2009 called, it wants its FX35 back.

I rented this 2017 Infiniti QX70 AWD for a weekend road trip. National classifies this car as a UFAR (Premium Elite SUV). This crossover shares the class with cars like the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Cadillac XT5, and Lincoln MKX.

This Base AWD example was finished in Hagane Blue over Graphite Leather. National did not tick any option boxes (which was a shame - the Premium Package really would have been nice), for an as-tested price of $48,645.

If you're looking for a more involved driving experience, the Infiniti does offer one, especially compared with similar UFARs available at the rental counter. The 3.7L V6 offers plenty of punch but I found the transmission was slow to downshift (many automotive reviews concur in this assessment). You pay for that power in the fuel economy department, however; I averaged 21 MPG over mostly highway driving. Braking was solid and handling on par with similar offerings from BMW and Audi. Suspension was on the firmer side but on base wheels with high profile tires, inoffensive on potholed roads. I imagine the ride would be rougher side when equipped with larger wheels. Of course, styling is probably irrelevant to most renters but I find the Infiniti to be a very good looking crossover and stands out nicely, and the Xenon headlights were excellent and appreciated. Other standard features of note include a power liftgate, power folding outside mirrors, keyless entry (front two doors only), XM radio (not activated unless you pay for it), and a backup camera.

The interior was well appointed if unremarkable (and felt aged in design). The seats were very comfortable and the leather felt to be of a good quality throughout, especially on the steering wheel. Controls were solid (metal-ringed buttons were a nice touch) and thoughtfully laid out. Infiniti clearly has taken the "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" route with the QX70, as the general layout of this trucklet has not changed in almost 10 years (and mirrors what has appeared in other Infiniti models for the better part of the decade). For example, the information screen in the instrument panel is still the same 1" monochromatic unit that debuted in 2009, and the gauge cluster still uses the last-generation Nissan Maxima buttons and menu functionality. Even the Nissan Altima, which costs about half as much as this, gets a large multicolor screen in the gauge cluster these days. The user interface for the in-car entertainment is the exact same as you'd find in a 2008 Infiniti G37, and that is not a good thing.

What else don't you get? Bluetooth streaming audio (need to tick the $4,300 Premium Package option box for that, but a USB port is available), navigation (same), a self-cancelling turn signal for lane changes, or keyless entry on all 4 doors. Pairing your phone requires going through a clunky setup of voice commands. The back seats were on the cramped side and the severely sloping roof compromises trunk space.

While I did find the Infiniti fun to drive, I probably wouldn't rent one again if other choices were available...and I certainly would not pay an upgrade charge for the privilege.