Infiniti's EX35 compact luxury crossover returns for 2012 with a starting price of $35,600 (plus $895 freight) for the base rear-wheel-drive model and $37,000 for that model with all-wheel drive.
The premium-level Journey model begins at $37,900 with rear-wheel drive and lists for $39,300 with all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel-drive models have heated front seats.
EPA ratings are 17 mpg city/24 highway with rear-wheel drive and 16/23 with all-wheel drive.
Standard safety features on the EX35 include electronic stability control with traction control, dual-stage/dual-threshold front air bags with seatbelt and occupant-classification sensors, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows of seats, front seat-mounted driver and passenger side-impact air bags, and front-seat active head restraints.
Those include the Infiniti lane-departure-prevention system, intelligent cruise control, distance-control assist and intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning.
The blind-spot warning system is included in the Technology Package ($2,700), which also brings the lane-departure warning and prevention system, intelligent cruise control with distance-control assist, and intelligent brake assist with forward-collision warning.
Also available is the Deluxe Touring Package ($2,200), which adds the 19-inch wheels; P245/45R19 all-season performance tires; adaptive, auto-leveling, high-intensity-discharge xenon headlights; dual-occupant memory system for the driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel; entry/exit assist for the driver's seat and steering wheel; outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature; two-way power driver's seat lumbar support; a coat hanger on the driver's seat head rest; eight-way power passenger's seat; and a power folding second-row seat.
This crossover SUV handles like a sport sedan on stilts, and it also comes loaded with standard equipment.
Most Recent Infiniti FX35 Models
The second-generation Infiniti FX35 first rolled into showrooms in model year 2009, but for those models produced for 2011 or later, please read our Infiniti FX review.
Standard features included 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, a back-up camera, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer and USB port. A bevy of packages were offered, allowing buyers to add options such as the navigation system, an upgraded sound system and adaptive cruise control.
With its sleek looks and sporty performance, the Infiniti FX35 is undoubtedly a jock among its contemporaries.
Past Infiniti FX35 Models
The first-generation Infiniti FX35 was offered from 2003-'08 in one fully loaded trim level. Traction control, stability control and antilock disc brakes were standard.
Additional standard features included power-adjustable front seats, reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, HID headlights and a six-speaker CD stereo.
The navigation system was also available as a stand-alone option, and the FX35's cabin could be upholstered in leather.
