FAST FACTS:
1.
The JX features the world’s first Backup Collision Intervention system that can
detect objects behind the car and apply full brakes.
2.
Perfect for teen drivers, Infiniti Connection lets owners set speed and
distance limits on the car, notifying you by text, email or a call if any
“rules” have been broken.
3.
A unique 2nd row passenger side seat still allows easy access to the 3rd row,
even with a baby seat installed.
4.
JX models start at $40,450 or $41,550 for AWD and come well-equipped from
$46,350.
Sean
McNamera, project manager for the JX, will tell you even more forcefully,
commenting that until now the Acura MDX has sat as the segment leader by
default, compared to vastly more expensive, truck-based German models like the
BMW X5 and Audi Q7.
A DIFFERENT SORT OF PERFORMANCE:
As
a brand, Infiniti’s tag line is “Inspired Performance”. “The JX isn’t about
0-60 times or hitting one g of cornering force,” explains McNamara, commenting
that conventional buyers for this type of vehicle also usually own a sports
sedan. Instead, the JX gets “Inspired Performance for Seven”, including
everything from luxury, to technology, to safety, to fuel economy.
Starting
under the hood the JX35, as the name suggests, is powered by the brand’s
familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine, making a modest 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.
For a three-row luxury crossover, it’s not overly heavy and so that power is
sufficient, though less than engaging.
A
first for the Infiniti brand is a CVT transmission. Known for delivering high
fuel economy and a smooth drive, such transmissions are also criticized for
numbing the driving sensation. That’s party true here, though the incredible
smoothness of a CVT is perfect for a luxury vehicle in this segment and fuel
economy is rated at best-in-class 18/24 mpg for the front-drive version and
18/23 mpg for the all-wheel drive model. We saw an average of 19 mpg during out
test. The CVT is arguably one of the few compromises made on the JX and is one
that’s both understandable and acceptable.
To
help inject a little more passion into the powertrain, Infiniti has fitted the
JX with its Drive Mode Selector, with a default “Normal ”
mode, as well as Snow, Eco and Sport. Adjusting the throttle sensitivity and
CVT characteristics, it’s noticeably different in each setting though the Sport
mode is a bit of an exaggeration. When combined with the Eco Pedal in the
Driver Assistance Package ($2,200), the throttle pedal will actually push back
to help curb lead-footed driving.
PLENTY OF STYLE:
More
engaging is the car’s design. Even if the JX was a dud, which it most certainly
is not, Infiniti would sell tens of thousands based on looks alone.
There’s
high-grade paint, plenty of chrome and Infiniti’s unique style, with a flare
for the dramatic that none of its Japanese rivals have ever been able, or
willing, to match. Of particular note are the crescent shaped D-pillars, which
Infiniti says is a style element that will trickle down into the rest of the
lineup.
Infiniti
is a brand that prides itself on big wheels and the JX continues that
tradition. Standard are 18-inch rollers with 235/65/18 tires, while the model
we tested was fully loaded with the optional 20-inchers with lower profile
tires – available in the Deluxe Touring Package ($2,550) with a panoramic glass
roof and upgraded audio system or as a stand-alone $1,600 option. The ride
proved whisper quiet and ultra smooth.
In
terms of driving dynamics, taking into account the other six seats in the
crossover, the one behind the wheel is de-prioritized. The trade-off for the
luxury ride is noticeable body roll and pushing in the corners.
Open
any door and the level of luxury will shock anyone who’s shopped this segment
before. Infiniti is immediately a rival for the Audi in this respect, and the
JX will have prospective Q7 buyers wondering why they should pay many thousands
more.
Much
of the cabin is familiar to anyone who’s been in an Infiniti M, with the
uniquely stitched seats and incredibly creamy leather. One notable upgrade is
the new central display screen between the two main gauges, showing the lengthy
list of available tech and safety driver aides with some stylish new graphics.
Maxed out at $49,150, including the Premium Package ($4,950), Technology
Package ($3,100) and Deluxe Touring Package, just listing the content would
fill as much space as this whole article.
