Acceleration

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
7	8	6.1

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

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
4	3	3.8

No opportunity to measure. Infiniti recommends premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
3	4	5.9

Overly firm on all roads and sometimes jarring in FX35 models equipped with 20-inch wheels. All road imperfections translate into a rough, choppy drive. FX50 is somewhat softer due to its Continuous Damping Control suspension system. It regularly alters the dampening of the shocks for a smoother ride despite having 21-inch wheels.

Steering/Handling/Braking

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
7	7	5.6

FX is very nimble and exhibits excellent handling response with minimal body lean. 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.

Quietness

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Wind rush around the outside mirrors is noticeable, as is road noise on most all surfaces. Pounding is heard and felt on rougher roads. The V8 chortles pleasantly at idle and emits a sporty growl under throttle. Optional 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

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Clear 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 and is easy to use and helpful in parking lots.

Details

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
8	8	7.1

FX's interior exudes the feel of understated luxury with its top-notch materials and near-seamless fits. 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)

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
7	8	7.5

Plush, bolstered seats are comfortable and supportive. FX50's seats add length for thigh support and more comfort controls. Plenty of headroom and legroom for the average-sized driver. Rear visibility is severely compromised due to thick C-pillars and small, slanted rear window.

Room/Comfort (rear)

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.4

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 should have enough headroom and legroom.

Cargo Room

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
8	8	8.6

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

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
6	4	6.6

FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility. It does, however, makes 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

FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation	FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation	Class Average
69	69	70.8

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		65
Average Score		70
High Score		80