2010 Infiniti EX

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The EX35 is sporty enough for enthusiasts and comfortable enough for everyday drivers. The automotive press says its V6 power is excellent. Plus, its fuel economy is above average for the class.

• "Driving the...Infiniti EX35 is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, even if you don't normally like sport-utility vehicles. For starters, the EX is quicker than other compact SUVs, even those of the premium variety, and its V6 is smooth, potent and aurally pleasing even at high rpm. In addition, the balance between ride quality and handling is close to ideal." -- Edmunds
• " The EX is a marvel to guide down a curvy road, delivering the most driver-focused experience of the group." -- Truck Trend.
• "Fortunately, despite its deficiencies, the EX doesn't suffer from a lack of performance, which, if you rarely tote around kids, friends, or gobs of gear, will more than make up for any inadequacies." -- Motor Trend
• "Like the larger FX, this new Infiniti offers one of the more sporting experiences one can get in a crossover." -- Motive Magazine
• "Infiniti says the EX35 isn't intended for towing, which again puts it in the company of the wagons, not the SUVs. In this small class, SUVs typically are rated at 1,500 to 3,500 pounds maximum trailer weight. Even the diminutive Volvo V50 wagon is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds." -- Cars.com

Acceleration and Power

The Infiniti EX35 comes with a sporty 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts outs 297 horsepower, making it the most powerful in its class. Only the Volvo XC60's 281 horsepower comes close, and its fuel economy is slightly worse. Gas mileage for the EX, on the other hand, is a little above average for its segment. The EPA hasn't yet rated the 2010 model, but rated the nearly identical 2009 FWD model at 17/24 mpg and the AWD model for 16/23 mpg. Though they offer slightly less power, both the Acura RDX and Audi Q5 both offer better fuel economy.

• "In a straight line, the EX's appeal does not diminish--its 0-to-60 time (6.5 seconds) and quarter mile (14.9 at 94.5 mph) were quicker than those of the Volkswagen Passat 2.0T and the Acura TSX. The EX's biggest upside -- that it's as sporty as a decathlete -- is also its largest downside, magnifying the fact that it conspicuously lacks utility." -- Truck Trend
• "EX35 is strong from a stop and executes passing maneuvers with ease. EX35's automatic transmission is generally smooth with prompt downshifts." -- Consumer Guide
• "The 3.5-liter V-6 runs hard to its 6800-rpm redline, staying smooth all the while. The five-speed automatic (with Sport and Manual modes) shifts as well as an automatic can be expected to." -- BusinessWeek
• "The punchy V6 matches to quick shifts, especially in manual Sport mode. And every shift delivers a sports car worthy exhaust note." -- Motor Week
• "Drivers will be pleased by the EX35's ready power. It is fast from a stop and offers no-worries passing response at highway speeds." -- New Car Test Drive

Handling and Braking

The 2010 Infiniti EX stands out as the only SUV in its segment to offer rear-wheel drive. In fact, nearly every test driver praises the Infiniti's sporty and responsive driving dynamics.

• "The EX is more fun to drive than most SUVs/CUVs, with light, precise steering." -- Truck Trend
• "The ride quality is luxurious and comfortable without being mushy, and the handling attributes are more on the order of a sports sedan than those of a crossover SUV." -- San Francisco Chronicle
• "This may sound a bit piecemeal, but the reality is that the EX's suspension offers perhaps the best compromise between ride comfort and handling capability of any vehicle in the Infiniti lineup. It's noticeably more compliant than the G, yet it will keep up with most sport sedans on a back road." -- Edmunds
• "While the all-wheel-drive EX35 is suited to cold-weather climates, the rear-drive version is the way to go for those who live in places like Southern California. It's lighter (by about 165 lb.), with better throttle response. Also, the steering ratio is slightly quicker than the awd's, so it feels more nimble through corners." -- Road and Track