2011 Infiniti FX

The Infiniti FX lineup returns unchanged for 2011. Sporty luxury crossover SUVs like the 2011 Infiniti FX37 and FX50 seem to be gaining in popularity. And with the FX, Infiniti emphasizes "sport" over utility. Notable features include a clever top-view camera, adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist and a lane departure warning and prevention system.

Unfortunately, the Infiniti FX has some drawbacks that its high-tech wizardry can’t solve. If utility is a priority, the 2011 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 probably aren’t your best choices. The BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne represent the FX’s closest performance rivals, but they’re more expensive. The 2011 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 are midsize luxury crossover SUVs available in a single, well-equipped trim level. 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, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. Options include a Premium package, which features roof rails, heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat memory, quilted leather seating, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a 360-degree parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, a Zagat restaurant guide, a larger touchscreen display, voice-activated controls, expanded digital music storage and Bluetooth streaming audio.

Standard equipment for the FX50 includes all of the above plus 20-inch wheels, a more advanced climate control system with air filtration and a cargo cover.

The FX50′s Deluxe Touring is similar but adds 21-inch wheels. The Technology package (which requires the Deluxe Touring package) adds automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamps, intelligent brake assist and a lane-departure warning and prevention system.

A Sport package is available for the FX50 only, and adds dark-tinted exterior trim, active rear steering, adaptive two-mode suspension dampers, paddle shifters and sport front seats.

The 2011 Infiniti FX35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 303 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. 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.

The EPA estimates fuel consumption for the AWD FX35 at 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined, while rear-drive models are rated at 16/23/19 mpg. The FX50 is estimated at 14/20/16 mpg.

Standard safety features for the 2011 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, traction control and stability control.

The 2011 Infiniti FX features an interior that is as luxurious as you’ll find in this category. In terms of handling and ride quality, both the 2011 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 deliver similar experiences. The V6-powered FX35 delivers a smooth stream of power while the seven-speed automatic transmission executes shifts quickly and smoothly.