This is one of those cars I liked more than I thought I would. The 2013 Infiniti FX37 is a good size, looks cool and swoopy and different -- and it’s very well built. I had a guy pull up to me in a new Cadillac Escalade and roll down his window and tell me how cool he thought it was. The shape is a little left field, but that’s cool -- I like it.
This is a good car/powertrain combo. I’ve driven the V8 model, and for me personally, the eight-cylinder wouldn’t be necessary. There is enough power here for me, and the engine is mated well to the seven-speed transmission. It’s a smooth and energetic enough powertrain.
In terms of driving dynamics, it’s as good or better than most utes I can think of -- it feels agile and balanced and the ride is not too hard or soft.
The interior is full of nice materials and the seats are terrific. I like Infiniti’s center-console screen system as well as any. The stereo kicks it out nicely.
If I was shopping for a smallish SUV or a tall wagon, this would be on my list. So would the Cadillac SRX and Mercedes-Benz ML-class. Those three would be considered over the BMW X5 for sure, a midsize SUV to which I’ve never really warmed.
I’d seriously consider ditching the technology package and save myself $3,000.
ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: When it comes to crossovers and tall station wagons (or whatever you want to call these things), the Infiniti FX has always stood out to me for how well it handles. This thing responds well when you toss it around and feels downright nimble. Steering response is quick, there’s a nice amount of feedback through the wheel and the suspension keeps the body composed when shooting around corners with minimal lean.
With the stiffer suspension and the larger wheels, you do give up a little bit in the ride comfort department, but it’s a ride that’s far from jarring. Call it a touch firmer and still compliant enough for daily rides around town.
For 2013, the 3.5-liter V6 with 305-hp was dropped in favor of a 3.7-liter unit making 325-hp to explain the name change from the FX35 to FX37. In all honesty, I thought the old V6 made the FX plenty quick so the addition of 20 extra ponies further solidifies my thought that the V6 is all you need in the FX. There’s a 5.0-liter V8 available with 390-hp, but it’s just not necessary. If you’re someone who just wants to have the king of the FX mountain, then by all means, go for it. It’s a riot with the V8 and it sounds wicked, but having more than adequate performance and better fuel economy from the V6 option aren’t things to be ashamed about.
Another cool thing is that it sticks with a regular torque-converter automatic transmission. And it’s a good unit, too, with slick shifts. Infiniti didn’t lose its mind and try to stick a continuously variable transmission into this or anything.
In addition to performance, the FX is visually attractive. It’s a bit different and the flowing lines work. Unlike the QX56, it still looks trim and not bloated. It doesn’t blend in with other crossovers on the road and that’s worth something.
From a dynamics standpoint, the BMW X3 is on par with it if you can stand run-flat tires. The Mercedes-Benz GLK-class isn’t quite as sharp, and I’m not as big of a fan of the boxy, upright appearance. Of the three, I would go with the Infiniti.
2013 Infiniti FX37
Base Price: $46,700
As-Tested Price: $57,250
Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6; AWD, seven-speed automatic
Output: 325 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 267 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,321 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 16/22/18 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 17.8 mpg
Options: Premium package including Infiniti, eight-inch VGA color touchscreen display, voice recognition, Navtraffic and Navweather, around-view monitoring, moving object detection, Bluetooth capable, entry and exit moving drivers seat and steering wheel, outside mirrors with reverse tilt, power adjustable steering column, aluminum roof rails( $4,300); deluxe touring package including 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, quilted leather seating, climate controlled front seats, maple interior accents, aluminum pedals, tonneau cover ($3,300); technology package including intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, intelligent braking with front end collision warning, distance control assist, adaptive front lighting system with auto leveling, rain sensing windshield, front pre-crash seat belts ($2,950)
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