2003 Infiniti FX45

If 280 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque impress you, that's just the V-6. The 4.5-liter V-8 version has 315 hp and 329 lb.-ft. of torque.

Behind the wheel, other than the lofty driving position, you tend to forget the FX45 is an SUV. Of course, the sport-tuned front struts, rear multi-link suspension setup, (sport tuning is standard on the V-8, optional with the V-6), big vented discs front and rear, electronically-controlled, driver adaptive, 5-speed manu-matic, and meaty P265/50R 20 Goodyear Eagles (yes, we did say 20-inch tires; 18s are standard on the V-6), constitute a sports car specification any manufacturer would be proud to offer. The FX45's somewhat stiff ride, especially at low speeds, was a reminder that its designers intended this vehicle to be driven aggressively. With its smaller wheels and tires the V-6 FX35 rides more softly. The FX45's firmer suspension is a mildly discomforting reminder that this vehicle is intentionally sports-biased. Approach and departure angles are impressive but—we repeat—this is not a serious off-roader. Instead it's an SUV configuration that's been carefully shaped into a sporty sedan.


All the electronics you could want are part of the deal: There's ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist with Preview to make stopping a cinch. Electronic stability and traction control, (Infiniti's name is VDC or Vehicle Dynamic Control) provide a surprising (for a tall vehicle like this) feeling of security when you're hammering the FX45 through your favorite twisties. The VDC applies brakes on individual wheels to help stability at high speeds. It would be interesting to run one back-to-back with a BMW X5. In typical Japanese style, and from memory, the Infiniti's controls feel a tad lighter than its German rival's, but no less competent. Turn-in is quick, but not jerky. Zero to 60 is a nimble 6.3 seconds—as quick as most decent sports models.

When you flatten the rear seat (with handy, easy-to-access levers), the cargo area jumps from 27.5 cu. ft. to 64.5 cu. ft.

Styling is always subjective. This vehicle definitely turned heads when we tested it in Palm Springs. The eye-catching, signature, liquid copper hue didn't hurt either. We rather like the FX45's radically curved roofline, raked windscreen and thin C-pillar. Its silhouette, at present, is unlike anything else on the road. Impressively big 8-spoke, 8-inch wide alloy wheels completely stuff the nicely defined wheelwells, and the visor-ed, canted liftgate is more reminiscent of a hot hatch's than an SUV's.


Inside, real aluminum trim and drilled pedals signal serious sports car better than any shiny veneer would have, and there's a full complement of safety (including side-curtain airbags) features and luxurious creature comfort inclusions like a Premium package Bose 11-speaker, 300-watt audio system. A 9.5-inch LCD screen is standard. The optional, DVD-based nav system uses Infiniti's easy-to-read 3-D Birdview horizontal perspective. Tire pressure monitors are an option as is Intelligent Cruise Control.


While there's room for five adults, thanks to a pair of supportive front buckets and a rear bench that offers a handy fold-down console, the backseat's built-in buckets and that aforementioned fold-down intrusion make the center position a bit uncomfortable for anything more than a short drive. More impressive, when you flatten the rear seat (with handy, easy-to-access levers), the cargo area jumps from 27.5 cu. ft. to 64.5 cu. ft. The roof rack will hold up to 100 pounds.