2013 Infiniti JX35

Review

Editor's Rating

B

The JX35 is a three-row premium crossover vehicle aimed at providing the luxury and performance associated with the Infiniti brand in a larger, family-friendly package. As such, Infiniti says the truck was designed with interior flexibility, safety and technology and connectivity features as prime considerations. The JX35 slots between the FX and QX models in Infiniti's crossover lineup.

Outside, the JX35 is distinguished by Infiniti's fluid design language and distinctive cues like unique D-pillars and a sloping roofline The crossover's cabin features high quality materials along with a dashboard and chunky center stack inspired by Infiniti's M mid-size sedan. The instrument panel is highlighted by a new Infiniti Intelligent-View display in the center meter cluster, along with large, easy-to-read Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and a standard seven-inch color vehicle information display

Infiniti says that the JX35's third-row seat is quite accommodating even for adults, and the second row can slide forward as far as 5.5 inches to accommodate particularly vertically gifted third-row occupants. Each row features a split-folding function (60/40 for the second row, 50/50 for the third) to enhance cargo/passenger carrying versatility, while the third row is accessible even with a child seat installed in the second row.

Providing power for the JX35 is a 3.5-liter V6 with 265 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm that pairs with a continuously variable transmission. The crossover comes standard with front-wheel-drive, while all-wheel-drive is available for those desiring extra traction. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for FWD models, while AWD models take a one-mpg hit on the highway.

Standard Luxury Features
The JX35 is fitted as standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustability, a power sunroof, a power rear liftgate, 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels RearView Monitor camera system, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, USB Connection Port for iPod and other compatible devices, XM Satellite Radio and a leather leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Optional Extras
The JX35 can be had with five optional equipment packages.

The Premium Package includes a hard drive navigation system with an eight-inch touch-screen display, Infiniti Voice Recognition, XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast and Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and front and rear sonar sensors and a Bose sound system with 13 speakers and Acoustic Waveguide bass technology. The Premium Package also includes a dual occupant memory system front driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, entry/exit assist for driver's seat and steering wheel, Enhanced Intelligent Key, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, Infiniti Connection with Google Calendar, Maple interior accents and auto-dimming inside mirror with HomeLink Universal Transceiver.

The Deluxe Touring Package adds a Bose Cabin Surround 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and Acoustic Waveguide bass technology, 20-inch split five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade, an advanced climate control system with auto recirculation, a Plasmacluster air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, climate-controlled front seats and heated 2nd row outboard seats.

The Theater Package includes dual seven-inch color monitors, two wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary audio/video input jacks, 120V power outlet and rear headphone jacks with volume control.

Also offered is the Driver Assistance Package with Backup Collision Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning system, Distance Control Assistance, Active Trace Control, Eco Pedal, a heated steering wheel and remote engine start.

Finally, the Technology Package includes all of the features of the Driver Assistance Package, as well as Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems, Blind Spot Intervention system and front Pre-Crash Seatbelts.

Safety Equipment
All Infiniti JX35 models come equipped with dual-stage front air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact air bags with rollover sensors for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows and front seat-mounted side impact air bags. Traction and stability control systems are also fitted as standard as are ABS and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
Rivals to the JX35 in the three-row luxury crossover segment include the stylish Buick Enclave, the polarizing but coddling Lincoln MKT and the powerful, elegant Audi Q7.