When it comes to luxury midsized SUVs, people liked the 2012 Infiniti FX for its sportscar-like energy, but when it came to its performance as a good, reliable family SUV, it came up short.
The reason is the way it handles its powerful engine and it just doesn’t have a lot of room for people and luggage, in addition to its inability to handle rough pavement. The FX offers a variety of features that you have come to expect from Infiniti.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $43,700.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons (90 l) | MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 191.3 in. (485.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 113.6 in. (288.5 cm) |
| Height: 66.1 in. (167.8 cm) | Width: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4162 lbs (1888 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7.4 in. (18.8 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 24.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC | Displacement: 3.5 Liter |
| Horsepower: 303 HP | Max RPM: 6800 RPM |
| Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs) AWD | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:FX AWD | MSRP: $45,150; MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:FX50 5.0L V8 AWD | MSRP: $59,800; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
Engine
The Infiniti FX has two trims. The FX35’s V6 engine gives you 303 horsepower as well as a seven speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters. The FX50’s V8 engine delivers 390 horsepower and is matched to a seven speed automatic transmission.
The FX50 comes with standard all wheel drive while the FX35 offers the option of all wheel drive or rear wheel drive. The rear wheel drive FX35 has the best fuel economy, while the all wheel drive FX35 and the FX50 get less.
Performance
The FX gets high marks for its sheer power, both in the V6 and the V8 engines. Some found the V8 a little too potent for their taste. But most were impressed that this SUV handled so much like a sports car.
The drawback was this made the drive rugged unless you are driving on a smooth road. Since the streets that lead from home to school to supermarket to playing field might not always be as ‘bump-free’, this can cause difficulty for some drivers.
Exterior
The FX’s exterior is said to be sexy, and maybe even a little too sexy. It calls envious attention to itself, though the 2012 model is more demure than previous models.
Interior
The Infiniti FX’s interior is what folks pay a lot of money for. It is luxurious and has many high tech features. Among the attractions that come standard is the leather upholstery, heated front seats, and rear seats that recline.
The front seats are ventilated in the FX50 and this feature is optional on the FX35. The seats are not only climate controlled, but are comfortable and give good support, though the rear sets are cramped.
The FX’s features are second to none, according to reviewers. Among the goodies you can enjoy are: automatic temperature control, a supreme Bose audio system, satellite radio, a rearview camera, speed sensitive wipers for the front windshield, and a navigation system, which is standard on the FX50. Some thought the features were too much of a good thing and it could be a challenge to learn how to operate them.
The big drawback was the FX’s cargo space, which is at 24.8 cubic feet when all the seats were up and 62 cubic feet when the rear seats were down. Storage for small items was also no more than average.
Safety
The safety ratings on the 2012 FX are fairly good, though not all safety tests were performed on the SUV. One highway safety institute didn’t rate for side impact tests or roof strength.
Reliability
J.D. Power gave the Infiniti FX a three and a half out of five rating for reliability, which means it’s better than average. It comes with a four year or 60,000 mile basic warranty, a six year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty and a seven year warranty for rust perforation.
Pros
Reviewers loved the Infiniti’s powerful engine, tight handling and its state of the art features.
Cons
The drive is rough unless the SUV is driven on well-paved roads. There just isn’t enough interior space for a family and their belongings.
Comparisons
The FX can be compared to the Lincoln MKT (MSRP $44,300; 17 city / 24 hwy) and the Volvo XC90 (MSRP $41,600; 16 city / 23 hwy).
Overall Rating
What others say:
“The 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 look like they sacrifice some practicality in the name of a sexy design and scorching performance—and that’s exactly the case.”Car Connection
“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.”Consumer Guide
“The FX stands out with bold styling, an eager powertrain, and responsive handling.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If you enjoy combining maximum performance – especially when equipped with Infiniti’s 5.0-liter V8 – with a modicum of utility, the FX Infiniti delivers fully on that promise, and does so at a price point below its Euro competition.”KBB
“Sporty performance; luxurious interior; available technology- and safety-oriented gadgets; distinctive style…Modest rear-passenger and cargo space; pricey and restrictive options packages; firm ride.”Edmunds
