2010 Infiniti FX

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

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Infiniti FX is one of the sportier SUVs out there, and its powerful engines don't disappoint. However, that sporty handling takes a toll on ride comfort, so if you're using it as a daily driver you may want to stay away from the FX50's optional Continuous Damping Control.

• "With its powerful V6 and the nearly imperceptible slick-shifting seven-speed automatic, the FX35 should provide more than enough performance for most people interested in this sort of vehicle." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• "The hairpin turns through mountain passes were perfect for defining the FX's sporty nature. And yes, it does drive like a sports sedan. Yet, I wouldn't go as far as to say it drives like a sports car, which is usually a coupe." -- AutoTrader
• "The FX goes like stink and offers sporty handling along with some cargo capacity." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The second-generation FX is altogether more comfortable and seems to handle as well as the old one. I comfortably drove it down a rocky track in the Nevada desert, an adventure that wouldn't have been possible in the previous FX without wearing a mouth guard and a kidney belt." -- New York Times

Acceleration and Power

The FX35 comes with a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the FX50 upgrades to a 390-hp 5.0-liter V8. Both are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Reviewers find both options provide more than enough power, and even say the V8 might be too powerful. For most buyers, the V6 should suffice -- and it will save you more than $10,000 as compared to the pricey V8 model. The EPA has not yet rated the 2010 FX, but the 2009 rear-wheel-drive FX35 should achieve 16/23 mpg city/highway, while the all-wheel-drive model should net 16/21 mpg. The 2009 FX50 is rated at 14/20 mpg. These figures are excellent, with only the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h getting more miles per gallon.

• "Although both engines spin freely and make more horsepower than torque (and run on premium unleaded), the V8 is the smoother of the two and with seven-speed automatics one is never at a loss for propulsion." -- New Car Test Drive
• "FX35's 3.5-liter V6 is spunky from a stop and competent and adequately powerful on the highway." -- Consumer Guide
• "The new rip-roaring Infiniti FX50 is a fine sporty crossover SUV, but with 390 horsepower, it's a bit over the top. For starters, who really needs one of these tall wagons to run 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, as the FX50 does?" -- Car and Driver
• "The FX's smooth, sure-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission is the unheralded star in this thrilling automotive production. An all-new gearbox, the seven-speed's Adaptive Shift Control uses detailed algorithms to initiate the proper shift at the proper moment. This translates into no sudden downshifts at critical points in a corner." -- MSN

Handling and Braking

The redesigned FX features a front independent double-wishbone suspension, rear independent multi-link suspension, and speed-sensitive power steering. The FX50 comes optional with a $3,000 Sport Package that adds Continuous Damping Control with Auto and Sport modes. However, many reviewers find the ride overly harsh in Sport mode, which means those looking for a comfortable commuter may not even need to consider the FX50.

• "FX is very nimble and exhibits excellent handling response with minimal body lean. It finds itself at home on even the curviest of roads. Steering is firm, but direct and responsive. Solid, reactive brakes furnish smooth stops." -- Consumer Guide
• "The [FX50's] ride might be a bit too firm for some, even in the Auto setting instead of the more aggressive Sport." -- Road and Track
• "The FX produces impressive grip by any standard. Diving into turns makes it easy to forget all the practicality that an SUV body style represents. The FX claws at corners, with no squealing tires, just a scrubbing sound that seems to say, 'Bring it on.'" -- MSN