SAFETY INNOVATIONS:
Targeted
at parents, and with women likely to be the primary drivers says Infiniti
marketing boss Keith St. Clair, the JX is taking a leadership position on
safety. Along with expected goodies like a Blind Spot Warning system and Lane
Departure Warning, Infiniti also boasts intervention systems that will tug the
car back into its lane (using the brakes on the opposite side of the car).
Introduced on other models, Infiniti is now taking safety a step further with
the world’s first Backup Collision Intervention system. Similar to a
forward-working system on Volvo models, the Infiniti version will detect
objects behind the car and even objects approaching from the sides. Designed to
work at low speeds, like when you’re creeping out of your driveway or a mall
parking space, audible warning beeps as well as visual cues on the back-up
camera will alert the driver to brake. If those warnings are ignored the car
will even push back on the accelerator before applying full brakes to avoid a
collision. Designed more to trigger the driver to brake, the brake pedal must
then be applied to halt the car completely or after one second it will resume
its rearward roll.
Other
tech add-ons straddle the line between safety and convenience, like the
full-speed cruise control, which Infiniti has taken a step further with what it
calls Distance Control Assist. Combined in the Driver Assistance Package with
Intelligent Brake Assist and Forward Collision Warning, rather than alert the
driver that they are approaching another vehicle too closely (common in many
luxury models), this new system will take action, pushing back on the throttle
to let the driver know to ease off, while simultaneously applying the brakes to
slow the car.
Having
the car tell you when to brake and when to apply the throttle, and then doing
almost all of that work for you is initially a bizarre feeling and requires a
level of trust in the technology. It doesn’t take long, however, to realize
that while a bit conservative, it’s an incredibly smart system that works
excellently. Infiniti, after all, prides itself on technology that serves a
purpose and is easy to use. With all of the many features enabled the JX feels,
dare we say it, uncrashable.
As
an added level of security, parents with driving age children will love the
Infiniti Connection service, which allows both a driving zone and maximum speed
to be set. If either of these parameters is surpassed, parents, or in our case
Infiniti PR folks, will receive a text, email or call alerting them to the
situation. Free for the first year, Infiniti Connection includes emergency
services similar to OnStar.
THREE ROWS, NOT TWO AND A HALF:
When
the kiddies are hanging out in the second row, there’s plenty of room, with
Infiniti making spaciousness one of the most important factors of this true
three-row. In terms of overall size, the JX is slightly longer than its main
rival the Acura MDX and a little shorter than the Q7. Still, it boasts more
interior room than either and thanks to a sliding second row bench that can
move forward or back up to 5.5 inches, second row leg room is 3-inches better
than the Acura and 4-inches beyond the Audi. While it’s no Honda Odyssey, third
row room is livable.
With
15.8 cu-ft of cargo space behind the 3rd row (more than what you’ll get in
almost any sedan), that space expands to anywhere from 40.8 cu-ft to 47.3 cu-ft
with the 3rd row seats down, depending on the position of the 2nd row. There’s
even a small storage space under the trunk area, and the cover uses a friction
hinge, meaning you don’t have to hold it up.
Keeping
all rows livable is a tri-zone climate control system, with outboard vents for
the third row. Infiniti has even devised a unique folding and sliding
passenger-side 2nd row seat that allows access to the 3rd row when a baby seat
is in use, offering 14-inches of room, enough space for kids to slip through
easily and even adults should the need arise.
THE VERDICT:
When
Infiniti first announced plans to get into the three-row luxury crossover game,
it was hard not to meet the news with skepticism – especially considering the
brand already sells three high-riding, all-wheel drive machines.
Still,
the JX reaches a segment of the population no other Infiniti product does.
Being a luxury brand, this three-row is priced at $40,450 to start and is
geared towards those with a higher income, particularly an increasing
demographic of couples who are deciding to have families later in life.
With
a solid reason by the company to offer such a product, just looking at and
sitting in the JX is enough to start changing consumers’ minds. The drive is a
bit less inspired than we’ve come to expect from Infiniti, but factor in the
price, luxury, fuel economy, interior space and features and the newest
three-row luxury crossover is instantly the best.
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