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There's a new member in Infiniti's family, and this time the brand is aiming at a broader audience. The 2013 Infiniti JX crossover is a seven-passenger, all-wheel-drive midsize vehicle that's sure to please high-income families looking for style, luxury and a gazillion gadgets at an affordable price.
The 2013 Infiniti JX starts at just $44,995, which undercuts virtually every other luxury seven-passenger SUV or crossover, including the Acura MDX, the Lexus GX and the Lincoln MKT. In fact, the Buick Enclave has a lower base price only because you can get one in front-wheel-drive configuration. Our tester carried a $58,700 sticker.
There is a compromise, though, and that's sharing a platform and mechanical components with the new-for-2013 Nissan Pathfinder that may seem out of step with Infiniti's brand character.
As big luxury crossovers go, the JX35 delivers the goods because you get a well-finished product with a fair amount of standard kit, a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. No wonder it's already outselling every other product in Infiniti's line-up.
Efficiency and performance
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is the second biggest vehicle in the lineup behind the immense QX, yet it's the least powerful since the base G25 sedan was discontinued. Still, it's no slouch, as its 3.5L V6 develops 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds.
The JX is also the first Infiniti to feature a CVT automatic transmission, or a -- ahem -- sport-tuned CVT, as the brand calls it. This type of gearbox isn't the best option in a vehicle with sporty pretentions, and all other models in Infiniti's portfolio rely on 7-speed automatics, even the hybrid M35h.
On the other hand, the CVT in the 2013 Infiniti JX35 draws little criticism as it's well matched to the engine and provides smooth operation. At 100 km/h on the highway, the V6 spins at just 1,700 rpm. Interestingly enough, when you select the Sport mode and mash the go-pedal, the CVT actually simulates gear upshifts, a trait I also noticed when I drove the redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima. It doesn't make the JX quicker.
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 averaged 11.7L/100km over the course of our test, which is actually pretty good for a 4,400-lb truck with a loaded cargo area (which is very spacious, by the way) for a trip to the cottage.
While the FX crossover is downright sporty and aggressive, the JX boasts a more docile attitude, emphasizing ride comfort. Simply put, the 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't feel as dynamic and frisky as its family members, including the QX. The JX's suspension isn't as stiff and its steering feel isn't as precise. On the other hand, fuel economy is better than in the FX37 and EX37 which, by the way, both get engine upgrades for 2013.
Big schnoz
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is no doubt stylish, with a fluidic shape that includes a wave-like design that flows over the front and rear wheel wells, more apparent in darker paint colours.
However, you may or may not like certain elements like the supersized front grille and curved rear pillars. Overall, yours truly likes the effort put into the 2013 Infiniti JX35's styling, and the family resemblance is undeniable.
Gadget lovers, rejoice!
Our JX tester included just under $14,000 worth of option packages, including a bunch of electronic safety devices, as well as handy comfort and convenience features.
A beautifully crafted interior awaits its seven occupants, with high-quality materials and a well laid-out switchgear. The seats proved comfortable over the long distances travelled aboard the JX, although we did wonder why the door and centre armrests aren't the same height.
One noteworthy novelty is the 2013 Infiniti JX35's new Backup Collision Intervention system which hits the brakes for you if it senses you're about to collide with an object behind you, whether it's moving or not. The system ultimately prevented me from turning around on a cottage trail because I was backing up on six-feet-high bushes. So, I guess it works.
The 360-degree camera system, which uses fish-eye lenses located up front, out back and under the side mirrors, is also useful for perfectly aligning the big 2013 Infiniti JX35 in a parking space. It'll make you look like a pro.
You also get the usual luxury vehicle amenities such as a blind spot monitor, lane-departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a rearview camera, cooled front and heated second-row seats, and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones.
Some gadgets are less enjoyable than others, though. I don't mind power tailgates, but not when it doesn't allow me to open it manually, especially since the JX's is slow to open and close, and includes a somewhat aggravating warning chime.
