Infiniti FX: Sporty Luxury SUV Review And Buyer Guide

The Infiniti FX emerged as a standout in the luxury SUV segment, prioritizing driver engagement over everyday utility. This crossover blended coupe-like styling with SUV practicality, delivering exhilarating performance and a high-end interior that appealed to enthusiasts seeking something beyond conventional family haulers.

Design That Turns Heads

The FX’s aggressive, muscular exterior set it apart from boxy competitors. Its low-slung profile, wide stance, and sculpted lines evoked a sports car more than a traditional SUV, creating a commanding road presence. Updated front grilles and fascias in later models like the 2012 version refined this bold aesthetic without diluting its character.

Inside, the cabin exuded premium quality with soft-touch materials, modern layouts, and thoughtful touches like illuminated gauges. Occupants enjoyed supportive seats and a driver-focused cockpit, though rear space remained snug, emphasizing front-row luxury over passenger volume.

Powertrains: V6 and V8 Muscle

Core to the FX’s appeal were its potent engines. The FX35 featured a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup propelled the vehicle from 0-60 mph in about 7.1 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 15.5 seconds at 91 mph, surprisingly close to V8 rivals despite lighter curb weight around 4,100 pounds.

The FX50 (or FX45 in earlier guises) upgraded to a 5.0-liter V8 with 390 horsepower, offering even brisker acceleration. Both came standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and cornering poise. Top speeds reached ungoverned limits near 137 mph, outpacing many luxury sedans.

Driving Dynamics: Sports Car in SUV Clothing

Infiniti marketed the FX as the “sports car of SUVs,” and road tests validated this claim. Its taut chassis, precise steering, and strong brakes delivered sports-car-like handling on twisty roads. The FX gripped corners with confidence, maintaining composure during aggressive maneuvers, aided by all-wheel drive and low center of gravity.

Urban driving benefited from quick acceleration and nimble responses, ideal for lane changes in traffic. Drivers sat elevated enough to oversee sedans while enjoying sedan-like agility. However, the firm suspension transmitted road imperfections harshly, making highway rides bumpy over potholes or speed bumps. Larger wheels exacerbated noise and harshness.

• Handling Strengths: Sharp steering, high cornering grip (near 0.9g), consistent braking.
• Ride Trade-offs: Stiff over rough pavement, increased road noise with big rims.
• Performance Edge: Responsive automatic shifter for city and track-like fun.

Interior Comfort and Tech Innovations

The FX’s cabin impressed with luxury trappings: leather upholstery, Bose audio, navigation, and climate controls. High-tech options included a 360-degree top-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and intelligent brake assist—features ahead of their time.

Build quality shone through, with durable materials holding up over years. Owners praised long-term reliability, with many reporting trouble-free ownership spanning 8-10 years and minimal repairs under $300. Consumer ratings highlighted quality and dependability, though comfort lagged due to firm seats.

Rear seating and cargo space were modest, limiting practicality for large families or heavy loads. Front passengers reveled in space and amenities, but the sloping roofline crimped rear headroom.

Safety and Reliability Record

Safety tech elevated the FX, with available systems like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision intervention. Crash test ratings were solid, bolstered by robust structure and multiple airbags. Real-world durability impressed; forums and reviews noted engines and transmissions enduring high mileage without major failures.

Common gripes included a synthetic exhaust note that grew tiresome and occasional tech glitches, but overall, 90% of Kelley Blue Book users recommended it. Later models like the 2013 FX37 refined the formula with updated V6 tuning.

Trims, Pricing, and Value Today

Trims ranged from base FX35 to loaded FX50, with special editions like the 2012 Limited adding unique styling. Options packages were pricey and often restrictive, bundling tech at a premium. Original MSRPs started around $50,000, positioning it against BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne.

In the used market, low-mileage examples offer tremendous value. Enthusiasts call it underrated, proving Infiniti’s potential amid luxury brand challenges. Maintenance costs remain reasonable given Nissan underpinnings.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy an Infiniti FX?

Ideal for driving enthusiasts wanting luxury SUV perks without bland dynamics. Couples or solo drivers prioritizing style and fun over hauling capacity will love it. Families needing max space should look elsewhere, like larger QX models.

Its legacy endures as a benchmark for sporty crossovers, influencing modern Infiniti designs like the QX70 successor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Infiniti FX reliable long-term?

Yes, owners report 8+ years of service with minimal issues, praising engine and transmission durability.

How does it compare to BMW X5?

The FX offers similar sporty handling at potentially lower used prices, though X5 provides softer ride and more space.

What’s the best model year?

2010-2013 models balance refinements, tech, and reliability without early-gen quirks.

Fuel economy expectations?

Expect 16-20 mpg combined; V6 is thirstier in spirited driving.

Common maintenance needs?

Timing chain on V6/V8, suspension bushings; otherwise low-cost.