2012 INFINITI FX Review: Specs, Photos & Customer Review

According to its performance, safety, interior, and ride quality, the 2012 INFINITI FX will be reviewed in this article.

It could be argued that the Infiniti FX, which debuted its svelte front end and raked roofline in 2003, started the coupe-styled SUV trend. The FX crossover is still big on sporty looks but small on utility even in its second generation. Although the SUV’s wavy, brashly sculpted sheet metal reduces backseat space and cargo volume, it still has a nice balance of power, style, and practical features.

A seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and automatic downshift rev-matching is standard equipment on the FX35, which is powered by a 3.5-liter 303-hp V-6. A model with all-wheel drive is available that has the ability to recognize traction loss and respond appropriately. Push-button ignition, leather interior, automatic on/off headlights, Intelligent Key entry, an in-dash CD player, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with MP3 playback capability are all included as standard features. As options, the Infiniti Around View Monitor, heated and cooled front seats, Bluetooth streaming audio, heated and cooled leather interior, and navigation are all available.

What’s New

The Infiniti FX from 2012 hasn’t changed all that much. It gains an updated gauge illumination system, a new front grille and fascia, and revised standard features. Additionally, the all-wheel-drive FX35 has a new Limited Edition trim level.

Vehicle Overview

Performance

Engine Name	V6, 3.5 Liter
Trim	Base RWD
Horsepower	303@6,800
Torque	262@4,800
Number Of Cylinders	6

Interior Dimensions

Front Headroom	39.3 in
Rear Headroom	38.5 in
Front Legroom	44.7 in
Rear Legroom	34.6 in
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in

For those who value technology, style, and performance over cargo capacity, trailblazing, and a comfortable ride, the 2012 Infiniti FX sport-luxury SUV is made. Few crossovers or SUVs can match the performance of the FX, which is built on the same architecture as the Infiniti G37 sport sedan.

The FX always feels prepared to take on a winding road thanks to its lively, responsive chassis and choice of either a potent V6 or top-notch V8 engine. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system improves on-road and weather capability but is not designed for genuine off-road use. Only the V6-powered FX comes with rear-wheel drive.

The Infiniti FX is a true luxury crossover thanks to its impressive premium standard features and top-notch materials. The luxurious and contemporary interior is furnished with all the high-tech and opulent extras that are typical of cars in this price range. A clever top-view camera, adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist, and a lane-departure warning and prevention system are notable extras.

Unfortunately, despite its high level of technological prowess, the Infiniti FX has some flaws. Both the luggage compartment and the space in the back seats are noticeably smaller than those of its rivals; larger passengers may feel a little crowded. The ride comfort suffers as a result of the FX’s impressive handling. Some people might find the taut suspension a little bit too harsh, especially with the optional larger wheels. This FX feature is satisfactorily addressed by an optional two-mode adaptive suspension.

The 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 are probably not your best options if utility is a top concern. The Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350, and Lincoln MKX all offer more passenger and cargo space despite not being as sporty. The FX’s closest competitors in terms of performance are the more expensive BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne. All things considered, if you want a lot of sport from your luxury crossover, take a close look at the Infiniti FX lineup.

Performance & Mpg

A 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 303 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque powers the 2012 Infiniti FX35. The 5.0-liter V8 engine that powers the FX50 cranks out 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. There is only one transmission available, a seven-speed automatic with manual shift control. The FX35 comes standard with rear-wheel drive; an all-wheel drive system with a rear bias to maintain the vehicle’s sporty handling characteristics is an option. The FX50 is only available with AWD.

Either model accelerates quickly. In Edmunds testing, the FX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds for the FX35 and 5.5 seconds for the FX50. The EPA estimates that the AWD FX35 will use 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg overall, compared to 16/23/19 mpg for rear-drive models. According to estimates, the FX50 gets 14/20/16 mpg.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, traction control, and stability control are all included as standard safety features for the 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist, and a lane-departure warning and prevention system. The latter analyzes approaching speeds to an obstacle in front using the laser range finder from the adaptive cruise control. The system can automatically apply the brakes up to 0.5g if a forward collision is about to occur and will sound a warning to alert the driver.

In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Infiniti FX models its highest score of “Good” for frontal-offset impact protection. The FX50 stopped from 60 mph in only 117 feet, which is a very favorable result from Edmunds brake testing.

Driving

The 2012 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 offer comparable driving dynamics and ride quality. The FX exhibits impressive road holding ability and confidence on winding mountain roads, helped by powerful, reliable brakes and a direct, tight steering feel. However, the price is a rougher ride on the highway. Choosing larger wheel sizes only makes things worse by boosting road noise and impact abrasiveness.

The seven-speed automatic transmission of the V6-powered FX35 makes quick, seamless shifts while delivering a steady stream of power. The smooth, matched-rev downshifts that come with manual shifting. For the majority of drivers, this engine will have more than enough power. With an abundance of torque that effortlessly propels this large SUV toward the horizon for those who require more, the FX50 satisfies their needs. While the V8 is generally pleasantly refined, it also offers an additional burst of thrilling power near the redline.

