2007 Infiniti FX Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The larger of Infiniti's two crossovers is a five-seat wagon that comes with a V6 or V8 engine. The FX35 teams a 280-hp V6 with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. FX45 has a 320-hp V8 and AWD. Both use a 5-speed automatic transmission. FX's AWD lacks low-range gearing. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and xenon headlamps are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. Infiniti's optional Lane Departure Warning System sounds an alert when the vehicle crosses lane dividers. It's included in a Technology Package along with a navigation system and adaptive cruise control. A sport suspension is standard for FX45, available for FX35. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, driver-seat memory, and a rearview camera are standard. Keyless entry/ignition and DVD entertainment are among available features.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Chrysler Aspen, and Lincoln MKX.

News

Sources say the redesigned FX due for model-year 2008 will be slightly larger than today's offerings as Infiniti goes after the Mercedes R-Class and similar upscale "sport wagons." Other information is lacking now, but keep checking back here for late news.

Also due for 2008 is Infiniti's first compact SUV, a 5-passenger design aimed at the BMW X3 and Acura's new RDX. Known for now as simply X, it's said to be built on the same corporate platform as the FX, but will offer a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine as well as a 3.5-liter V6. One or both powerplants will team with parent Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission. X will be available with rear drive or all-wheel drive. A hybrid-power version is being whispered, but timing is unclear. As '08 entries, both the X and redesigned FX should break cover early in the new year, either in full production trim or as thinly disguised concept models.

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2007 Infiniti FX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear visibility

Handling/roadholding	Rear-seat entry/exit

	Ride (w/20-inch tires)

	Fuel economy (FX45)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	7	6.2

Among the quicker SUVs. Test AWD FX35 did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, FX45 6.7 sec. Automatic transmission smooth but can delay downshifts, making the manual-shift mode attractive for quick passing maneuvers. Trailering capacity is 3500 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	3	3.6

Test AWD FX35 averaged 15.6-16.0 mpg. Test FX45s averaged 14.6-16.0. All FXs require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
4	3	3	5.7

Ride quite firm even on apparently smooth roads, can be harsh over sharp bumps and ridges. FX35 with 18-inch tires cushions impact far better than models with sport suspension and 20-inch tires. All exhibit good high-speed stability.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
7	6	6	5.6

Poised on smooth twisty roads, with great grip, well-checked body lean. Excellent crosswind stability. Quick, firm steering with ample feedback adds to carlike driving feel. But 20-inch tires tend to follow road grooves, compromising steering control. And tight sport suspension can jog vehicle slightly off course in bumpy turns. Brakes erase speed quickly.

Quietness

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.5

Engine noise intrudes some at full throttle, as does coarse-pavement thrum with 20-inch tires, but neither annoy. Wind rush modest.

Controls

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	5	6.5

Clear gauges set in pod that tilts with steering wheel. Switchgear abounds; needs larger labeling. Navigation system adds controls that further clutter dashboard, though system itself fairly easy to use.

Details

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Cabin balances low-budget plastic pieces with appealing aluminum trim and good-quality upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.3

Supportive seats bolster well in turns, but don't provide exceptional leg space even when set fully aft. Wheel/seat adjustments suit most drivers. Roof styling hampers vision directly aft, over the shoulder. Low roofline requires some ducking upon entry.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Cabin too narrow for three adults, but 6-footers have decent head clearance even beneath sunroof housing, plus above-average knee space and good under-seat foot room. Leg and back support not the best, despite reclining seatbacks. Entry/exit demands fancy footwork, body English to negotiate narrow door bottoms.

Cargo Room

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.8

Swoopy styling limits height and total volume behind rear seat, so forget tall or bulky cargo. Load floor rather high, too. Split rear seat folds easily for extra space. Cabin storage for small items good, not great.

Value within Class

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
6	4	5	5.9

FX emphasizes sport over utility, probably too much so for some buyers. But otherworldly styling and sporty road manners help it stand out among premium midsize SUVs. Infiniti's strong warranty and kid-glove customer care are noteworthy, too.

Total Score

AWD FX35	AWD FX35 w/Sport Pkg.	FX45 w/Tech Pkg.	Class Average
68	64	64	67.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		54
Average Score		67
High Score		82

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2007 Infiniti FX Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/18/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD FX35 4-door wagon	$37,800	$34,750	$700

AWD FX35 4-door wagon	$39,300	$36,126	$700

AWD FX45 4-door wagon	$49,850	$45,796	$700

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

FX35

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/power release, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power rear liftgate, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital-media player connection, analog clock, rearview camera, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, power liftgate, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, black roof rails, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, 265/60VR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

FX45 adds to FX35:

Powertrain

4.5-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power sunroof, wood interior trim, keyless access and starting, remote engine start, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 265/50VR20 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Touring Pkg.
FX35	$1,300	$1,121
Power sunroof, universal garage door opener, cargo net, automatic headlights.

Sport Pkg.
FX35	$2,000	$1,723
Aluminum pedals, black chrome grille, aluminum roof rails, tinted-headlights and taillights, sport suspension, 265/50VR20 tires. Requires Touring Pkg., Hands Free Pkg.

Technology Pkg.
FX35, FX45	$4,200	$3,619
Navigation system, adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning system. FX35 requires Touring, Hands Free Pkg.

Hands Free Pkg.
FX35	$600	$517
Wireless cell phone link, keyless access and starting, remote engine start. Requires Touring Pkg.

Run-Flat Pkg.
FX35, FX45	$350	$302
Under-cargo-floor storage bin, unique suspension, run-flat tires. Deletes spare tire. Requires Technology Pkg. FX35 requires Sport Pkg., Touring Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
FX45	$1,800	$1,551


DVD entertainment system
FX35, FX45	$1,400	$1,206
Requires Technology Pkg.

Cargo mat
FX35, FX45	$70	$50


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Black roof rail crossbars
FX35	$250	$214
NA w/Sport Pkg.

Aluminum roof rail crossbars
FX35, FX45	$350	$288
FX35 requires Sport Pkg.

Mud guards
FX35, FX45	$140	$90


Trailer hitch
FX35, FX45	$690	$578

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2007 Infiniti FX Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Infiniti FX 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	112.2

Overall Length, in.	189.1

Overall Width, in.	75.8

Overall Height, in.	65.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	4345

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	64.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	23.8

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.9

Rear Head Room, in.	39.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /214	4.5 /274

Horsepower @ rpm.	280 @ 6200	320 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	270 @ 4800	335 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	16/21	14/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Infiniti FX 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/60,000	--

Corrosion	7/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2007 Infiniti FX Photos

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Also in the 2007 Infiniti FX Review:

Infiniti FX

Infiniti FX Road Test

Infiniti FX Prices & Equipment

Infiniti FX Specs & Safety

Infiniti FX Photos

Infiniti FX Full Review