Sawgrass Infiniti

For 2012 the Infiniti FX has a new front grille and fascia inspired, we're told, by Infiniti's Essence Concept. There's a new FX35 Limited Edition, built atop the FX35 all-wheel drive (AWD) platform; and new wheel designs, a new color and a slight remixing of option packages sum up the substantive changes for this model year.

Interior
You step up, as with an SUV, to get into the Infiniti FX interior but, once there, driver and passenger are enveloped by a cocoon of luxury fully appropriate to the FX price point, and fully inappropriate to the more conventional entries in the segment. Although not as extreme as the exterior might suggest, the FX interior remains daring within a competitive arena that's generally focused on a balance of design and utility. And, although the seating area is reasonably generous, a driver-centric cockpit and a (relatively) small amount of cargo volume make this a more personal expression of the SUV experience. Beyond its cubic volume is cubic technology, especially when fitted with one or two of the optional packages. The centerpiece of the Premium Package is the Hard Drive Navigation, which also includes Streaming Audio via Bluetooth wireless technology and Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar system. The Deluxe Touring Package includes maple accents and quilted leather-appointed seats. Equip your FX50 with the Sport Package and you'll enjoy sport-style front seats and solid magnesium paddle shifters.

Exterior
With a new grille and front fascia, the 2012 Infiniti FX enjoys a mid-cycle freshening that has stayed true to the design team's original intent. The new look is softer than the previous FX, but you'll not confuse this Infiniti with your cousin's Nissan Rogue. Despite the new face, the general overall proportions remain the same; sheetmetal below the beltline is barely able to contain the wheel-and-tire package (especially when the FX is equipped with 20-inch wheels), while topside the greenhouse looks slightly undersized relative to the SUV's stance. Its overall look may or not play at the neighborhood Walmart, but should be absolutely perfect on Rodeo Drive.

Standard Equipment
Befitting both the category and Infiniti's pack-it-with-value mantra, both the FX35 and the FX50 benefit from a wide array of standard features. On the outside it includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, a power moonroof, power rear liftgate, rear privacy glass and dual exhaust. Inside there's even more, beginning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear-seat heating and cooling vents, leather-appointed seating, 10-way power driver's seat, 8-way power passenger's seat, black lacquer interior trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The FX50 moves the needle a few notches higher, with quilted-leather upholstery, advanced climate control, tonneau cover and entry/exit assist for driver's seat and steering wheel.

Under The Hood
The 2012 Infiniti FX35 is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as in previous models; with 303 horsepower, it's all the FX really needs. Status and speed will lure many to the more expensive 5.0-liter V8, which employs Infiniti's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology to maximize fuel economy and performance. Rated at 390 horsepower, the V8 provides a big increase in power over the V6 without much difference in fuel economy. Both engines are connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission with both manual-shift mode and Adaptive Shift Control.

3.5-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 (RWD), 16/21 (AWD)

5.0-liter V8
390 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20