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
