"Edmunds Technology Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 RWD" Edmunds Daily

Edmunds Technology Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 RWD

The Infiniti FX35 isn't for everybody. Compared to more cookie-cutter crossovers, the FX35 -- with its rakish rear pillar and unorthodox exterior styling -- exudes the attitude that it can take you on a ride that other crossovers can't. Why else would Edmunds' staff of normally circumspect scribes have fallen for the FX35's higher-end sibling, the FX50, as evidenced by the many Long-Term Road Test blog posts.

While the FX35 we tech tested doesn't have the full complement of cool tech that our LT FX50 is laden with, it has plenty of bells and whistles to go along with its exterior bling and performance prowess. But all these extras don't come cheap and are packaged so that you can't cherry-pick what you want. Our test vehicle topped out at $46,955 after starting out at $40,950, with the extra $5k consisting of two pricey but extensive options packages.

Audio: The standard Bose Premium Audio System did a decent job of faithfully recreating our test tracks. While it isn't best in class like, say, the ELS Surround system in the Acura RDX, the FX35's 11-speaker setup isn't far behind. It scored above average in all of our sound quality categories and earned particularly high marks in imaging, thanks in part to a center-channel speaker. The system also has good if slightly boomy bass from a pair of subwoofers mounted in the spare-tire well, although their location pulls the soundstage rearward. Portable Media/iPod Integration: A highpoint of the audio experience in the FX35 (and most Nissan and Infiniti vehicles) is the full-featured iPod integration that's part of the $2,350 Premium Package. Tunes on the device can be accessed in one of three ways: using the 8-inch touch screen in the dash, the controller just aft of it and steering-wheel buttons. The only nits we can pick with the system is that you have to pop for the Premium Package option and use a proprietary cable to jack in an iPod (whereas more automakers are making the feature standard and allowing owners to use the USB cable that comes with the device), there's no way to quickly scroll through a long list of menu items and it doesn't pause the music when a call comes in over a Bluetooth-connected phone. A 9.3GB MusicBox hard drive is part of the nav option package, as is a slot in the dash for a Compact Flash card. But it's about time Infiniti ditched the latter and just add a USB port or even just an SD card slot for quick access to digital music files.

Bluetooth: A hands-free phone system is also part of the Premium Package and it works as conveniently as the vehicle's iPod integration. Our phones paired easily and we didn't experience any of the problems we've had in the past in downloading a phone's address book. As with the iPod integration, control is available three ways: on the touch screen, the controller and the steering wheel. The latter is especially convenient when you want to scroll through phone's address book without removing your hands from the wheel. And that's a good thing since the FX35's Voice Recognition feature works only moderately well, which is on par with most such automotive systems.

Navigation: Infiniti's hard-drive navigation system is one of the best among the OEMs, as it well should be as part of the pricey $2,850 Navigation Package option. (It also includes other tech goodies that make the FX35 stand apart from the pack; more on those in a bit.) Besides a Birdview option that can be angled for added perspective, the system has detailed building graphics for some areas to help drivers better get their bearings. The nav system also has helpful features such as 3D lane guidance and XM NavTraffic, as well as more frivolous ones like cartoon-like icons you can assign to different destinations and sounds like a cat, dog or church bells that can signal your arrival at one.

Tech Extras: As with its eccentric exterior styling, there's one exclusive tech amenity that makes the FX35 stand out: Infiniti's innovative Around View Monitor. It produces a virtual 360-degree overhead view around the vehicle by seamlessly displaying the feeds from four exterior cameras on the right side of the in-dash touch screen. The main display can also be switched to show what's in front of the vehicle and on the passenger side as well as the rear. Between these feature and front and rear sonar that detects objects in the vehicle's path (and is also part of the Navigation Package), if you hit something and damage the FX35s' sheet metal you probably deserve to have your insurance premiums raised.

The crossover category is one of the fastest growing in the auto industry, since many drivers still want room to carry stuff and higher ground clearance, but without the social stigma of driving an SUV. As with any sort of bandwagon, plenty of me-too designs have joined the parade of crossovers in recent years. But with its radical styling and innovative technology offering, the Infiniti FX35 isn't one of them.

But then it's not for everybody. And thank goodness for that.

Edmunds Technology Review Ratings (10 is best): 2009 Infiniti FX35

Audio: 6

iPod/MP3 Integration: 8

Bluetooth: 6

Navigation: 7

Tech Extras: 8

Overall Average Score: 7