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

Infiniti EX - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Infiniti EX ranks 2 out of 7 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Infiniti EX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Infiniti EX's hi-tech interior, sporty handling and extremely powerful engine set it apart in its class. However, downsides including a lack of useful cargo space might make it difficult to use as a family hauler.

 

The EX35's base price is typical for its class, while its fuel economy is a little above average. It has plenty of worthy competitors in the luxury compact SUV class, including the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2. While the Land Rover beats the Infiniti for ruggedness, the BMW and Acura rival its sporty ride. However, the EX35 has them all beat with the only rear-wheel-drive configuration in the segment, which gives it especially sporty performance. Its hi-tech interior is also an advantage. The EX's arsenal of hi-tech safety equipment, including a lane departure warning system, is one of its most unique attributes. In fact, the EX's Journey trim was one of CNET's nominees for 2008 Tech Car of the Year.

Edmunds calls the EX35 "one of the sportiest entries in the growing compact luxury SUV segment, with an attractive price to boot," but adds, "Its appeal is tempered by a lack of space in the backseat and cargo area." These weaknesses undermine the EX's pedigree as a family-friendly vehicle. For better utility and a larger back seat, consider the BMW X3. It costs about $6,000 more than the EX, but the extra space could be worth it for those who will transport children and cargo.

For 2010, the EX gains new options, including a USB port and navigation system updates such as real-time traffic and weather information. If you have your heart set on these options, the 2010 EX may be worth it. If not, you can probably negotiate a better price on the 2009 model as dealers scramble to make room on their lots for the 2010s.

The EX35 is unchanged for this year, so this review uses research from both the 2009 and 2010 model years. It is available in base trim or the more upscale Journey. It comes with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

• "Given its standout sheetmetal, athletic chassis, foremost luxury, and clever technologies, the EX should prove a formidable player in its segment, even in light of its shortfalls. Really, how far can you fall when you possess style, speed, and sport?" -- Motor Trend
• "With its smooth, powerful engine and well-appointed cabin, EX35 is a sportier, more luxurious alternative to Acura's RDX. Like G37's comfortable, posh interior, sporty performance, and available AWD but need more cargo utility? This premium-compact SUV has you covered." -- Consumer Guide
• "As far as SUVs are concerned, the EX35 lacks the off-road image of some competitors, but when it comes to recreational SUVs and sport-back 5-door sedans, you'll be hard pressed to find a better luxurious entry-level variant than the EX35." -- Road and Track
• "In summary, Infiniti has a clear winner here: an exceptionally well-sculpted crossover utility/wagon with a very attractive interior, excellent safety engineering, reasonably good mileage, and exceptional road performance. It will not meet the hauling needs of all families. Nor will it fit the pocketbooks of many. But if you can live with hauling less and you can foot the bill, it's worth it." -- Washington Post

EX Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2010 Infiniti EX35's standout feature is its standard rear-wheel-drive configuration, which gives it sporty, carlike handling. It also boasts the most powerful engine in its class. "Acceleration is brisk, the steering is sharp and the brakes are strong," writes The Family Car. "The EX35 remains composed on the rough back roads, and hangs on tenaciously around curves, with almost none of the body roll that is common to regular SUVs." Read More

EX Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

The Infiniti EX35 borrows styling elements from the G35 sedan and coupe, which explains why reviewers love its sleek, muscular styling. An especially unique feature is the EX35's self-healing paint, which heals itself of small scratches. "In person, it's a great-looking machine that's elegant enough to appeal to many women, yet sleek enough to sway male buyers from the BMW X3 or Acura RDX," says Motive Magazine. "Most people will call it an SUV, but it really looks more like a wagon." Read More

EX Interior - 7.5 (Good)

The 2010 Infiniti EX35's cabin shines for its high-quality materials and premium amenities, making it ideal for upscale-minded buyers. However, it may not be very suitable for families; The EX lacks decent second-row room and cargo space. For a more family-friendly option, consider the BMW X3.  Read More

EX Safety - NA

The federal government and insurance industry give the 2010 EX good scores in crash tests. The EX35 stands out for its innovative safety options, including an optional Lane Departure Monitoring System and Around View Monitor.  Read More

EX Reliability - NA

The 2010 EX comes with a basic warranty for the first four years or 60,000 miles.  Read More