2008 Infiniti FX

Muscle and Hustle

The chiseled Infiniti FX is the SUV for people who'd rather be driving a sport sedan.

The Infiniti FX is one of the most car-like SUVs available, with a taut suspension, powerful engines and excellent driving dynamics. Its eye-catching styling, lower ride height and aggressive demeanor appeal to buyers who otherwise avoid traditional upscale SUVs because they are too big, boxy and unwieldy.

It provides more room than a sport sedan or wagon, but isn’t as spacious as traditional SUVs. It’s designed for spirited on-road driving and is not intended for major off-road excursions.

Available in either rear- or all-wheel drive, the FX rides on a version of parent company Nissan’s FM (Front Midship) chassis. This places the engine directly behind the front axle to create a nearly ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight ratio. This helps contribute to sporty handling that surpasses traditional truck-based SUVs in terms of maneuverability.

The Infiniti FX comes in two flavors: The FX35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the FX45 gets a 4.5-liter V8. The V6 is strong enough for most buyers, and gets better gas mileage. The only gearbox offered is a smooth-shifting, five-speed automatic that includes both manual-shift capability and a Snow Mode for enhanced traction at low speeds on slippery roads.

The available all-wheel-drive system for the FX35 automatically transfers optimum power to all four wheels according to changing road and driving conditions. The system lacks low-range gearing, which means the FX is not suited for serious rock-crawling — but it can tow up to 3,500 pounds with an optional tow hitch.

The FX45 comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Standard chassis control systems include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution for secure stops. Vehicle Dynamic Control helps prevent accidents by intervening with brake pressure and throttle control when the system detects wheel slippage. Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seats also come standard.

As befits a luxury SUV, the FX is well-equipped, with standard features like a rear-view camera that helps prevent a motorist from inadvertently backing into objects or people and eases parallel parking. When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, a seven-inch color screen in the dashboard displays a video image from a back-bumper-mounted camera.

The Infiniti FX also offers an array of high-tech options. These include an Intelligent Key entry/start system (standard on the FX45) and adaptive, laser-guided cruise control. The cruise control includes a so-called “preview braking” feature that identifies emergency braking situations and pre-pressurizes the brakes, even before the driver depresses the brake pedal.

An available lane-departure warning system looks for highway lane markings and generates an audible signal if it determines the vehicle is crossing them.

Is the Infiniti FX for You?

Buy the FX if	You want a car-based luxury SUV that’s sportier than the competition, both in terms of looks and driving character.
Keep Looking if	You need more cargo space or a third-row seat, or if you plan to do serious off-roading, in which case you may prefer a truck-based SUV.
Who Fits?	Four adult passengers; a fifth can squeeze into the rear seat for short trips; a lower-than-average ride height benefits shorter riders.
Closest Competitors	Audi Q7 BMW X5 Cadillac SRX Lexus RX 350 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Porsche Cayenne Subaru Tribeca Volvo XC90