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The 2013 Infiniti JX starts at just $44,995, which undercuts virtually every other luxury seven-passenger SUV or crossover, including the Acura MDX, the Lexus GX and the Lincoln MKT. In fact, the Buick Enclave has a lower base price only because you can get one in front-wheel-drive configuration. Our tester carried a $58,700 sticker.
There is a compromise, though, and that's sharing a platform and mechanical components with the new-for-2013 Nissan Pathfinder that may seem out of step with Infiniti's brand character.
As big luxury crossovers go, the JX35 delivers the goods because you get a well-finished product with a fair amount of standard kit, a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. No wonder it's already outselling every other product in Infiniti's line-up.
Efficiency and performance
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is the second biggest vehicle in the lineup behind the immense QX, yet it's the least powerful since the base G25 sedan was discontinued. Still, it's no slouch, as its 3.5L V6 develops 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds.
The JX is also the first Infiniti to feature a CVT automatic transmission, or a -- ahem -- sport-tuned CVT, as the brand calls it. This type of gearbox isn't the best option in a vehicle with sporty pretentions, and all other models in Infiniti's portfolio rely on 7-speed automatics, even the hybrid M35h.
On the other hand, the CVT in the 2013 Infiniti JX35 draws little criticism as it's well matched to the engine and provides smooth operation. At 100 km/h on the highway, the V6 spins at just 1,700 rpm. Interestingly enough, when you select the Sport mode and mash the go-pedal, the CVT actually simulates gear upshifts, a trait I also noticed when I drove the redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima. It doesn't make the JX quicker.
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 averaged 11.7L/100km over the course of our test, which is actually pretty good for a 4,400-lb truck with a loaded cargo area (which is very spacious, by the way) for a trip to the cottage.
While the FX crossover is downright sporty and aggressive, the JX boasts a more docile attitude, emphasizing ride comfort. Simply put, the 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't feel as dynamic and frisky as its family members, including the QX. The JX's suspension isn't as stiff and its steering feel isn't as precise. On the other hand, fuel economy is better than in the FX37 and EX37 which, by the way, both get engine upgrades for 2013.
 |
| We averaged 11.7L/100km over the course of the test, not too shabby for this type of vehicle. (Photo: Infiniti) |
Big schnoz
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is no doubt stylish, with a fluidic shape that includes a wave-like design that flows over the front and rear wheel wells, more apparent in darker paint colours.
However, you may or may not like certain elements like the supersized front grille and curved rear pillars. Overall, yours truly likes the effort put into the 2013 Infiniti JX35's styling, and the family resemblance is undeniable.
 |
| The JX35 delivers the goods because you get a well-finished product with a fair amount of standard kit, a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. (Photo: Infiniti) |
Gadget lovers, rejoice!
Our JX tester included just under $14,000 worth of option packages, including a bunch of electronic safety devices, as well as handy comfort and convenience features.
A beautifully crafted interior awaits its seven occupants, with high-quality materials and a well laid-out switchgear. The seats proved comfortable over the long distances travelled aboard the JX, although we did wonder why the door and centre armrests aren't the same height.
One noteworthy novelty is the 2013 Infiniti JX35's new Backup Collision Intervention system which hits the brakes for you if it senses you're about to collide with an object behind you, whether it's moving or not. The system ultimately prevented me from turning around on a cottage trail because I was backing up on six-feet-high bushes. So, I guess it works.
The 360-degree camera system, which uses fish-eye lenses located up front, out back and under the side mirrors, is also useful for perfectly aligning the big 2013 Infiniti JX35 in a parking space. It'll make you look like a pro.
 |
| A beautifully crafted interior awaits its seven occupants, with high-quality materials and a well laid-out switchgear. (Photo: Infiniti) |
You also get the usual luxury vehicle amenities such as a blind spot monitor, lane-departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a rearview camera, cooled front and heated second-row seats, and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones.
Some gadgets are less enjoyable than others, though. I don't mind power tailgates, but not when it doesn't allow me to open it manually, especially since the JX's is slow to open and close, and includes a somewhat aggravating warning chime.