2013 Infiniti FX 37 Chicagoland Review By Larry Nutson

2013 Infiniti FX37
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2013 Infiniti FX37
A Performance Luxury Crossover
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
The Infiniti FX has been around since 2003. It’s a mid-size
luxury crossover SUV that was freshened in 2012. It’s sporty.
It’s fast. It’s luxurious.
The big news for the FX for 2013 is in the engine compartment where
the previous FX35 with a 3.5-liter V6 is now renamed the FX37 with a 325HP
3.7-liter V6. It’s available in three models: FX37 RWD, FX37 AWD and
FX Limited Edition. There’s also a top-of-the-line FX50 AWD with
standard 390HP 5.0-liter V8. Both engines are paired with a standard
7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and
available solid magnesium paddle shifters.
Yes, the FX is indeed luxurious and that has a price.
The rear-drive FX37 has an MSRP of $44,850 and the top-line AWD FX50 starts
at $61,400.
I spent a week with the an FX37 AWD ($45,750) equipped with the
optional Technology Package, a Deluxe Touring Package, and a Premium
Package. All of which ran the total price up to $57,250 including
destination charges. I liked a lot of things about the FX37 but I’m
not sure under what circumstances and needs it would fit in to my
household. I suppose if I were hauling youngsters to school and athletic or
creative activities the FX37 would make sense. Or, if I often went on
weekend escapes north to Wisconsin or over to the western Michigan
lakefront then the FX37 would make for a comfortable, reliable, and
confident ride. With 325 horses at your command it’s quick and does a
fine job of highway merging and overtaking, although not without the
obvious hit in fuel consumption. EPA ratings for the V6 with AWD are 18
combined mpg, with 16 city mpg and 22 highway mpg. By the way, both
engines require premium fuel. And, a somewhat large 23.8 gallon fuel tank
does help to minimize fueling stops.

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The FX feature I loved the most is the Around View
Monitor. With small cameras in the front, rear, and in the outside mirrors
a complete picture of your surroundings is displayed on the 8-inch touch
screen that is also used for the Navigation system. Rear view cameras are
wonderful to have in an SUV or van when maneuvering these larger vehicles
in crowded cities or parking garages. To have a full view of what is
around the FX37 really helps to provide a high level of confidence when
maneuvering and helps prevent minor fender benders or close-calls with a
nearby pedestrian. While on this subject, I liked the Nav system with its
rotary knob to change the zoom feature on the map…quick changes
without a long pause for the system to respond.

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I didn’t like two things about the outside power
mirrors. One, the switch to adjust them is mounted low on the instrument
panel requiring movement out of the normal driving position to adjust the
mirrors. I prefer a door-mounted switch so you remain in your driving
position when adjusting the mirrors. (I did drive a Nissan Altima just
after the FX37 and that has a door-mounted switch…so maybe with the
net-gen FX we’ll see this.) Also, I didn’t like that the
power-fold feature for the outside mirrors only functions with the ignition
on or in the accessory mode. This requires you to remember to fold-in the
mirrors…often a wise choice on crowded Chicago streets…before
you shut off the engine.

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All-in-all, the interior is very plush and luxurious.
The seats are supportive and comfortable and also climate-controlled as a
part of the Deluxe Touring Package. The Bose 11-speaker audio system
punches out the sounds and having two tactile knobs for volume and tuning
were a plus. A power liftgate gives access to the 24.8cuft of cargo space
that expands to 62cuft with the rear seats folded. A Tonneau cover over the
rear cargo area is part of the Deluxe Touring Package.
There is power everything and safety equipment galore. I liked the
automatic front seat belt pretensioners that snugs the seatbelt across your
shoulder and then slightly relaxes it. I demonstrated the Intelligent Brake
Assist for my wife although it made her a little nervous. With the system
engaged, the brakes are automatically applied if you are closing-in on
vehicle in front, eventually bringing the FX37 to a stop.
So, acceleration is brisk, stopping is great and that leaves
handling which is very car-like albeit a bit harsher. Ride is firm and
steering is direct and responsive with a feel that I found
comfortable…not too heavy nor too light.
With seating for five, a decent (some competitors have
more) amount of cargo space, roof rails for rooftop carrying, and towing
ability for small trailers the FX offers versatility. It’s very
stylish for going out on the town and with all-wheel drive will handle
compromised road surfaces. Although I appreciate the high seating position
with the benefit of improved visibility, I don’t love climbing up
into a vehicle. Actually, I would prefer a station wagon, but I will agree
that I’m in the minority as evidenced by what we have on the market
today.
© Larry Nutson