2007 Infiniti FX35 - Driving Impressions

Test drive by Gary Chan

If Goldilocks was judging the FX35, I’m sure she would say it’s “just right”. It’s not too big, not too small, has enough power and is a pleasure to drive. It’s solidly built and easy to drive with the automatic shifting smoothly regardless of how hard I accelerated. Driving down Highway 85, the first thing I noticed was the freeway expansion joints being transmitted back to the cabin. Being a luxury SUV, I expected the suspension to provide a smoother ride. Acceleration was smooth and powerful regardless of road inclination, but the initial throttle tip-in was like binary code … it was either “on” or “off”. The leather steering wheel is perfect … just thick enough and of a smaller-diameter with perfectly placed thumb rests.

Build (Exterior)

I drove the rear-wheel drive model (with Touring package) with Infiniti’s electronically controlled 5-speed manu-matic. The sunroof had both tilt and retract features. Overall, the fit and finish is what I expected from Nissan’s luxury line … well thought out and well constructed.

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

Upon entering the cockpit, I was easily able to find a comfortable seating position with the standard multitude of adjustments. One unique quality about the instrument panel is that it is a pod that is attached to the steering column: as you tilt or telescope the steering wheel, the instrument pod moves in unison. The memory feature automatically adjusts the steering wheel tilt/telescope, the outside mirrors, and the 10-way adjustable seats. The leather seats were comfortable and supportive.

What about the center console? Do you need a 1,000-page manual to figure it out? Not at all. The center console is cleanly laid out in an uncluttered fashion. Button names or icons are all easy to read and or interpret. Surrounding a large input dial are six large commonly used functions (Trip, Fuel Economy, Maintenance, etc). The input dial has directional buttons to navigate the onscreen menus with additional buttons to enter your choice or backup one step. Very intuitive.

The sound system was adequate … clean and clear, but nothing spectacular. The auto-climate system quickly cooled and maintained the cabin temperature (but it wasn’t extremely hot during the testing day so I didn’t stress the system). It’s quiet with intuitive controls.

Performance

For a 2-ton vehicle, the V-6 does not feel underpowered. Off the line, the engine propels you forward at a brisk, smooth pace … transmission up-shifts are barely felt. Flooring it at 70mph, the engine still had headroom accelerating quickly to 90+ mph. Fortunately, with 12.6-inch vented rotors in front and 12.1-inch rotors in back, the FX35 stops confidently. Brake modulation is smooth, and the brake pedal feel is firm not mushy.

Handling

With the standard suspension, normal handling was fine … it tracked straight and stayed flat in turns. On a more curvaceous road near Stevens Creek Reservoir, the 18-inch Bridgestone Potenza RE92A’s did an admirable of job of keeping the vehicle planted.

Styling

Our Sapphire-colored FX35 is a good looking SUV … contemporary, but nothing cutting edge. Again, Nissan is playing it safe with rounded edges, and an amorphous profile. When I looked at it from the side, my first impressions were a Mazda3 hatchback on steroids. Apples and oranges, I know, but the shape of the FX35 reminded me of the Mazda3. This is not a bad thing because I love the curves and shoulders of the Mazda.

Value

Listing at just over $40k, this is not an inexpensive luxury SUV. Is it worth it? Compared to some of its competition, Infiniti includes many features as standard equipment effectively keeping the overall cost down. With a BMW X3 or Lexus RX, the additional packages add up quickly. As a whole, I think you’re getting a lot of value for your money … a smooth running, comfortable and reliable SUV. I wouldn’t hesitate taking the FX35 on a cross country trip … I can easily envision spending hours in the comfortable cockpit as the miles rolled by. That comfort (seat/driving position/controls) is a testament to the ergonomic research the designers completed during the design phase.

Pros and Cons

• Strong and smooth acceleration
• Intuitive electronic controls on center dash
• Supportive and comfortable driver’s seat
• Great forward-visibility
• Small turning radius

• Some electronic controls hidden below steering wheel
• No remote backrest release from second-row seats
• Throttle tip-in very abrupt
• Road bumps transmitted to entire vehicle; “jouncy” ride
• Steering lacks connectivity to the road

Conclusion/Who Should Buy It

Value is what you get with the FX35, and it’d be difficult to find something in the same price range with the exact same features.

If you’re looking for a small luxury SUV that drives easily, feels small, is less expensive than the competition, this is the one for you.

Gary