2013 Infiniti FX37 Rocky Mountain Review By Dan Poler

By Dan Poler
Rocky Mountain Bureau
The Auto Chanel

Infiniti’s FX has been around in its current form since 2009 when it was introduced as the FX35. New for 2013, its model number has grown by two – now the FX37, owing to the use of Infiniti’s newer 3.7-liter engine, which also gains the midsize SUV an additional 22 horsepower.

Not much else has changed in the FX for 2013. Our tester came to us in Limited Edition trim, a package which features all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, xenon headlights, driver seat memory, navigation, and all-around cameras which aid in parking. Curiously, the Limited Edition comes exactly as tested, with no options available.

The Infiniti FX has always represented the “none of the above” choice amongst the generally fairly staid midsize SUV market – certainly Infiniti aims to be sport first and utility second, with its distinctive one-of-a-kind style incorporating a big grille with horizontal slats, a distinctly sculpted hood, curvy rear end, with chrome in abundance everywhere.

Inside we find a beautiful, modern cabin with some of the nicest leather we’ve seen in this price range. Although pretty, it does feel somewhat cramped, particularly the rear seats which had difficulty accepting our test car seat, surprising for an SUV of this size. Up front, Infiniti’s controls are still button-oriented, eschewing the touchscreens and control dials we find on comparable vehicles. It’s hard to say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing – although buttons and switches are well labeled and intuitive to control, some are a long reach for the driver, and overall the system feels somewhat dated in the face of systems offered by the likes of BMW, Volvo, and Cadillac.

For it’s sport-first mentality, it’s unfortunate that the FX37 is, well, decidedly un-sporty when it comes to driving. Power from the 3.7-liter V6 is adequate but not push-you-back-in-your-seat thrilling as the design might suggest. Handling feels somewhat vague, as if the FX37 is a vehicle much larger than it truly is, and road noise from the enormous 265/45R21 tires is ever-present. That said, the ride is firm and the seats comfortable, good for a long-distance cruise, and the 7-speed automatic is responsive and fun when switched into manual mode. We averaged 20 mpg overall, a decent return. One challenge in motoring around town in the FX37 is visibility – it’s a challenging vehicle to operate in tight parking lots, again owing to that feeling of it being larger than it truly is – but an array of cameras and sensors help in this respect.

Ultimately, the Infiniti FX is an SUV looking for just the right buyer – if you’re looking for a strikingly styled vehicle, comfortable for long drives, yet sacrificing some legroom and cargo space, you may well find perfection in the FX37.

Specifications
2013 Infiniti FX37

Base Price: $44,950.00
Price as Tested: $53,700.00
Engine Type: V6 with VVEL
Engine Size: 3.7-liter
Horsepower: 325 @ 7,000 RPM
Torque (lb-ft): 267 @ 5,200 RPM
Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with downshift rev matching
Wheelbase / Length (in): 113.6 / 191.3
Curb Weight: 4,209
Pounds per HP: 
Fuel Capacity (gal): 23.8
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400; P265/45VR21
Brakes: Ventilated disc 
Suspension, front/rear: Double wishbone / Multi-link
Ground clearance (in): 7.4
Drivetrain: Infiniti intelligent all-wheel drive with snow mode
EPA Fuel Economy - MPG
city / highway / observed: 16 / 22 / 20
Towing capacity (lb): 2000
Base Trim Price: $52,750.00
Options and Charges
Delivery: $950.00
Price as tested: $53,700.00