2009 Infiniti FX: Road Test
2009 Infiniti FX ▼
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- MSRP: $42,150 - $58,400
- Invoice: $38,924 - $53,893
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Our road test for the 2009 Infiniti FX includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Infiniti FX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Infiniti FX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Infiniti FX help you decide if a 2009 Infiniti FX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.3 |
FX35's 3.5-liter V6 is spunky from a stop and competent and adequately powerful on the highway. FX50's 5.0-liter V8 supplies more than ample power in all situations, but non-linear acceleration and a touchy gas pedal made for lurchy starts. Busy 7-speed automatic is indecisive and too quick to shift during hill climbs or highway passing maneuvers.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD FX35 models averaged 18.8-18.9 mpg. Infiniti recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.8 |
Firm on all roads, with some testers complaining of annoying body motions on apparently smooth pavement. Despite having 21-inch wheels, the FX50 is reasonably compliant due to its Continuous Damping Control suspension system. It regularly alters the dampening of the shocks in order to better smother bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
FX is nimble and exhibits excellent handling response with minimal body lean, particularly the sporty FX50. It finds itself at home on even the curviest of roads. Steering is firm, but direct and responsive. Solid, reactive brakes furnish smooth stops. The optional Lane Departure Prevention system uses subtle braking impulses and beeps to alert driver of potential wandering at speeds above 45 mph and then corrects the vehicle's direction. One test model, however, seemed to suffer from malfunctions of the lane-departure systems, as they would not activate, even when put in situations where they should have worked.
QUIETNESS
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Wind rush around the outside mirrors is noticeable, as is road noise on most all surfaces. Pounding is heard and felt on rougher roads. FX35 models with the standard tires are a bit quieter overall than the FX50. The V8 sounds pleasant at idle and emits a sporty growl under throttle. Available cooled seating system emits a louder fan noise than the air conditioning. Various vehicle safety systems emit warning tones that can be obnoxious, confusing, or helpful, depending on the situation. However, these systems can be turned off at any time.
CONTROLS
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Most controls are logically placed and intuitive. Multiple safety system on/off switches are clustered near driver's left knee and can get confusing to distinguish because acronyms are used on each. Voice activated climate control, navigation, and audio system didn't always recognize voice commands. The navigation system is fairly easy to use, especially with its new iPod integration. Optional Around View Monitoring System displays four views of the vehicle on the navigation screen. Testers are divided on its usefulness: Some find it helpful in close quarters, others find the display blurry and hard to decipher.
DETAILS
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
FX's interior is classy and well finished, if not significantly better than its premium-midsize rivals. The cabin is filled with leather surfaces and lined with wood and metal trim that impart an upscale, classy feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7.4 |
Plush, bolstered seats are comfortable and supportive. FX50's seats add length for thigh support and more comfort controls. Headroom and legroom are adequate for average-sized occupants, but those with long legs will wish for more rearward seat travel. Rear visibility is severely compromised due to thick C-pillars and small, slanted rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Too narrow for three adults to sit in comfort. FX's narrow backseat opening hinders ingress and egress. The back seats are bolstered and comfortable. Average sized passengers have sufficient headroom and legroom, but folks much taller than 5-foot-8 will be cramped for knee clearance.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.4 |
The rear seatbacks fold flat with ease for more cargo space, but the load floor is high. Small item storage is just average and includes a deep glovebox, smallish door pockets, two-tiered center bin, and a small bin in rear passenger's armrest.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 5.8 |
FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility. It does, however, make some sacrifices in the ride and rear visibility departments. Competitors such as Acura MDX and Lexus RX exhibit a more comfortable, conventional blend of luxury and convenience, with less edgy styling and a more composed ride.
Total Score
| AWD FX35 w/navigation | FX50 w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 67 | 68.3 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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