2011 INFINITI FX35

Vehicle Overview

The original Infiniti FX explored the boundaries of sportiness in an SUV, though not without some drawbacks in utility. It is sold as an FX35 and FX50 model. A 303-horsepower V-6 powers the FX35, while a 390-hp V-8 powers the FX50, which is covered in a separate report in the Cars.com Research section. A number of luxury SUVs, from the Lexus RX 350 to the Mercedes M-Class, compete with the FX. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the FX35, and all-wheel drive is optional.

New for 2011
A power liftgate will become standard later in the model year.

Exterior
The FX’s beady headlights and snout-nosed grille 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. With rear-wheel drive, the FX35’s front/rear weight distribution is 52/48. Exterior features include:

• Standard bi-xenon headlights
• Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
• Available 20-inch alloy wheels

Interior
The cabin has a high dashboard. A ledge just below the windshield curls around to the windowsills, 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
• Standard dual-zone climate control
• Standard power liftgate
• Standard USB input for MP3 players
• Optional heated and cooled front seats

Under the Hood
The FX35’s 3.5-liter V-6 makes 303 hp and teams with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include: 

• Premium gas
• Rear- or all-wheel drive
• 2,000-pound towing capacity (AWD)

Safety
Standard safety features include active 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. Safety features include:

• Optional lane departure prevention system
• Optional adaptive cruise control
• Optional forward-warning system can apply the brakes in the event of an impending collision