Walking around the local auto show last month, I was amused to see companies such as Honda, Acura and BMW building crossover SUVs (truck bodies riding atop car platforms) that trade some utility for style. Certainly, less-knowledgeable pundits will hail vehicles such as the Honda Accord Crosstour, Acura ZDX and BMW 550 GT as groundbreaking. They're not.
The first sport utility that surrendered some utility for style is the Infiniti FX, which debuted in 2003 and underwent some revision last year.
Two models are offered. The XF50 is powered by a 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8. The less expensive, and less powerful, FX35, is powered by a 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. Both models come all-wheel drive, although rear-wheel drive is offered with the V6 model. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Like its new competition, the FX's style is unique and sporty. It also looks like quite large. But it isn't as roomy as its portly exterior would suggest. Instead, the intimate cabin, with its snug seats, acres of leather and wood trim, and generous helping of electronics give the vehicle the feel of a sports sedan. You'll find that cargo-carrying capacity is somewhat limited by the slippery, shapely styling and shallow overall height.
But all of the utility talk will go away once you press the throttle.
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That's when the engine barks and the thrills start. The V8 leaps off the line with the overabundance of power that luxury buyers expect. The transmission sifts frequently, optimizing power and fuel economy. The transmission can be shifted manually, enhancing the FX's fun-to-drive factor. The firm ride is absorbent but constantly patters over bumps. It's not uncomfortable, just noticeable. When the road starts to turn twisty, you'll find little body lean. It's not a sports car, but it's agile, all things considered.
All of this performance comes with a price, and for the FX, it's paid at the pump. The EPA rates the V8 model at 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway. Despite a lot of highway work, the FX50 test vehicle struggled to surpass 14 mpg. Furthermore, the FX requires premium fuel. Gulp.
Compensating is the usual panoply of safety features, not to mention an excellent Bose audio system. My favorite feature: the around-view camera, which gives an overhead view of the FX as it backs up. The view can be changed to show the right front fender -- very handy.
My least favorite, although well intentioned, is the signal that beeps when you cross a line. Mercifully, it can be shut off, but it resets every time you start the car.
All of this technological wizardry is set in a cabin that feels modern but confining thanks to narrow front footwells and small windows. The rear view is negligible, so that rear-view camera is essential for backing up.
Like all great sporting machines, there's a bit of suffering involved with owning the FX.
The trade-off is an SUV that's more sport than utility. For some drivers, perhaps those whose spouses pine for an SUV, it makes the sacrifice of driving one over a sports sedan easier to take.
Obviously, Infiniti is onto something - other automakers are treading down the same path. As the old song lyric goes, the original is still the greatest.
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INFINITI FX50
What we say: Puts the port in sport utility
Pro: Goes fast, handles well
Con: Thirsty
Stats:
Engine: 5-liter DOHC V8
Wheelbase: 113.6 inches
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Length: 191.3 inches
Weight: 4,575 pounds
Cargo space: 24.8-62 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
EPA rating (city/highway): 14/20 mpg
Fuel economy: 14.5 mpg
Fuel type: Premium unleaded
Base price: $58,400
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As tested: $65,625
