2
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Premium midsize SUV; Built in Japan
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $16,500 – $50,400*


2009 Infiniti FX Front


2009 Infiniti FX Rear


2009 Infiniti FX Interior


2009 Infiniti FX Profile

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Cargo room
  • Controls/details
  • Handling/roadholding
  • Passenger room (front-seat space/comfort)
Cons:
  • Rear visibility
  • Ride

Infiniti’s FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility. On the other hand, it does make some sacrifices in ride and rear visibility. Competitors such as the Acura MDX and Lexus RX exhibit a more comfortable, conventional blend of luxury and convenience, with less edgy stying and a more composed ride. FX resale values have been quite high, so these models aren’t bargain-priced on used-car lots.

Overview

As redesigned for 2009, Infiniti’s FX gained freshened styling along with more power and additional safety systems. Available with either V6 or V8 power, FX was a premium midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle. The FX35 teamed a 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine with either rear- or all-wheel drive. FX50 models held a 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive. The FX35 gained 28 hp over the previous model, while the FX50 got a hefty 70-hp boost over the 2008 FX45. Both versions used a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity was 3500 pounds. The FX35 rode on standard 18-inch wheels; FX50 on 21-inch wheels. Standard safety features included antilock brakes, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. For 2014, FX became QX70.

Infiniti’s optional Lane Departure Warning System would sound an alert when the vehicle crossed lane dividers. Newly available on FX were Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Around View Monitoring (AVM), and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) systems. LDP sounded a warning and activated the vehicle’s stability control system in order to bring FX back into the proper lane. AVM used four cameras to show the driver the entire circumference of the exterior, right on the navigation screen. IBA used lights and warning tones if a forward collision was imminent, and automatically applied braking power. A sport suspension and Continuous Damping Control suspension system were available for the FX50. Leather upholstery, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, keyless entry and starting, and a rearview camera were standard. Available features included adaptive cruise control that operated at both around-town and highway speeds, a 9.3GB hard drive to store digital media files, an advanced climate-control system that filtered mold and deodorized air, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic information, DVD entertainment, and a wireless cell-phone link. FX rivals included the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Lexus RX.

Yearly Updates

2010 FX
Several new features were added to 2010 FX models: a USB port for connecting digital-media players, a 2-gigabyte MusicBox hard drive for digital-music files with Bose premium audio (on models not equipped with navigation), plus restaurant and real-time weather information for the available navigation system. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system now was standard on all models.
2011 FX
The 2011 Infiniti FX saw only minor trim changes.
2012 FX
The 2012 Infiniti FX received freshened styling and a new top-line Limited Edition model.
2013 FX
The 2013 Infiniti FX37 was basically the previous FX35 with a slightly larger, more powerful V6 engine. Its one other notable change involved the addition of Moving Object Detection to the available Around View Monitor camera system. The only change for the 2013 Infiniti FX50 was the addition of a Moving Object Detection (MOD) function to the standard Around View Monitor camera system.
2014 QX70
For 2014, the V6-powered FX37 and the V8-powered FX50 became collectively known as QX70. Otherwise, these SUVs were unchanged.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

The FX35 holds a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 303 horsepower. In 2013, the V6 grew to 3.7 liters and horsepower increased to 325. The model name FX35 changed to FX37. A 5.0-liter V-8 that generates 390 hp goes into the FX50. All engines mate with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The V8 was all-wheel drive only.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/214
Engine HP 303
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 262
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 16/21

 18.8
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.7/226
Engine HP 325
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 267
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 17/24

 18
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 390
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 369
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 14/20

 16

Road Test

Acceleration scores well on both models. The 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 have made for lurchy starts in tested models. The busy seven-speed automatic transmission is indecisive and too quick to shift during hill climbs or highway passing maneuvers.

.

Fuel economy, though short of thrifty, is about on par for this class. AWD FX35 models have averaged 18.8 to 18.9 mpg. Infiniti recommends premium-grade gasoline.

Ride quality ranks as firm on all roads, and sometimes jarring in FX35 models equipped with 20-inch wheels. All road imperfections translate into a rough, choppy drive. The FX50 is somewhat softer with its available Continuous Damping Control suspension system. That setup regularly alters the dampening of the shock absorbers to better smother bumps, despite having 21-inch wheels. Some testers have complained of annoying body motions on apparently smooth pavement.

An FX is quite nimble and exhibits excellent handling response with minimal body lean-especially the sportier FX50. This SUV finds itself at home on even the curviest of roads. Steering is firm, but direct and responsive. Solid, responsive brakes furnish smooth stops. The optional Lane Departure Prevention system uses subtle braking impulses and beeps to alert the driver to potential wandering at speeds above 45 mph, and then corrects the vehicle’s direction. One test model seems to suffer from malfunctions of the LDW systems, which would not activate even in situations where they should have worked.

Wind rush around the outside mirrors is noticeable, as is road noise on most surfaces. Pounding is heard and felt on rougher roads. FX35 models with standard tires are a bit quieter overall. The V8 engine in an FX50 idles pleasantly and emits a sporty growl under throttle. The 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.

Most controls are logically placed and intuitive. Multiple safety system on/off switches are clustered near the driver’s left knee and can get confusing to distinguish, because acronyms are used on each. The voice-activated climate control, navigation, and audio system may not always recognize voice commands. Nissan/Infiniti’s navigation system is fairly easy to use, especially with its new iPod integration. The optional Around View Monitoring System displays four views of the vehicle on the navigation screen. Some testers have found it helpful in close quarters, such as parking lots; others considered the display blurry and hard to decipher. Well-finished interiors exude the feel of understated luxury, with top-notch materials and near-seamless fits. Cabins are filled with leather surfaces and lined with wood and metal trim that impart an upscale, classy feel.

Plush, bolstered front seats are comfortable and supportive. FX50 seats add length for thigh support and more comfort controls. Headroom and legroom are adequate for average-sized occupants, but those with long legs might wish for more rearward seat travel. Rear visibility is severely compromised due to thick C-pillars and a small, slanted rear window.

Rear seating is too narrow for three adults to sit in comfort, and the FX’s narrow door openings hinder entry and exit. The back seats are bolstered and comfortable. Average-sized passengers should have enough headroom, but folks much taller than 5-foot-8 may be cramped for knee space if the front seats are far back.

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, a two-tiered center bin, and a small bin in the rear passenger’s armrest.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Infiniti FX35 w/AWD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 62

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.6 191.3 75.9 66.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
62.0 23.8 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.3 38.5 44.7 34.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A Not tested. 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Doors
Description: The intelligent key may not lock or unlock doors (2009-11)
Steering problems
Description: The steering tilt and telescopic functions may quit working, especially in warm climates, and a campaign was issued to replace the tilt/telescope motor. (2009)
Wipers
Description: The automatic wipers may not work (or may start working unexpectedly) if anything obscures the rain sensor near the rearview mirror (2000)
Electrical problem
Description: The electric door locks or windows may not work and/or the outside cameras may show nothing if water leaks into the vehicle and gets into the body control module behind the left side of the dash. (2009)
Transmission problems
Description: Harsh 3-4 downshift may occur between 30-20 mph, requiring reprogramming the transmission control unit. (2009)
Parking brake
Description: The parking brake light may stay on due to a broken parking light switch. (2009)

Recall History

2009 FX35
Description: A bearing in the upper steering column could fail resulting in extra play or loss of steering.
2011 FX
Description: Weak bolts connecting the engine oil filter and cooler to the engine may break and cause an oil leak, causing the engine to seize.
2014 QX70
Description: The fuel pressure sensor may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak fuel. A fuel leak could result in fire.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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