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2009 Infiniti FX Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

Car experts at TheCarConnection.com read reviews from reputable Web sites to compile this conclusive review of the new 2009 Infiniti FX. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also drove the new Infiniti FX to assess which reviews are accurate and dependable, to add detail to them where needed, and to explain the differences in reviews so you can decide if the new 2009 Infiniti FX is the right vehicle for you.

Likes:

  • Trigger-happy V-8
  • Slick-shifting seven-speed automatic
  • Easy to use navigation system
  • Distinctive styling turns a lot of heads

Dislikes:

  • Cartoonish styling can turn some heads
  • Not top-heavy, but heavy nonetheless
  • Abundance of expensive gadgets
  • No lightweight

Buying Tips:


The 2009 Infiniti FX will be more expensive than the outgoing model when it arrives in showrooms this year, but it's worth the price upgrade--this year's model rides more comfortably than the previous-generation FX. The V-6 version has plenty of power for in-town commuters who lack the ego-driven need for a V-8 engine. We lean toward recommending the optional all-wheel-drive system, since the standard rear-drive FX can be a handful in rain and slush.

The 2009 Infiniti FX may seem like a subtle renovation of the existing crossover, but comparing them side by side reveals a more dramatic change. The new FX is even more coupelike--just in time, as luxury brands like BMW are adding their own "crossover coupes."

The FX comes in either V-6 or V-8 form, with a base sticker of about $41,000. That base price will be for the V-6 edition, which keeps its 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 303-horsepower output, and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The $50,000 V-8 version is now powered by a 390-hp 5.0-liter V-8, and both get a new seven-speed automatic transmission standard.

Fuel economy and handling are improved over the previous car, but the 2009 Infiniti FX still has a smaller backseat than you might expect in an expensive crossover vehicle. It's intended for drivers with smaller families, and the sporty styling means it could even substitute for a hot coupe. Even so, handling is still more sport-ute than sportscar, and V-6 versions with rear-wheel drive have noticeably better steering than V-8 cars with all-wheel drive.

There are big-ticket electronic options like adaptive suspension, a great DVD navigation system, lane-departure warnings, and the like. But it's the big, blingy 21-inch wheels that set the top versions apart. That, and the new fender vents that adopt the trend filtering its way through all the car world.

It's neither the roomiest, nor the most comfortable sport-ute on the planet, and that's what Infiniti had in mind. And maybe they're right--BMW's new X6 is a clear take on the 2009 FX, and imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, isn't it?

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Infiniti FX, also consider:

Reason Why:

The new BMW X6 has a similar philosophy to the 2009 Infiniti FX--a coupelike body with crossover capability--but it's far more expensive than the FX, and less distinctive, we think. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is pricey, too, but its creased lines and British heritage stand out in opposition to the Infiniti FX's organically curved body. Volkswagen's Touareg sport-ute seats five and offers a big diesel engine option--and some European cachet--for about the same price as the FX.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Infiniti FX offers a truly distinctive shape and sportscarlike acceleration. If you need to haul plywood or lots of kids, though, look elsewhere.

Car experts at TheCarConnection.com read reviews from reputable Web sites to compile this conclusive review of the new 2009 Infiniti FX. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also drove the new Infiniti FX to assess which reviews are accurate and dependable, to add detail to them where needed, and to explain the differences in reviews so you can decide if the new 2009 Infiniti FX is the right vehicle for you. Likes:Trigger-happy V-8Slick-shifting seven-speed automaticEasy to use navigation systemDistinctive styling turns a lot of headsDislikes:Cartoonish styling can turn some headsNot top-heavy, but heavy nonethelessAbundance of expensive gadgetsNo lightweightBuying Tips: The 2009 Infiniti FX will be more expensive than the outgoing model when it arrives in showrooms this year, but it's worth the price upgrade--this year's model rides more comfortably than the previous-generation FX. The V-6 version has plenty of power for in-town commuters who lack the ego-driven need for a V-8 engine. We lean toward recommending the optional all-wheel-drive system, since the standard rear-drive FX can be a handful in rain and slush. The 2009 Infiniti FX may seem like a subtle renovation of the existing crossover, but comparing them side by side reveals a more dramatic change. The new FX is even more coupelike--just in time, as luxury brands like BMW are adding their own "crossover coupes." The FX comes in either V-6 or V-8 form, with a base sticker of about $41,000. That base price will be for the V-6 edition, which keeps its 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 303-horsepower output, and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The $50,000 V-8 version is now powered by a 390-hp 5.0-liter V-8, and both get a new seven-speed automatic transmission standard. Fuel economy and handling are improved over the previous car, but the 2009 Infiniti FX still has a smaller backseat than you might expect in an expensive crossover vehicle. It's intended for drivers with smaller families, and the sporty styling means it could even substitute for a hot coupe. Even so, handling is still more sport-ute than sportscar, and V-6 versions with rear-wheel drive have noticeably better steering than V-8 cars with all-wheel drive. There are big-ticket electronic options like adaptive suspension, a great DVD navigation system, lane-departure warnings, and the like. But it's the big, blingy 21-inch wheels that set the top versions apart. That, and the new fender vents that adopt the trend filtering its way through all the car world. It's neither the roomiest, nor the most comfortable sport-ute on the planet, and that's what Infiniti had in mind. And maybe they're right--BMW's new X6 is a clear take on the 2009 FX, and imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, isn't it? Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Infiniti FX, also consider:BMW X6Land Rover Range Rover SportVolkswagen TouaregReason Why:The new BMW X6 has a similar philosophy to the 2009 Infiniti FX--a coupelike body with crossover capability--but it's far more expensive than the FX, and less distinctive, we think. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is pricey, too, but its creased lines and British heritage stand out in opposition to the Infiniti FX's organically curved body. Volkswagen's Touareg sport-ute seats five and offers a big diesel engine option--and some European cachet--for about the same price as the FX. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Infiniti FX offers a truly distinctive shape and sportscarlike acceleration. If you need to haul plywood or lots of kids, though, look elsewhere. Car experts at TheCarConnection.com read reviews from reputable Web sites to compile this conclusive review of the new 2009 Infiniti FX. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also drove the new Infiniti FX to assess which reviews are accurate and dependable, to add detail to them where needed, and ...

Other Choices:

The new BMW X6 has a similar philosophy to the 2009 Infiniti FX--a coupelike body with crossover capability--but it's far more expensive than the FX, and less distinctive, we think. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is pricey, too, but its creased lines and British heritage stand out in opposition to the Infiniti FX's organically curved body. Volkswagen's Touareg sport-ute seats five and offers a big diesel engine option--and some European cachet--for about the same price as the FX.

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See the Infiniti FX in Other Years:

2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  Infiniti FX #1, Posted: 12/18/2008

    Infiniti FX

    I work at a Infiniti dealership and compared to the old FX this one takes the cake. At first we really didn't know what to think but after further examination the FX really took it to the next level.

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