When the 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD was initially unveiled, you could just hear gasps coming from design studios around the globe as this new three row luxury crossover was clearly earmarked to shake things up. After spending considerable time driving this new offering from Infiniti, it’s clear that it’s mission accomplished for the folks at Infiniti.
Exterior
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD is a true eye-catcher that has a smart combination of sport and luxury that fills a void in this segment. Infiniti clearly focused like a laser on what they were designing and who they were designing the JX35 for in the marketplace. The double-arch front grille headlight shape, double-wave hood, crescent-cut D-pillar, and greenhouse design together deliver that wow factor that some buyers are looking for in the luxury crossover segment. Our test model sported a dynamic and gorgeous liquid platinum paint with stellar polished 20-inch forged split aluminum alloy wheels. Our 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD looked sharp with automatic on/off high discharge (HID) bi functional xenon headlights, front fog lights, power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one tough open and close, power folding and heated outside mirrors, roof rails with cross bars and splash guards. The chrome stripping around the rear side windows is nothing short of amazing styling that one just doesn’t normally get in three row crossovers.
Interior
The cabin of the 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD is so good we really don’t know where to start! Notables include segment-leading overall passenger volume, segment-leading rear cargo volume (3rd row seats folded, 2nd row seats in forward-most slide position), more 2nd and 3rd row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade, access to 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat, Infiniti Connection with Google Calendar, Drive Zone/Speed Alert and Infiniti Personal Assistant, Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection, extensive safety and security technologies, including available world’s first Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system and the high end Bose Cabin Surround 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and a new Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer. Not a bad list of firsts in your first year out of the gate! You can’t help but to just feel better overall when either driving or riding as a passenger in the JX35 AWD as the craftsmanship and smooth ride have a way of calming the nerves during or after a busy day of life. The 8-inch VGA color touch screen display was crystal clear and the rearview angles when in reverse totally made me a better driver. ( I miss those features as I write this review).
Performance
Looks aren’t everything with the flashy 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD, as the power and performance will satisfy the most discerning potential customers. The JX AWD has a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 265 horsepower and a sport tuned CVT. There is a sport option that we used most of the time which adds additional power and torque that changes the overall feel and confidence of this well-balanced luxury crossover. Fuel efficiency was solid coming in at 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg in highway driving. A remote engine start and active traction control are just a few of the features you’ll find on the 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD and you really can’t appreciate the total package until you drive one for yourself.
Overview
Once in awhile, that standout vehicle shows up in a segment and basically changes the rules, and we feel the 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD has the potential to be that game changer in the luxury crossover market. Pricing for our test model came in at $53,415, which is comparable to what’s currently selling well in the marketplace. Some may want to see more power under the hood, but we feel when driving the JX35 that there was plenty of power and even more in sport mode to put a smile on your face. The competition is fierce and continually improving, but that obviously didn’t stop Infiniti from rising up and delivering a top of the line luxury crossover with the 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD.