Interior

As opulent an interior as you’ll find in this category is found in the 2012 Infiniti FX. Nearly every surface of the cabin is decorated with soft-touch materials, rich wood trim, and supple leathers. When used consistently, the audio and navigation systems are easy to use and intuitive to operate. When navigating through narrow spaces, the optional 360-degree camera is especially useful because it offers a top-down perspective of the car in relation to its surroundings. For 2012, all models get updated gauge lighting.

With plenty of head- and legroom, the front seats are very comfortable. When compared to other luxury SUVs, the rear seats in this model may be too small for people who are larger. With a capacity of 25 cubic feet, the luggage compartment behind the back seats is about average. The total cargo volume rises to 62 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat, which is still far less than what the majority of rivals offer.

2012 INFINITI FX Models

Three trim levels—FX35, FX Limited Edition, and FX50—are available for the 2012 Infiniti FX sport-luxury crossover SUV. While the V8-powered FX50 is only available with AWD, the V6-powered FX35 can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

For the FX35, standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, power-folding heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, full power accessories, eight-way power front seats, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, an iPod/USB port, an auxiliary audio jack, and satellite radio are all included as standard features as well.

A Premium package is available for the FX35 and comes with aluminum roof rails, driver seat memory, power tilt and telescoping steering, a 360-degree parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a hard-drive navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, a Zagat restaurant guide, a larger touchscreen display, voice-activated controls, increased digital music storage, and Bluetooth streaming audio. The Deluxe Touring package, which comes with 20-inch wheels, quilted leather seating, ventilated front seats, maple wood trim, and a cargo cover, is a prerequisite for the Premium package.

The 2012 FX35 Limited Edition, which is based on the all-wheel-drive FX35, is distinguished by unique paint, 21-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, and some of the features from the Premium package, including the driver seat memory, the navigation system, and the parking camera system. For the Limited Edition, additional option sets are not offered.

The FX50 typically offers all of the aforementioned features in addition to a more sophisticated climate control system with air filtration, quilted leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats.

For the FX35, the Technology package (which calls for the Deluxe Touring package) adds automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamps, forward collision warning, intelligent brake assist, and a lane-departure warning and prevention system. All FX models come with the option of a twin-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

Only the FX50 is offered with a Sport package, which includes solid magnesium paddle shifters, active rear steering, adaptive two-mode suspension dampers, dark exterior trim, and sport front seats.

Customers Review

Buyers rated it highly “This car has every luxuries and technological feature you could want in a car. It handles like a sport sedan but also has the comfort of an SUV, making driving it a ton of fun. Everything is in a convenient location and the interior is incredibly cozy. Although the exterior design divides opinion, many people appreciate it for its daring appearance. One of the best paint finishes in the business, and the chrome grill and door handles look great with it. I would definitely recommend getting the smaller 18″ wheels. The 19″+ or 21″ wheels on The FX50S appears fantastic from the outside, but after a few months of driving, you might not like it because of the rough ride. The 18″ wheels provide superior comfort and sportiness at the same time. Because of the smoother ride and the bad roads in the Midwest where I live, I do not experience any discomfort at all while using the smaller wheels. There isn’t much cargo space, so if you have kids or need to carry a lot of stuff around every day, you might want to think about getting a bigger, less sportier SUV. However, if you are a couple, you will likely find plenty of room in the back, especially with the reclining seats, just like I did. If you go camping frequently, you will also enjoy the hatch tent option. Compared to a BMW X3 or X5, I found this vehicle to be much more luxurious and enjoyable to drive. It’s much more appealing to most people, including myself, than the Audi Q5. Interior luxury is at least as good as that of the Mercedes M/GLK Class, and it is sportier than those cars. The Cayenne S is the only vehicle I’ve driven that compares favorably, but keep in mind that it is larger and more expensive than the FX35/50 when similar options are added. Furthermore, the majority of people concur that Infiniti has greater reliability than Audi, Porsche, or BMW. Despite the costs, visiting the mechanic will take time. Overall, if you can look past the divisive exterior design, you’ll adore the high-quality interior and sporty handling of this car. Check out the Lexus or Mercedes if you don’t drive sportily and prefer a smoother ride and more cargo room.”

Top Alternatives

2012 Chevrolet Equinox – High Quality of the interior materials

2012 Ford Expedition – Comfort of the 3rd row seats

2012 Chevrolet Suburban – Amount of trunk/hatch space

Summary: 2012 INFINITI FX

A midsize SUV with room for five passengers was the Infiniti FX35. Due to its coupe-like styling, sporty chassis that was derived from the G35 sports car, and potent V6 engine, the FX35 quickly became a well-liked option in the class. As one of the first automakers to usher in the new era of SUVs with coupe-like styling, Infiniti was able to do so with the help of the FX35. When the FX35 was last offered for purchase, it had a 3.5-liter V6 engine and was offered in two trim levels.