Drive: Start your test drive with a full walk around, looking for signs of sneaky rust. Pop the tailgate, looking at the inner, lower edge for signs of rust or bubbling paint. Look at the rear quarter panel area, just above the bumper seam. Open the doors and inspect the lower, inner edge. Look closely at the front edge of the roof, or the area around and inside of the sunroof opening for signs of rust, too. Any signs of excessive rust should be called into pricing negotiations.

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