[Lopez]

Just in time for the start of baseball season, Infiniti is coming out swinging for the center of the luxury crossover market with the new 2013 JX35. Available in front or all-wheel-drive format, the 7-passenger JX35 is filling a noticeable niche in Infiniti’s lineup. It’s sized between the brand’s smaller and sportier FX crossover, and the large luxury-laden QX56 sport-ute. The exterior styling of the JX35 borrows more from the FX, thankfully, since the massive chrome grille and portholes of the QX56 would look pretty strange on on a smaller crossover – I’m not convinced they work on the larger QX56, to be honest.

2013 Infiniti JX35

Infiniti wants the FX35 to make a subtle styling statement, with more emphasis being placed on cabin room and comfort features, versus outlandish looks and fancy packaging. Not that the FX35 is a slouch, its all-aluminum DOHC 3.5-liter V-6 engine offers 265 bhp at 6400 rpm, along with 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. Straight-line performance is smooth and steady, though not what we’d call rapid – at the time of our test drive Infiniti had not released any official 0 to 60 mph times. With more than 4200 lbs. to haul (in the slightly lighter front-wheel-drive model) the JX35 powertrain has its work cut out for it.

2013 Infiniti JX35

On the Road
Infiniti isn’t trying to reinvent the crossover segment, the Japanese luxury brand wants the JX35 to be a volume seller, and the point is driven home when you’re behind the wheel. As we’ve already noted, there is adequate power for most driving situations, the 3.5-liter V-6 is responsive and smooth, and engine noise is minimal. The ride and handling balance is tuned for everyday comfort, the independent strut arrangement up front and multilink arrangement at the rear kept the JX35 nicely controlled. Speed-sensitive steering allows for easy positioning of the JX35 at city speeds, though more feedback at higher speeds would be nice. Then again, in this market segment, Lotus-like handling isn’t a high priority.

2013 Infiniti JX35

 

[Lopez]

The major problem here is that the standard CVT automatic transmission can’t always keep up with what’s going on. In many driving situations, you’ll probably pay little to no attention to the gearbox – it’s there and goes about its business. Infiniti insists the CVT aids fuel economy, and a knob on the center console allows the choice among Normal, Sport, Snow and Eco modes. Sport offers the most promise, since it’s programmed to mimic the shift points and ‘feel’ of a geared 6-speed transmission. Except it feels artificial and gimmicky. Eco mode is a little better, yet any fuel mileage benefits are eventually offset by an accelerator pedal that suddenly feels injected with novocaine. The JX35’s official fuel economy stands at 18-mpg city and 24-mpg highway for front-drive models, and 18/23 for models equipped with all-wheel drive.

2013 Infiniti JX35

Loaded with Features, and a Slick Second Row
Where the JX35 really excels is technology, especially when it comes to keeping you out of sticky situations – or at least free from visits to the repair shop. One of the safety items of particular note is Backup Collision Intervention, which uses a combination of sonar and radar parking sensors to detect approaching vehicles and other obstacles when reversing. One awkward moment occurred when an Infiniti rep asked if we’d used the system. Our quick confirmation that, yes, it had “really saved us” was met with wide-eyed silence. We were actually referring to the Around View rear backup cameras, which made one especially tight U-turn much easier (honest!).

2013 Infiniti JX35

There is also Lane Departure Prevention, to warn you if you’re drifting into another lane, Intelligent Brake Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, and a litany of other safety devices you’ll enjoy having onboard, and probably hope to never actually need. One especially useful feature, at least in terms of everyday usability, is the flexibility and space provided by the second and third row seating. The third row can be accessed from either side of the vehicle, and second-row child seats can remain installed whenever passengers are getting in or out of the back. We tried for ourselves and, while wiggle room is tighter with the child seat installed, the second row still slides forward enough to permit decent access to the rear.

2013 Infiniti JX35

With a starting price of $40,450, the standard front-wheel-drive JX35 is competitively priced compared to rivals like the Acura MDX and Audi Q5. Opting for the all-wheel-drive model raises the sticker to $41,500. Leather seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, heated front seats and moonroof are all fitted as standard. Infiniti offers five major option packages, and the JX35 can be ordered with everything from DVD entertainment systems and Bose surround sound, to the Backup Collision Avoidance system and Infiniti Connection, including Google Calendar compatibility. While it doesn’t stand out in terms of driving dynamics or horsepower ratings, the JX35’s impressive list of safety options, and family-friendly seating arrangement, make it a solid new player in the luxury crossover market.