Test Drives, Trends & Events

The 2009 Infiniti FX35 is the epitome of the SPORT in a Sport Utility Vehicle.

I really enjoyed driving the Infinti G37s coupe a few months ago.  It was very sporty and comfortable at the same time, but it does lack some of the usefulness that comes with a larger vehicle.  Thankfully, I was handed the keys to a "platinum graphite" colored 2009 Infiniti FX35. With its potent V6, 7-speed paddle-shifted automatic and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, would it deliver the same thrill as the G coupe? Short answer – yes; longer answer–keep reading.


The FX35 has a unique body style that helps it stand out in a sea of similarity.

Infiniti is calling the 2009 FX35 a luxury SUV with the heart of a sports car, and they are right on the money. The FX35 is powered by a 3.5L V6 that produces 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is just like the one found in the last generation G and Z coupes (before they jumped to 3.7L) and provides lots of excitement when you push down on the "go" pedal. The FX35 is also quite comfortable shuttling around town at lower speeds, thanks to the 7-speed automatic transmission. Once you have a little room in front of the car, you can switch the transmission into manual shift mode and control gear changes via the center-console-mounted shift lever or the larger paddles behind the steering wheel. This 7-speed, when in manual shift mode, also has a nice feature that  matches revs on downshifts. This keeps the ride smooth and fast at the same time, while also impressing your friends when the exhaust opens up and the V6 snorts away.


The interior is comfortable, modern and intelligently laid out…you can't ask for much more than that.

The interior of the 2009 Infiniti FX35 is extremely comfortable, thanks to the optional quilted leather-appointed seats. The seats are heated but more importantly, depending on your climate, they also feature a cooling system! The front seats are power-adjustable eight ways and the lumbar support is power-adjustable two ways on the driver's seat. All the central controls are easily reached from the driver's seat as well as the passenger seat, so if your co-pilot no longer wants to listen to your Hits of the 80s CD they can reach over and choose something from the iPod that is attached, the XM satellite radio channels, the optional 9.3GB hard drive or the normal radio. Whatever you are listening to will sound great, thanks to the 11-speaker (including two subwoofers) Bose sound system.

The base price of a 2009 Infiniti FX35 is $42,350. The one I am driving is fully loaded and quickly drives the price to $53,915. The reason for this huge jump is due to the various packages this particular FX is loaded with. The Deluxe Touring package brings 20" alloy wheels, adaptive headlights and a beautiful Piano black interior trim. This adds $2,650 to your base MSRP. Throw in the Premium package for $2,350 and you get the quilted, climate-controlled front seats, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and a few other nice touches. Let's keep going and add on the navigation system for $2,850, and you get the 9.3GB hard drive to store your music, XM NavTraffic (real -time traffic info), voice recognition for the audio and navigation and, most importantly, Infiniti's Around View monitor. This system allows you to see what is behind you, in front of you, and on the side of you as well. It is VERY useful when parking in tight spaces and will save your good-looking SUV from a few dings in close quarters. Finally, we can check off the Technology Package which adds another $2,900 to your base price (which is now a distant memory for your checkbook). With the tech package, you get some important safety features, such as Lane Departure Warning, pre-crash seat belts, Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning. However, you should be a good enough driver that your EYES act as forward collision warning, if you stop texting or updating your Facebook status, and just drive the car please.


Here I just wanted a photo of the trees, but the FX35 keeps mugging for the camera.

The 2009 Infiniti FX35 is a great car that is a blast to drive, has room for your friends and our groceries, and features loads of great technology, if you are willing to splurge on it. In addition, this car has great standard safety features, including a roof-mounted side-impact airbag system with rollover sensor, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, ABS and much more. If you are looking for a great looking SUV that provides excitement behind the wheel, yet can remain civil if need be, the FX35 is the car for you. If you want even more excitement and have a larger wallet, then you can step up to the 2009 Infiniti FX50 which has a 390-hp V8…more than enough to get you, your buddies and your golf clubs to the course before everyone else.