My Infiniti JX35 first drive impression....

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da mayor

Member
Location
Long Island, New York
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So just got back home from Infiniti training at Infiniti of Massapequa.... we're having a Preview Night tonight btw (most dealers will have this at one point soon just for the record)....

I got to drive a fully loaded JX35 AWD with Premium/Theatre/Deluxe Touring/Technology....

the new instrument cluster is a great upgrade (a la the Essence concept computerized look).

CVT.... yes everyone has a big debate of why Infiniti went with a CVT including myself.... Remember, this is a crossover built to haul families around, not for the autocross. It very much feels like a smooth FX for the drive with a decent exhaust note to it (even though the exhaust is covered underneath the rear bumper a la the QX56 muffler. I drove it in manual mode and it was fine -- revving up to 5500 rpm and so forth.... I can live with it for a smooth CUV ride. It's not my FX50 or driving an Fx35 for a true shifting feel but I rather a smooth ride when I have kids in the car.

Handling: sitting as a passenger i was very suprised it has a rough feel like the FX35/Fx50 would.... you feel the bumps but it's still comfortable. I first predicted it would've been a limo "lexus" ride but no where close. In the turns you feel the chassis is a low center of gravity.

Interior: It feels like a big M37/M56.... everything is placed well like all Infiniti interiors do. Minimal blind spots... the rear window is huge compared w/ the FX.

Around View Monitor/Back up prevention.... updates across the board, including they show how the tires are turn, and better resolution for all the cameras.

Exterior: When the JX is driving towards you on the road it resembles the M more than anything, the rear is a funky look -- shaped more like a EX35 with a huge rear window...

Overall: to compete against the MDX and Audi Q7 it will do just fine.

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Sweet. My local dealership has an open night in march. Might go and check it out
 
Thanks for the write up, Kenny. I am also surprised to hear they went with a stiffer suspension setup. I would have put my money on Lexus-ish as well.
 
I didn't like the glove box. The opening is huge and it will hit you in the knees if you are a passenger or rest on top of your legs. Everything else is just like other Infinitis.
 
But the ladies can put their big Coach purses in the glovebox. It's all good.
 
Pretty much all brand new cars always feel good; they handle well. Watch around 60k miles, this car will handle like a ford.
 
jdTrader said:
Kenny can you expand more on the computerized cluster that is similar to essence?
Click to expand...

well the cluster I saw is from the JX35 w/ premium pkg/theatre/deluxe touring/technology pkg.... i can't say if the non-tech Jx is different or not... just the center stack where message system in the cluster is a 3D look...

porkandbeans said:
Can you rank it overall on the exciting<-to->boring scale?
Click to expand...

it's a touring crossover... that is how I would explain it. Great vehicle and comfortable for a family with kids in the car. The QX has a more comfortable second row for adults, but the 3rd row JX legroom is very good.

Dracula said:
Pretty much all brand new cars always feel good; they handle well. Watch around 60k miles, this car will handle like a ford.
Click to expand...
the new chassis they've been using on the newer gen nissans and Infiniti's feel more confident... let's just hope it stays that way



rcf8000 said:
I wonder if the ride is less stiff with the 18 inch wheels. Anybody know?
Click to expand...

i'm sure it will be just slightly smoother with the 18's....most client will be opting for the 18" wheels anyways.


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da mayor said:
...

it's a touring crossover... that is how I would explain it. Great vehicle and comfortable for a family with kids in the car. The QX has a more comfortable second row for adults, but the 3rd row JX legroom is very good.
...
Click to expand...

Are you saying the 3rd row is adult-worthy?!? That would be impressive indeed.
 
Don't like the front and not liking the side van look and that c pillar :(((. I really wish I did because I know that is the direction of Infiniti. Hopefully it will grow on me.
 
Thanks for the info!

I am thinking of switching my beloved '03 FX35 for JX AWD. You know, the whole idea is slowly growing on me. I especially like the 20"-wheel option and the fact that the exhaust note is there.

What about the AWD option? Is it full-time, like in Audi's or low-speed option like in our FX's?

Also, did you feel there is enough power coming from that 265HP powerplant?

Thanks again!
 
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I don't really like the look and the cvt transmission. Kenny you did not mention, I seem to remember that it was front wheel biased, , not rear wheel like most Infinitis, which for me would be another downside.
Hopefully there will be a good market for it among the soccer moms.
 
GEE35FX said:
I don't really like the look and the cvt transmission. Kenny you did not mention, I seem to remember that it was front wheel biased, , not rear wheel like most Infinitis, which for me would be another downside.
Hopefully there will be a good market for it among the soccer moms.
Click to expand...

i would think i wouldn't like the CVT tranny as well but if the JX would be my family vehicle, i wouldn't care. It's not meant to be compared with our FX's remember. Yes, front wheel drive based with all wheel drive kicking into the rear wheels whenever need (not full time).

soccer moms are really taking a great response from the JX marketing so far
 
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