Vehicle Overview
The original Infiniti FX explored the boundaries of sportiness in an SUV, though not without some drawbacks in utility. A 390-horsepower V-8 powers the 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 SUVs, from the Lexus RX 350 to the Mercedes M-Class, compete with the FX. All-wheel drive is standard on the FX50.
New for 2011
A power liftgate will become standard later in the model year, and black lacquer interior trim replaces maple accents as standard on the FX50.
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. Exterior features include:
- Standard 20-inch alloy wheels
- Available 21-inch alloy wheels
- Standard bi-xenon 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
- Standard dual-zone climate control
- Standard power liftgate
- Standard USB input for MP3 players
- Optional heated and cooled front seats
- Bose audio system with 2GB Music Box hard drive
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 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:
- Optional lane departure warning system
- Optional adaptive cruise control
- Optional forward-warning system applies brakes in the event of an impending collision
- Optional Around View Monitor system uses four cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the immediate surroundings
