2012 Infiniti FX

Design, performance and technology drive the 2012 Infiniti FX towards the forefront of luxury Sports utility vehicles. But when functionality and utility are among your requirements, look elsewhere. The 2012 Infiniti FX is basically unchanged. It gains a restyled front grille and fascia, up-to-date gauge illumination and modified standard features. Gleam new FX35 Special Edition trim level in line with the all-wheel-drive FX35.

Impressive premium standard features and-quality materials distinguish the 2012 Infiniti FX like a true luxury crossover. Residents have a plush and modern cabin endowed with all the high-tech and luxury trappings expected of automobiles within this cost range. Notable options incorporate a clever top-view camera, adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist along with a lane-departure warning and prevention system.

Regrettably, the 2012 Infiniti FX has some disadvantages that it is high-tech wizardry can’t solve. Luggage space is noticeably more compact compared to its rivals, out of the box rear-chair space bigger people will feel a little cramped.

If utility is a priority, the 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 probably aren’t your best choices. Though they’re not as sporty, the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350 and Lincoln MKX provide more passenger and cargo space. The BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne represent the FX’s closest performance rivals, but they’re more expensive. All things considered, the Infiniti FX lineup deserves a close look if you want a lot of sport from your luxury crossover.

2012 Infiniti FX35 SUV

The 2012 Infiniti FX sport-luxury crossover SUV is offered in three trim levels: FX35, FX Limited Edition and FX50. The V6-powered FX35 can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive, while the V8-powered FX50 is only offered with AWD.

Standard features for the FX35 include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, power-folding heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, full power accessories, eight-way power front seats, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, a back-up camera, Bluetooth for phone and an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, an iPod/USB connection, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

2012 Infiniti FX35 Limited Edition SUV

Based on the all-wheel-drive FX35, the 2012 FX35 Limited Edition is differentiated by exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights and some of the features from the Premium package, including driver seat memory, the navigation system and the parking camera system. Additional option packages aren’t available for the Limited Edition.

The Technology package (which requires the Deluxe Touring package for the FX35) adds automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamps, forward collision warning, intelligent brake assist and a lane-departure warning and prevention system. A twin-screen rear-seat entertainment system is a stand-alone option for all FX models.

The 2012 Infiniti FX35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 303 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The FX50 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 390 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only transmission available. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the FX35; an all-wheel-drive system with a rear bias to preserve the vehicle’s sporty handling capabilities is optional. The FX50 is only offered with AWD.

Standard safety features for the 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 include antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, traction control and stability control. A lane-departure warning and prevention system is optional, as are adaptive cruise control and intelligent brake assist. The latter uses the laser range finder from the adaptive cruise control to analyze closing speeds to an obstacle ahead. If a forward collision is imminent, the system sounds a warning to prompt driver action and can automatically apply the brakes up to 0.5g.

The 2012 Infiniti FX features an interior that is as luxurious as you’ll find in this category. Supple leathers, rich wood trim and soft-touch materials grace nearly every surface of the cabin. The audio and navigation systems may be a little tricky to use at first, but once acclimated, operation is simple and intuitive. The optional 360-degree camera is particularly helpful when maneuvering in tight spaces, as it provides a top-down view of the vehicle in relation to its surroundings. All models receive revised gauge lighting for 2012.

In terms of handling and ride quality, both the 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 deliver similar experiences. On twisting mountain roads, the FX displays impressive road-holding prowess and confidence, aided by strong, consistent brakes and a tight and direct steering feel. The trade-off, however, is a stiffer ride on the highway. Opting for the larger wheel sizes only compounds matters, increasing road noise and impact harshness.

The V6-powered 2012 Infiniti FX35 delivers a smooth stream of power while the seven-speed automatic transmission executes shifts quickly and smoothly. Manually shifting provides slick, matched-rev downshifts. Most drivers will find that this engine provides more than enough power. For those who need more, the 2012 Infiniti FX50 obliges with a flood of torque that launches this big SUV toward the horizon with ease. In most situations, the V8 is pleasantly refined, but closer to the redline it provides an additional surge of exhilarating power.