4
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.
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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!).
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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.
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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.
![]()
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.
