Hertz - 2012 Infiniti FX35 AWD Ride Report/Review

http://carrentingreviews.com/2012/08/04/2012-infiniti-fx35-awd/

LRAR/LGDR
16/21

PROS:

- Engine, acceleration, handling, brakes
- Rich cabin materials, luxurious interior
- 360 degree Around View Monitor very helpful for tight parking situations


CONS:

- Front grille akin to a puffy squirrel’s mouth full of acorns
- Large B-pillars block sideward visibility
- Tire noise

CONCLUSION: Best sporty SUV rental to date, although it lacks some of the aural goodness of its 3.7L equipped brethren. Will be ameliorated for 2013.

Thanks. Agree with your conclusions. I have one of these right now from DCA :)

Thanks. Agree with your conclusions. I have one of these right now from DCA :)

Nice! Too bad Hertz doesn't carry the FX50. :)

The new one seems to have been improved compared to 2009 when this generation first came out. Power liftgate, USB connectivity, etc.

I still miss the Paddle shifters on the 2009...soooo much fun...

Had one of these from BOS. The upgrade was a comp, since my car the previous week (Sebring Conv) died and had to be towed, forcing me to catch a cab to the HLE and get stuck in a Nissan Altima.

My only issue was the res specified GPS, so they had added a NeverLost and charged me for it, when the vehicle comes with built-in GPS. Sure made me smile seeing the old-style NeverLost (not the touchscreen) next to the touchscreen computer unit in the dash.

Had one of these from BOS. The upgrade was a comp, since my car the previous week (Sebring Conv) died and had to be towed, forcing me to catch a cab to the HLE and get stuck in a Nissan Altima.

My only issue was the res specified GPS, so they had added a NeverLost and charged me for it, when the vehicle comes with built-in GPS. Sure made me smile seeing the old-style NeverLost (not the touchscreen) next to the touchscreen computer unit in the dash.

I hate that they do that. Charge you for an inferior product when something better is CLEARLY available for free.

Got one of these from my local HLE this weekend. While I wouldn't call the interior cavernous, with the seats down, it can haul a reasonable amount of cargo. With the seats up, think 2 average size suitcases.

Would you recommend for long highway trip?

Would you recommend for long highway trip?

Yes, though fuel economy isn't spectacular.

Yes, though fuel economy isn't spectacular.

Well, have a very long road trip coming and unsure about which I wanted to try: MB E-class, GLK-350 or the FX 35. ( They are priced the same.)

It seems that both the glk and the fx have similar mpg.

Any thoughts? :-)

Well, have a very long road trip coming and unsure about which I wanted to try: MB E-class, GLK-350 or the FX 35. ( They are priced the same.)

It seems that both the glk and the fx have similar mpg.

Any thoughts? :-)

Any passenger/cargo considerations?

The FX35 felt roomier than the GLK-350, and the FX35 I had was better optioned. Also, the GLK I had didn't have a USB port (it's entirely possible the '12 GLKs may have a USB port though, you may want to check) and that's a major deal breaker for me.

I'd personally go with the E-class or FX35.

Just myself and one passage: two large luggage and a cooler. While the GLK has a cool exterior, to me, judging from your review and additional research it may not be the best choice for this trip. The FX35 and E350 are on the top of my list. Just could not get too much info on the E350.

Thank you .