2012 Infiniti FX50: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The original Infiniti FX explored the boundaries of sportiness in a crossover, though not without some drawbacks in utility. A 390-horsepower V-8 powers the five-seat FX50, while a 303-hp V-6 powers the FX35, which is covered in a separate report in the Cars.com Research section. A number of luxury crossovers, from the Lexus RX 350 to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, compete with the FX. All-wheel drive is standard on the FX50.

New for 2012
The FX50 gains a revised front grille, new front-end styling and updated meter illumination. Adaptive headlights have been added to the FX50’s Sport Package, too.

Exterior
The FX’s beady headlights and rakish profile are at least as controversial as those elements on its predecessor, if not more so. Along the side, functional air vents reduce the FX’s lift, Infiniti says. Exterior features include:

• Standard 20-inch alloy wheels
• Available 21-inch alloy wheels
• Standard bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
• Optional adaptive suspension continuously reacts to changing road conditions
• Optional Rear Active Steer angles rear wheels slightly to enhance turning precision

Interior
The cabin has a high dashboard. A ledge just below the windshield curls around to the window sills, and air-conditioning and stereo controls sit below an available navigation display. The leather seats can come with quilted center inserts. Power adjustments for the front seats are standard. Interior features include:

• Standard reclining rear seat
• Standard Bluetooth connectivity
• Standard dual-zone climate control
• Standard power liftgate
• Standard USB input for MP3 players
• Standard heated and ventilated front seats
• Bose stereo

Under the Hood
The FX50’s 5.0-liter V-8 makes 390 hp and teams with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:

• Premium gas
• Standard all-wheel drive
• 3,500-pound towing capacity

Safety
Standard safety features include active front head restraints, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Traction control, an electronic stability system and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are also standard. The FX50’s brakes sport four-piston, aluminum front calipers, hardware that suggests serious stopping performance.  Safety features include:

• Standard Around View Monitor system uses four cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the immediate surroundings
• Optional lane departure prevention system
• Optional adaptive cruise control
• Optional forward warning system applies brakes in the event of an impending collision