2008 Infiniti EX35 Quality Review

July 28, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sport-uselessity
Car and Driver

not much rear-seat headroom or legroom.
Edmunds

not as roomy or practical as a midsize model
ForbesAutos

an engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring
The Auto Channel

TheCarConnection.com notes that despite overall satisfaction with interior comfort and quality, the 2008 Infiniti EX35 is a bit short on room. This impression is confirmed at Car and Driver, which describes this vehicle as "heavier on sport than utility."

AutoWeek says, “It features high-quality materials and superbly comfortable seats,” but most reviews from across the Web noted that the 2008 Infiniti EX35 has a small backseat. “The EX35's greatest interior shortcoming is the size of its backseat,” Cars.com says, “which is especially frustrating, because the lack of space seems unnecessary.” Motor Trend points out that compared to the Acura RDX, “Rear-seat legroom, at 28.5 inches, pales to the 37.7 in the RDX, and the meager 16.8 cubic feet of cargo volume (only 3.3 more than that of a G35) is down by a couple of Miata trunks compared with the Acura's 27.8.”

As far as materials are concerned, Cars.com mentions that "aluminum trim appears sparingly and is effective, as is the black-lacquer bezel on the center console and control panel." These are standard in the base model of the 2008 Infiniti EX35, but Edmunds reports that "the optional maple wood trim is much nicer." This source also comments that "interior materials aren't going to win any awards for quality," but those who are willing to pay extra can have genuine leather upholstery.

Other than that, Edmunds reports "solid ergonomics" all around. AutoWeek “found the interior extremely pleasant. It features high-quality materials and superbly comfortable seats.”

Cars.com appears to disagree with Edmunds on the quality issue: "The interior is appointed like other Infiniti models... with modern, high-quality materials." This source does, however, elaborate on the ergonomic features, which include a manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power lumbar adjustment for the seats. It should be noted, however, that these are not included on the base model.

Conclusion

The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is well-finished inside, but backseat room is small.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:sport-uselessityCar and Drivernot much rear-seat headroom or legroom.Edmundsnot as roomy or practical as a midsize modelForbesAutosan engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiringThe Auto Channel TheCarConnection.com notes that despite overall satisfaction with interior comfort and quality, the 2008 Infiniti EX35 is a bit short on room. This impression is confirmed at Car and Driver, which describes this vehicle as "heavier on sport than utility." AutoWeek says, “It features high-quality materials and superbly comfortable seats,” but most reviews from across the Web noted that the 2008 Infiniti EX35 has a small backseat. “The EX35's greatest interior shortcoming is the size of its backseat,” Cars.com says, “which is especially frustrating, because the lack of space seems unnecessary.” Motor Trend points out that compared to the Acura RDX, “Rear-seat legroom, at 28.5 inches, pales to the 37.7 in the RDX, and the meager 16.8 cubic feet of cargo volume (only 3.3 more than that of a G35) is down by a couple of Miata trunks compared with the Acura's 27.8.” As far as materials are concerned, Cars.com mentions that "aluminum trim appears sparingly and is effective, as is the black-lacquer bezel on the center console and control panel." These are standard in the base model of the 2008 Infiniti EX35, but Edmunds reports that "the optional maple wood trim is much nicer." This source also comments that "interior materials aren't going to win any awards for quality," but those who are willing to pay extra can have genuine leather upholstery. Other than that, Edmunds reports "solid ergonomics" all around. AutoWeek “found the interior extremely pleasant. It features high-quality materials and superbly comfortable seats.” Cars.com appears to disagree with Edmunds on the quality issue: "The interior is appointed like other Infiniti models... with modern, high-quality materials." This source does, however, elaborate on the ergonomic features, which include a manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power lumbar adjustment for the seats. It should be noted, however, that these are not included on the base model. ConclusionThe 2008 Infiniti EX35 is well-finished inside, but backseat room is small.  2008 INFINITI EX35 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "sportiest ute yet" Edmunds: "sleek shape for a crossover" ForbesAutos: "Attractive styling inside and out" The Auto Channel: "seductive design, elegant interior" The 2008 Infiniti EX35 exhibits tasteful, contemporary design ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

It seems that Infiniti is on to something with its way-small crossover. While the Lexus RX 350, Acura RDX, and BMW X3 have all been around for years, each is larger and more "traditional" in their SUV-ness. The EX35 is much more compact and streamlined than any other available SUV or crossover. Following the EX into the market in 2009 will be two new entries, one each from Mercedes-Benz and Audi: the GLK and the Q5. Existing or yet to come, each of these competitors is (or will be) attractive on some plane, but the EX35 will remain the most sedanlike premium crossover out there.

Next Steps:

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See the Infiniti EX35 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Mujtaba #1, Posted: 9/4/2009

    I have bought Infiniti EX35 in June 2008, since then I have not been happy with the car, the brakes starts creaking 5 days after each service, paid for brake pads a couple of times on recommendations of arabian automobiles. Still not closure to this problem, apart from this the outer side-view mirrors creak each time i put the car into reverse, the sun-roof vibrates continuously. With the money spent and the so called reliability of the car potrayed has left me in dismay. I think Infiniti could do a better job. Really dissappointed.

  2. By Mujtaba #2, Posted: 11/24/2009

    Just an update on the previous comment, Infinit has tried three times to fix the brakes, the problem re-appear within 3 days after thier fix. I have given up on this car, Either this a fault in the car or Infiniti technicians in Dubai have no clue on how to fix this problem.

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