Sawgrass Infiniti

2012 Infiniti FX50 Review

This 2012 Infiniti FX50 overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 FX50, and includes Infiniti FX50 safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The Infiniti FX50 is an aggressively styled, five-passenger, luxury/sport crossover SUV with the performance chops to match its appearance and driving demeanor. Primary competition for the FX50 includes the BMW X5 and X6, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and the Porsche Cayenne.

Revised front styling and a refreshed instrument cluster accompany the Infiniti FX50 into 2012. Infiniti Personal Assistant is also new, a concierge telematics system accessible through a properly paired cell phone that gives you directions, phone numbers, weather forecasts, and dining suggestions and can help owners make dinner reservations, travel arrangements, and contact emergency services if necessary. Note that Infiniti Personal Assistant does not automatically attempt to notify authorities if you're in a collision, unlike telematics services from other automakers.

Trim Levels and Features

The 2012 Infiniti FX50's standard equipment list is replete with a wide array of high-tech goodies, along with a healthy helping of luxury amenities. Eye-catching 21-inch alloy wheels are standard, and the FX50 features fog lights and a pair of Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights. Quilted leather upholstery covers the eight-way power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, and the FX50 is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, a power rear liftgate, keyless entry and push-button ignition, and a camera system that provides a bird's eye view of the FX and its surroundings. A Bose premium surround sound system with hard drive music storage capability, satellite radio, iPod compatibility, and an auxiliary audio input jack are also standard, and if you still carry music on shiny discs known as CDs, there's a disc changer on board. More likely, FX50 owners will stream music from portable devices using the standard Bluetooth system, which also facilitates hands-free phone calls. A navigation system with real-time traffic and weather reports is also standard on the FX50, as well as power folding heated outside mirrors.

For those who are paranoid of drifting off behind the wheel, an optional Technology Package attempts to keep drowsy drivers in check with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. It'll beep if it senses that the vehicle is drifting out of a lane and even steer itself back between the lines if you don't heed the warning. Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist is also included in the Technology Package, and helps to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, while Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) boosts stopping power if the system senses an imminent danger.

Performance buffs may consider the Sport Package instead, as you can't get both the Technology and Sport packages on your FX. The Sport Package includes continuous damping control at each corner as well as Rear Active Steer to sharpen agility during high speed maneuvers, sport-bolstered seats to hold you in when taking cornering, and swiveling headlamps to better illuminate around curves on a dark, sinuous road.

Under the 2012 Infiniti FX50's Hood

The FX50 churns out 393 horsepower thanks to a 5.0-liter V8, and can accelerate to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. All those ponies are delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode and Downshift Rev Matching that automatically revs the engine when you downshift for smoother and sportier driving experience.