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2009 Infiniti EX35 Performance Review

April 8, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

handles with aplomb
AutoWeek

handles like a sport sedan...quite entertaining on back roads
Edmunds

sporty handling...strong V6 powertrain
ForbesAutos

doesn't suffer from a lack of performance
Motor Trend



Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Infiniti EX35 is fun to drive and is sportier than most others in its class.

Motor Trend reports that "the EX is inspired by a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V-6, which delivers 297 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque." Edmunds calls the engine "responsive...with more than adequate oomph over the rev range, and competent passing power." A five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive round out the package. Edmunds notes "the "transmission's ability to match revs on downshifts."

Edmunds reports that "premium gasoline is recommended for optimal performance and mileage," but the vehicle will run on regular as well. On the subject of fuel economy, TheCarConnection.com finds minimal difference between the two- and all-wheel-drive versions; both average around 20 mpg. Cars.com says, "At 17/24 mpg with rear-wheel- and 16/23 mpg with all-wheel drive, the EX's mileage is typical of small luxury SUVs but a bit lower than the sport wagon average."

Car and Driver calls the 2009 Infiniti EX35 the "sportiest ute yet," succeeding where the late and unlamented AMC Eagle fails, as a carlike SUV that "looks good and promises to drive even better." The all-wheel-drive option—which costs $1,400 extra—offers "snow mode," which splits the power between the front and rear wheels 50/50, according to ConsumerGuide.

AutoWeek reports that the 2009 EX35 "handles with aplomb, carving freeway ramps nicely for a small SUV while always exhibiting a stable ride." According to Edmunds, the 2009 Infiniti EX35 is "quicker than any of its peers and arguably has the best ride/handling balance of any premium compact crossover as well." Cars.com says, "the EX35 offers spirited handling with excellent dynamics," and "the ride quality is firm but comfortable—more like a sport sedan than an SUV."

Conclusion

The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is designed with drivers in mind; it's pleasant, sporty, and fun.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:handles with aplombAutoWeekhandles like a sport sedan...quite entertaining on back roadsEdmundssporty handling...strong V6 powertrainForbesAutosdoesn't suffer from a lack of performanceMotor Trend Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Infiniti EX35 is fun to drive and is sportier than most others in its class. Motor Trend reports that "the EX is inspired by a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V-6, which delivers 297 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque." Edmunds calls the engine "responsive...with more than adequate oomph over the rev range, and competent passing power." A five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive round out the package. Edmunds notes "the "transmission's ability to match revs on downshifts." Edmunds reports that "premium gasoline is recommended for optimal performance and mileage," but the vehicle will run on regular as well. On the subject of fuel economy, TheCarConnection.com finds minimal difference between the two- and all-wheel-drive versions; both average around 20 mpg. Cars.com says, "At 17/24 mpg with rear-wheel- and 16/23 mpg with all-wheel drive, the EX's mileage is typical of small luxury SUVs but a bit lower than the sport wagon average." Car and Driver calls the 2009 Infiniti EX35 the "sportiest ute yet," succeeding where the late and unlamented AMC Eagle fails, as a carlike SUV that "looks good and promises to drive even better." The all-wheel-drive option—which costs $1,400 extra—offers "snow mode," which splits the power between the front and rear wheels 50/50, according to ConsumerGuide. AutoWeek reports that the 2009 EX35 "handles with aplomb, carving freeway ramps nicely for a small SUV while always exhibiting a stable ride." According to Edmunds, the 2009 Infiniti EX35 is "quicker than any of its peers and arguably has the best ride/handling balance of any premium compact crossover as well." Cars.com says, "the EX35 offers spirited handling with excellent dynamics," and "the ride quality is firm but comfortable—more like a sport sedan than an SUV." ConclusionThe 2009 Infiniti EX35 is designed with drivers in mind; it's pleasant, sporty, and fun. 2009 INFINITI EX35 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Week: "built by a company devoted to style" Car and Driver: "sportiest ute yet" Edmunds: "sleek shape for a crossover" ForbesAutos: "attractive styling inside and out" The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is a well-designed vehicle: tasteful, ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The EX35 is much more compact and streamlined than most other utility vehicles, and it appeals to those who want a taller sport wagon, or to SUV buyers who want something a little lower and nimbler. As with the larger FX35, the EX35’s interior is better than most in its class. The GLK and Q5 are all-new entries in this class for 2009; while the Mercedes GLK offers some measure of off-road ability, the Q5 is geared more for on-road performance. The BMW X3, the original premium compact SUV in this class, retains more ruggedness than the EX and is less exciting to drive than the EX or BMW’s cars. The Acura RDX is one of TheCarConnection.com’s favorite vehicles in this class to drive, though its ride is very firm and its turbocharged engine isn’t to everyone’s liking. The Lexus RX 350 is a larger and more comfortable option, though it’s not nearly as much fun to drive.

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See the Infiniti EX35 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Ed Koke #1, Posted: 10/28/2009

    Our EX35 has snow tire hum coming from the front tires, the dealer said this is caused by the front tires being out of alighment slightly causing the tires to be "feathered"
    supposedly this will go away after being re-alighned after 10-15000 K does this explanation seem reasonable?? or is this smoke & mirrors??
    Ed Koke

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